The Hindu : Other States / Orissa News : Where are the Anglo-Indians?

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Monday, Sep 10, 2007
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Where are the Anglo-Indians?

Pradip Kumar Das

Majority of them are migrating to other places

Financial limits restricted their activities
Only a few individuals remained

CUTTACK: Not very long ago, there were a sizeable number of Anglo-Indian families in Cuttack city, who had created a niche for them by adapting the local lifestyle and culture. Accepting the Orissa cuisine and picking up the local parlance impeccably, some Anglo-Indians even embarrassed many locals in speaking Oriya language fluently.

Of late, it was observed that the number of Anglo-Indians was dwindling in Cuttack with only a handful of them left to hold the fort, albeit without much hope.

Once a thriving and respectful community, Anglo-Indian are now moving towards the path of oblivion. Migration of young and middle-aged individuals to countries like New Zealand and Australia in search of better avenues, leaving behind their old parents is said to be the main cause of the decline in the numbers.

Since Anglo-Indians are fun-loving, driven more by instinct rather than brain, they move out of their homes and city to look for careers other than teaching, which perhaps is the best thing they are capable of doing, says Tommy Wright, a second generation Anglo-Indian in the city.

Principal of local Stewarts School, F C North’s mother Lorna was a very popular teacher in a city-based school.

Fun-loving

“Basically people in our community prefer to lead an independent life. Moreover, they are not highly qualified and are ready to take up any kind of job at distinct places.

Without any reservations they are moving out in search of a decent livelihood”, says Wright who works as a freelance journalist.

Tracing the history of their settlement in the city, the 52-year old Wright pointed out that the first generation Anglo-Indians in Orissa were mainly the railways and post and telegraph employees who initially preferred to settle either at Jatani in Khurda Road or in Cuttack city.

Subsequently, they settled in other places in the State due to their jobs or marriage, he says.

Several members of these families have gone to other places to earn livelihood.

Known for their fun-loving attitude, these families were always known for their good hospitality and suave mannerisms.

“Drinking, dining and dancing were our favourite pastimes, but due to financial constraints these activities have now taken a backseat”, Wright admits.

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