THE ROMA AND THEIR IDENTITY
an interview with Dev Bhardwaj, specially for

Mr. Dev Bhardwaj was born on November 20, 1948 at Village Marar, Tehsil Batala, Dist. Gurdaspur (Punjab), India.  He got his primary education at his village and higher education at Chandigarh where he is settled since 1966. He has written several books of short-stories, plays and children books besides translating some world famous classics into Punjabi. He is Director, India Inter-Continental Cultural Association (Regd.), Programme Director, Writers Club International, Editor, Kafla Inter-Continental.

QUESTION: First of all, can You tell us briefly about Yourself – Your background, Your profession, Your goal in life?
ANSWER: My name is Dev Bhardwaj. I am a fiction writer from Punjab (India). I have written several creative books of short-stories, plays and children literature. I am at present doing research on “Similarities in Indo-Roma Folklore”. I worked in various capacities in Punjab Government Education Department and retired at the age of 58 in November 2006.  Being a writer I always wished a peaceful world where there are no conflicts in the name of caste, creed and cultures. We should respect and love all cultures. I try to deliver this message through my writings and also by organizing literary and cultural programmes in India and abroad. Please see my web page at: www.indianwriters.org

QUESTION: Being an Indian, what do You think about the Gypsy ethnicity as a whole, having in mind the fact that it is believed they come from India as well?
ANSWER: There is no conflict of opinions that Roma-Gypsies of Europe migrated from India and that too from north India. We still find hundred- thousands words of north Indian languages in Romani language which they speak. Moreover from their body structures, face cut/colours, behaviors, customs, costumes and living styles you can easily see their nearness to Indians.

QUESTION: Why do You think the whole world persecuted them and continues to be so prejudiced against them?
ANSWER: It was/is racial discrimination that fundamental whites did/doing. The Holocaust they faced is the most violent and shameful action in the history of mankind. Roma-Gypsies all over the world have lived and still living a peaceful life. They never took arms, never turned violent against any oppression. It is because the great Indian theory of AHIMSA (non-violence) went along with them throughout their journey to Europe. From thousands year India delivered the noble thought of VASUDAIV KUTUMBKAM (the whole world is one family). India is cultured since thousands years. Europe or the so called West is yet to learn how to be cultured. I wonder why Christian Europe is still prejudiced against Roma-Gypsies and is trying to destroy their identity, language and culture? They are poor, unorganized and scattered and are not in power or in ruling capacity anywhere in the world. They want to live and let live others.

QUESTION: What do You think they should do to change that?
ANSWER: Now is the time of awakening for them. They should be organized and feel proud to be a Roma or Gypsy and must tell others that they are from the land of values and cultures -  that is India. To beat poverty they must put their children to schools for education and learn the modern technologies of computer-skills. India can help them in this regard if they come forward.

QUESTION: Since the Gypsies do not have their own nation right now, neither strive for having one, do You think it will be possible for them to integrate in the societies they reside in, especially in Europe?
ANSWER: “We don’t have a home to live but the whole world is ours.” This is a fit saying for Roma-Gypsies.  Since they are scattered in many countries and doing work in different locations, hardly any can think of having a common country for them. There is no such demand even from them. Question is not of integration or disintegration, question is -  they should be treated equally, respected equally, given equal opportunities for education, jobs and businesses. Each Government in Europe should create some special funds to help them get rid of poverty.

QUESTION: Do You know some Indians, who claim to have a Gypsy background now?
ANSWER: There are several nomadic tribes in India who live like Gypsies but they are not aware that some people from their clans migrated to Europe.

QUESTION: According to You, should the Gypsies accept the national identities of the nations they are living, or should they seek their own identity?
ANSWER: Gypsies must accept the national identities of the nations they are living but at the same time they must preserve their distinct culture and language.

QUESTION: The gypsies have never in their history led any war for possessions of any kind and thereby can be considered as the most peaceful ethnicity in the world. Do You agree and what do You think about this? Can they be an example for living in peace worldwide?
ANSWER: As already told - they are peaceful because of their Indian background. Great Indian tradition of Vasudhaiv Kutukbkum (the whole world is one family) is running in their blood. They are the best example for peaceful living all over the world.

QUESTION: To what extent is the education important for the gypsies?
ANSWER: Education can play a vital role for their integration and improve their social status. They should follow India for modern education of computer science and other technical education.

QUESTION: Any final words of advice for the gypsies?
ANSWER: Instead of giving any advice to gypsies we the people of world should learn from gypsies how to live peacefully respecting other cultures. I will also say that Gupsies all over the world should re-establish their connection with their great motherland – India and build strong cultural and trade ties with it.

Thank You very much!

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