Diplomatist Magazine DIplomatist September 2018 | Page 82

Cultural Similarity Binds
India-Afghanistan Together
I
ndia and Afghanistan enjoy a symbiotic
relationship from ancient times. This bond
has become even stronger by the presence
of Afghan diaspora who wins the hearts of the
local Indian population with their exquisite
cuisine and a vibrant culture.
Afghan Diaspora in India
India is home to almost a 14,000 strong
Afghan community, which comes from various
tribes and sects. They arrived in India with a
hope for peace and progress, escaping the years
of war back home - fi rstly during the Soviet
invasion of their country and subsequently after
the Taliban dominated Afghanistan, following
years of internal strife.
Despite the displacement from their country,
the Afghan diaspora has been successful in
making living for themselves and assimilating
well into the local culture in India.
The huge popularity of the Afghan cuisine in
India has been made possible by their diaspora
which also provides employment to a large
number of them. The success of the Afghan
82 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 9 • September 2018, Noida
restaurants such as Ilham and Green Leaf in the
heart of New Delhi tells a very optimistic story
about their struggle, perseverance, and triumph
over adversity.
“Ilham,” meaning inspiration in Pashto,
was started by seven women members of the
community; six of them are widows who lost
their husbands to the war in Afghanistan.
The Green Leaf was started by two Afghans
- Mohammad Qasim, 30, and 47-year-old
Yakub Ali, in the impoverished pocket of Saket
in Delhi. It is becoming very popular among
Indians as well as Afghan citizens coming to
Delhi.
The Similarity in Indo-Afghan Culture
The linkages in music, art, architecture,
language, and cuisine of the two nations
continues making their age-old and deep-rooted
bonding very strong and special.
One of the most well-known exponents
of Afghan classical music Ustad Sarahang
was trained in India in the Patiala Gharana.
Meanwhile, Indian music, especially Bollywood