en most of the western world condemned India for conducting nuclear explosions at Pokharan on 1 Ith May, 1998, people of Indian origin living in England and the United States resolutely defended India. They fully shared the pride of Indians in joining the select group of nuclear powers. They were equally critical of the hypocrisy of nuclear powers in criticising India for something they them- selves did unashamedly. Sanctions against India were imposed by the United States and many European countries and financial assistance was withheld. Non resident Indians came to the rescue of their old country by investing heavily in Resurgent India Bonds. A substantial sum of $ 4.2 billion was raised through these bonds to counter- act the adverse effects of stoppage of foreign aid.
The identification of the non-resi- dent Indians with the country of their origin demonstrates that ethnic loyalties are stronger than national loyalties. It is truly observed that distance lends charm to the view. Many indians who left India decades ago out of frustration caused by their failure to obtain worthwhile em- ployment in the country, settled in England or United States and attained prosperity by their industriousness.
One would expect them to have some grudge against the country which could not recognise their talents and reward their efforts. On the con- trary, they feel all the more concerned with their distant homeland and exhibit their love for it on all possible occasions. They build Temples, Gurudwaras and Mosques in their countries of residence where they go to worship and meet people of theiown community and thus renew the bonds that unite them in a land far away from their original home.
They observe Diwali, Holi and the birth days of the Gurus with even greater enthusiasm than their countrymen back home. They make full use of every conceivable opportunity to revive and reinforce their Indian identity. Wherever there is some concentration of people of Indian origin, Hindi movies rake in handsome financial returns. Indian artists and film personalities organise live shows which at- tract thousands. Lata Mangeshkar, the inimitable singer of Hindi film songs, presented a live show at London's Albert Hall some years ago which was a resounding success.
