There has been a South Asian diaspora in various parts of the world including Mauritius. Among them are Punjabi-speaking Sikhs, Muslims from Pakistan or Bangladesh and Hindus who speak a variety of languages: Tamil, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, etc. Muslims usually speak either Urdu or Bengali. In the African nation of Eswatini, the majority of South Asians speak Hindi.
Some segments of the South Asian diaspora don't fit into any neat language category. Those we simply call, "South Asians" or "Indo-Pakistanis" since we are referring to people from India, Bangladesh or Pakistan. Sometimes Bhutanese and Nepalis are lumped in as well since those countries are also in South Asia.
For decades India has produced highly trained techies for jobs that often don't exist in their country. South Asians with these skills take jobs in other parts of the world. They are welcome in the host country, and they adapt to the local language and culture. Other South Asian families who own grocery stores and restaurants. Some who come from a high-status community, like the Rajputs, have become truck drivers or cab drivers, but they are still earning far more than they would in South Asia.
Though there are special events for South Asians based on their language, they commonly come together as a group, even those who are "generic" South Asians. These gatherings might be cultural or religious. A Hindu might attend a Sikh event, for example, though they don’t adhere to the same religion. It would still be frowned upon to marry across religious lines.
About three-fourths of the South Asians in Mauritius are Hindu. However, they have a higher percentage of Christians than most places where South Asians go for work.
South Asians, be they Christian, Hindu, Muslim or Sikh, need to hear that Jesus Christ came to save sinful mankind. The message that we have offended the one true and living God is not popular; the gospel is offensive. If Christ-followers were willing to befriend South Asians, they could earn a hearing. It would take time and much prayer. Unfortunately, very few believers are willing to reach Hindus, Muslims or Sikhs even in a country like Mauritius where there is freedom of religion.
Pray for the Lord's blessing of the South Asian diaspora and the work of their hands as a testimony of his goodness and power.
Pray for workers, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to go to the South Asians in Mauritius.
Pray for South Asians in Mauritius to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.
Pray for South Asians in Mauritius to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly.
Scripture Prayers for the South Asian, general in Mauritius.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
