Kerala's Anglo-Indian population up, but loses glamour By Sanu George, Indo-Asian News Service
Thiruvananthapuram, June 29 (IANS) Kerala's Anglo-Indian population has increased over the past decade but that is the only reason to cheer -- gone are the flamboyant parties and stylish dresses the community was known for. Anglo-Indians in the state number 130,000, up from 120,000 ten years ago. They live in cities like Kochi, Thrissur, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kozhikode and Kannur. They have lost not only their glamour but also the many benefits that were available to them, be it government jobs or quotas for professional courses. Today the single point agenda of Ludy Luiz, the nominated member of the Anglo-Indian community in the state assembly, is to see that community members regain the benefits enjoyed by their ancestors. "All around is discrimination against us, be it in job reservations or in admission to professional colleges," Luiz told IANS. "Earlier we used to get independent reservation for professional college admission, but a decade back it changed and we were included along with the Jewish community. In the bargain our chances became remote. "With regard to reservation in government jobs, today we are clubbed with Latin Christians who are a big community," he added. Now the Anglo-Indians have just one seat in the reservation category for the medical college admission and they get this only every alternate year. The Anglo-Indians are poorly represented in university boards across the state. Luiz says one reason for the increase in population is that over the years many community members who were earlier settled in Bangalore have returned to Kochi. "Yes, compared to the earlier years we have cut down hugely on parties. The simple reason is that there isn't enough money to make both ends meet. What we have found out is that 70 percent of us find the going tough and today the situation is such that there are even labour class people with us," said Luiz. Lily Victoria, an Anglo-Indian teacher settled in Kochi, says time is running out for the community. "Our children are now marrying into the Latin community, where the reservation benefit is more. "We are an asset to Kerala because we have always been seen as simple and honest citizens and the government has to act; otherwise slowly we will cease to exist." --Indo-Asian News Service ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
