Last week The Economist (dated Jun 19, 2008 ; link http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11579339, Europe's Roma: Bottom of the heap,) came out with a detailed heart-wrenching report on pathetic condition of Roma, a nomadic tribe spread over several east European countries. Not only did it sent shivers down my spine, but also compelled me to think how this world, irrespective of race and ideology, treats or mistreats its marginalized communities.
Romas are believed to have migrated from the Indian state of Rajasthan around a thousand year back. Presently they are spread all over the Eastern Europe, with their major presence in Bulgaria, Romania, Czech and Slovak Republic, Italy, Serbia etc. Some of their brethren have even migrated to Western Europe, North and South America. Their Indian connection was known only in the nineteenth century after a thorough research of their language and rituals revealed linkage to Sanskrit language. Why they left India- is still a mystery, and though many theories are floating around, ascertaining the reason is very difficult in want of any written account of this tribe. They have remained nomads for centuries, but recently they have started settling down in certain parts of world. Their exotic looks (relatively dark skin and hair), rituals, language and life style have been the major reason for discrimination and abuse through the ages.
Numbering 10-12 million on this planet, Romas have suffered the worst form of genocide in human history, under all types of governance, that is, monarchy, communism, capitalism and so on. Despite that, they have not been able to garner support for change in their status, from big countries because of their spread and lack of unity. If US and UK can create a separate Israel state for Jews, can they not think on the similar lines for these victims? Even now they live away from the city and villages, in dilapidated houses under most inhuman conditions. A lot has been written about their condition, but not much has changed till date, and hence an honest relook from UN/UNDP is required to tackle this problem. They are stigmatized in their respective countries, often labeled as criminals, and always at the receiving end from the local population and police, alike.
India has long forgotten its earliest 'People of Indian Origin' or PIOs, as they are commonly known. I do not know whether Romas qualify as PIOs or not, and if they do, what advantages can they get. India's record, nonetheless, has been pathetic in saving their better known and proven brethren (in Fiji, Malaysia, Afghanistan etc) and hence not much should be expected even if they are recognized as PIOs. Nevertheless this will help developing a sense of belongingness and tracing the umbilical-cord connection with their country of origin. The Indian government can at least, grant loans or help respective governments in improving the condition of Romas by providing them with basic amenities and proper education. Honor, dignity and prosperity will certainly follow.
In the annals of history, those who fought for the country (ancestors of Romas were the first command of defense against the Ghazni attack) and got slaughtered, did not find anybody to support, when they looked back.
It is ironic, but true.
Is anybody listening?
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