Abstract

Caste, an integral part of India’s history and contemporary society, has traditionally marginalized Dalits, assigning them to the lowest rung of the caste hierarchy and frequently compelling them to engage in low-status work abroad. However, in the present era, Dalits have spread out around the world in search of better living standards and prospects. Although diaspora has been extensively studied by scholars, there has been less focus on the presence and impact of the caste system within the Indian diaspora, which is a crucial aspect of the South Asian diaspora. This study analyzes the personal stories of Thenmozhi Soundararajan and Yashica Dutt, who are both Dalits residing in the United States. They serve as tangible illustrations of the Dalit diaspora in the US. Their narratives offer significant perspectives on the obstacles and achievements encountered by Dalits residing beyond the borders of India. This article investigates the impact of Dalit migration on their perception of caste discrimination, development of Dalit identity, and commitment to advocating for their rights using a narrative inquiry approach. This research emphasizes that the impact of the caste system, which originated in India, now has a global reach. Despite encountering prejudice and discrimination, Dalits residing overseas have gained a greater understanding of these challenges through migration. This has allowed them to establish their cultural identity and actively support their rights even when living in foreign countries.