The Birth of Global Bidesia
Global Bidesia was born from a deep, shared longing—to reconnect the descendants of Indians who were taken across oceans under the indenture system, and who, despite the distance and time, never let go of their roots.
The spark came from Dr. Nandlal Singh, an extraordinary entrepreneur whose heart beat for the forgotten chapters of our collective history. His dream was to find and embrace the global Bidesia family—descendants of those who had left India, often by force or deception, to places like Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, South Africa, and beyond. These communities, though oceans away, had preserved their Indian culture with fierce devotion.
Dr. Singh shared this calling with Atul Srivastava and Krishna Bhaskar (KB)—both former presidents of the Bhojpuri and Awadhi Association of North America, and sons of the same soil in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the indenture journey began for so many. Their shared roots, shared values, and shared ache for reconnection created a powerful chemistry. And with it, the search began.
The universe responded.
In Arlington, Texas, the trio met Tara and Shiva Maharaj from Madhuban Dham, proud Trinidadians of Indian descent who felt like long-lost family from the very first moment. And not long after, in a moving twist of fate, a long-lost family from Guyana was reunited at the North Texas Hindu Mandir in Dallas. Stories were exchanged, tears were shed, and suddenly, hundreds of years didn’t feel so far away.
As more kindred souls joined, Mr. Joshua Chowrimootoo, a cultural leader from Guyana, became a guiding light for the newly formed initiative. His wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment helped shape the vision.
And so, Global Bidesia was formed—not just as an organization, but as a movement of the heart. A space to reunite scattered families, celebrate forgotten legacies, and honor the journey of resilience and pride that defines the Bidesia spirit.
Our Mission
Our mission is to foster cultural reconnection and rediscover the shared heritage of people of Indian origin whose ancestors emigrated or were displaced as indentured laborers over the past two centuries. Through education, outreach, and heritage initiatives, we strive to rekindle lost familial and community ties, preserving identity and strengthening bonds across generations and geographies.
Our Purpose
The Organization is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and cultural purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Our Goal
To serve as a central platform for uniting and engaging descendants of Indian indentured laborers and emigrants settled across the Americas.
To preserve, celebrate, and promote the cultural identity of the Bidesia community through the “Five B’s”:
Bhavana (Shared Sentiments)
Bhusha (Customs and Attire)
Bhajan (Music and Devotional Traditions)
Bhojan (Cuisine)
Bhagwan (Spiritual and Religious Heritage)
To encourage and support scholarly research, documentation of oral histories, and the transmission of cultural knowledge across generations.
To foster mutual understanding and collaboration through cross-cultural exchanges among diasporic communities and with institutions and individuals in India.
Our Objective
To plan and host conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and other cultural events that honor and showcase the rich heritage of the Bidesia diaspora.
To establish and maintain a comprehensive digital archive preserving oral histories, historical documents, photographs, and other cultural artifacts related to the Bidesia experience.
To facilitate meaningful engagement and collaboration among scholars, students, youth, and community leaders through networking opportunities, forums, and joint initiatives.
To provide scholarships, mentorship, and educational programs that promote awareness, research, and learning in the field of diasporic and indentured labor studies.
To build partnerships and cooperative relationships with aligned organizations and communities in the Caribbean, Africa, Fiji, Southeast Asia, and other regions with shared histories of indenture and migration.
Our Team
The strength of Global Bidesia leaders lies in their deep emotional connection to both the homeland and the diaspora. They are not only scholars of history but living vessels of memory—passionate storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and bridge-builders who understand the heartache of separation and the beauty of rediscovery. With diverse expertise across community organizing, arts, education, and international relations, they bring both intellect and empathy to the mission. Their strength is in their unity: a shared purpose to honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape a future where every descendant of the Bidesia journey feels seen, heard, and connected.
Dr. Nandlal Singh
Board of director
Joshua Chowritmootoo
Board of director
Krishna Bhaskar
Board of director
Atul Srivastava
Board of director