Dear Professor Dr. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, Nalanda University,
Dear Shri Shyam Parande, Secretary General (ARSP),
Subject: Expression of Regret and Request for a Bilateral Discussion.
I write to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to participate, on 28 March 2026, as Guest of Honor. I was pleased to contribute with a full paper and a PowerPoint presentation, and I remain grateful for the knowledge shared during the conference.
However, I wish to convey, with due respect, my regret regarding the way my presentation during Technical Session 1 (Plenary) concluded. Following the presentation by Dr. Maurits Hassankhan (Suriname), I responded to a question he raised concerning the rediscovery of Girmitiya identity in the Netherlands. In doing so, and considering the thematic overlap with my prepared remarks, I chose to answer his question in further elaborating on a re-examination of Girmitiya identity within the scholarly framework of Girmitiyalogy, a new Interdisciplinary Study.
In my intervention, I emphasised that Girmitiya identity may be approached through three analytical dimensions: first, the historical experience of indentured labourers; second, the itihāsa of their descendants; and third, the dimension of “twice migration.” Within this third dimension, I introduced a distinction between nationality and naturality, noting that while descendants may not possess Indian nationality, they retain an Indian naturality (prakriti). Globally the descendants of the Girmitiya have several nationalities, but not the Indian Nationality . However, all of them are connected or bounded with their original ancestral civilization or cultural capital.
Regrettably, I was unable to further develop these points, as my presentation was brought to a premature close. I respectfully submit that such an interruption limited the opportunity for meaningful academic exchange, which is essential to the spirit of scholarly dialogue and knowledge sharing at conferences.
I trust that my remarks will be received in the constructive spirit in which they are intended. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further in a bilateral conversation at your convenience. I may be reached via WhatsApp at +31 6 24705279.
I wish you continued success in the remainder of the conference.
Warm regards, Dr. Shardhanand H. Singh, Founder Girmitiyalogy and Professor in Transnational Migration Studies, EIMT Zürich, Switzerland. Current Residence Rotterdam.