The High Commission of India in Nairobi has initiated a special oral history podcast series to preserve the shared heritage between India and Kenya. The series, 'The Bharat Connection: Living Memories, Shared History', aims to document the lives and journeys of inspiring figures from the Indian-origin community in Kenya. This project was announced by the High Commission of India in Kenya through a post on X, sharing a message from Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, Adarsh Swaika.
The podcast series will explore the journeys of earlier generations, including what brought them to Kenya, how they established themselves, and their continued connections with India. The conversations will be hosted by Kenneth Ombongi, Professor of History at the University of Nairobi, who has had a longstanding association with India. The first episode features industrialist and philanthropist Manu Chandaria, a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and Kenya's Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear and National Heroes awards.
Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, Adarsh Swaika, emphasized the importance of preserving the community's experiences and memories for future generations. He stated that the Indian-origin community has been an integral part of Kenya's national life, contributing across various sectors such as business, healthcare, education, and philanthropy. Swaika highlighted that recording these memories will help ensure that future generations can understand and appreciate this heritage.
The podcast series aims to bring together a range of voices and experiences, creating an audiovisual record that audiences in Kenya, India, and beyond can access and learn from. Swaika encouraged younger generations to explore their family histories and document their heritage. He invited them to ask their parents and grandparents about their lives, look through old photographs together, and record the names, places, and experiences behind them.
The episodes of 'The Bharat Connection' will be released periodically on the social media platforms of the High Commission of India in Nairobi. Swaika thanked the interviewees, their families, and everyone contributing to the initiative. He invited audiences to watch 'The Bharat Connection', share these conversations, and join in preserving this invaluable part of the shared heritage between India and Kenya.
The Indian-origin community in Kenya has made significant contributions to the country's development. The community has been recognized by both the Indian and Kenyan governments for their achievements. The podcast series serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate these contributions.
The launch of 'The Bharat Connection' podcast series marks a significant step in preserving the shared history and cultural heritage between India and Kenya. The series will provide a unique opportunity for audiences to learn about the experiences and memories of the Indian-origin community in Kenya.
Key points
- The Indian High Commission in Kenya has launched a podcast series to document the shared heritage between India and Kenya.
- The series will explore the journeys of earlier generations of the Indian-origin community in Kenya.
- The podcast aims to create an audiovisual record of the community's experiences and memories for future generations.
