The New Indians

Abstract

This article looks at the processes of identity formation among Indian immigrants in the United States in the decade of the 1970s. Using letters to the editor of the expatriate Indian newspaper India Abroad, the article draws attention to two themes of identity formation. The first theme focuses on Indian immigrants' attempts at forming a pan-Indian identity in the United States that was markedly different from India; this identity excluded ethnic, religious, or caste affiliations. Although this attempt failed, Indian immigrants were successful in formulating a religious pan-Indian identity. The second theme draws attention to discourse among the Indian community regarding becoming a racial/ethnic minority in the United States.