North East Indian Diaspora: Formation of Regional and Ethnic Identity

Abstract

Region is one of the most important elements influencing the state, economy from geo-political perspectives. The North-East Indian diaspora has emerged as a distinct community shaped by the region’s unique historical, cultural, and political realities. Encompassing diverse ethnic groups from states such as Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Sikkim, migration from the region has been driven by educational aspirations, economic opportunities, and socio-political upheavals. In metropolitan Indian cities and global destinations, individuals from the North-East encounter forms of marginalization and racial prejudice, which simultaneously challenge and reinforce their shared sense of identity. This paper investigates how diasporic communities articulate both ethnic roots and an overarching regional identity beyond their homeland. It highlights how cultural practices, languages, festivals, and collective memory serve as tools of belonging, while also adapting to hybrid forms shaped by interaction with host societies. Particular attention is paid to the intersection of ethnicity and region, analyzing how notions of “North-East Indian” identity are reconfigured to respond to stereotypes and to foster solidarity across diverse tribal and linguistic groups. Through this exploration, the study contributes to debates on diaspora, identity politics, and minority assertion in contemporary India.