Indian Diaspora Center Hosts Insightful Talk On India’s Freedom Fight

India-West Staff Reporter

ELMONT, NY — The Indian Diaspora Center at the Dr. Thomas Abraham Library, in collaboration with the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and the Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center, hosted its 2025 Annual Diaspora Lecture and Interactive Session on June 22.

Held at the Kerala Center in Elmont, the event focused on “The Role of America and the Indian Diaspora in the Freedom Movement of India.” Author and speaker Dr. Bhuvan Lall delivered the keynote lecture after  Kerala Center President Alex Esthappan welcomed the attendees,

Lall’s presentation captivated the audience with insights into the pivotal role played by Lala Har Dayal and the Ghadar Movement, which was active in the United States and Europe in the early 20th century. Drawing from declassified intelligence reports and archival records, Lall highlighted Har Dayal’s impact on British colonial rule.

“According to timeworn intelligence reports and archival records,” Lall said, “Hukumat-i-Britannia considered Har Dayal the single biggest threat to the empire as long as he was alive. The origins of Britain’s MI6 are intertwined with his life.”

Quoting Sir David Petrie, Director-General of MI5 and Chief of British Intelligence in India, he added: “No man in recent times has sinned more grievously against the (British) Government… than Har Dayal.”

Lall noted that British authorities described Har Dayal as “the most brilliant person born in India, the most dangerous revolutionary the British Empire had encountered, and the most decent human being one could meet on Planet Earth.” Despite repeated attempts, the British government never succeeded in silencing or arresting him.

Lall also reflected on the legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose and how the Ghadar Party laid the foundation for the formation of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army), emphasizing the crucial contributions of the Indian diaspora to the independence movement.

As a token of appreciation, Lall was presented with two rare First Day Covers issued by the U.S. Postal Service during the First Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York City in 1989, where GOPIO was founded. The covers, featuring Mahatma Gandhi stamps, commemorate both the diaspora and the historic event.

The event drew a diverse audience, including community members, scholars, and prominent figures. GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham chaired the session. Other notable attendees included GOPIO International Coordinator for North America Prof. Raj Vangapaty, GOPIO Council Chair for Seniors Mukund Mehta, and Kerala Center Secretary Raju Thomas. Officials from GOPIO and the Kerala Center also participated in the program, which featured vibrant discussions on the diaspora’s historical role in India’s freedom struggle.