I saw this on Goan Voice UK (http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/) and thought I'd share it here. Would the Goans brought up in East Africa also fit the bill ? Are Goans, originally from East Africa, a lot different from Goans elsewhere ?
That special tribe of NRIs from East Africa 16 Jul, 2007, 1045 hrs IST, IANS East African NRIs are a special tribe. After settling in the three countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in the 1890s, they have moved to Britain, Canada and the US in large numbers and even to Australia and New Zealand from the late 1960s onwards. But very few moved back to India. Before they go to any of these countries, they identify some of their own tribe and make instant connections on arrival. Even meeting by chance, they greet each other in Swahili with 'Jambo' and 'Habari' and are on the same wavelength as they are all 'Muhindis' - Swahili for Indians. In the West, the East African NRIs are different from other NRIs. The Asian Exodus in 1968 was the first wave of Kenyan Indians to arrive in large numbers in Britain. The Uganda Indians arrived in 1972 after being expelled by the dictator Idi Amin, and this was followed by a steady trickle to the West. They were accused of making their fortunes in East Africa, stashing their savings in Britain but having their hearts in India. By cashing their fixed deposits and their exposure to the British way of life, they established themselves in the West in no time to the amazement of 'Indian' NRIs who arrived many years earlier. More than other NRIs, their identity problem is magnified. When an East African NRI travels to another country, say in Europe or the Far East, he is thought to come from India but he explains at length that he is an Indian from Africa. Now this is confusing until he explains that his forefathers went to East Africa and he lives there. Muhindis are confused in reconciling three powerful influences - their African background, English education and the Indian way of life. They love Africa, its vast landscape, its wildlife, its peoples and the wonderful time they have enjoyed there. They appreciate the advantage of good schooling in the English language and they also treasure the Indian heritage they are proud of. So where are they rooted in Africa, the West or India? ..... For a full read please click on to :- http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/That_special_tribe_of_NRIs_from_East_Africa/articleshow/2206341.cms -- DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England
