January 9, 2025

As India celebrates Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9, it's important to shine a spotlight on a remarkable corner of our nation- Coastal Karnataka.

Think about it- when you walk into a hospital in Dubai or a tech company in Silicon Valley, chances are you'll meet someone from Coastal Karnataka. These aren't just random success stories; they are part of a centuries-old tradition. Long before airports and video calls, our ancestors were sailing across oceans, trading spices and sharing cultures with Arabs, Europeans, Americans, Africans and Southeast Asians.

Sailing Through Time

For over a millennium, Coastal Karnataka has been a hub of global commerce and cultural exchange. Historical records from the 9th century AD highlight the region’s prominence in maritime commerce. The Alupa dynasty, which ruled the area from c. 2nd century to c.14th century A.D. cultivated strong trade partnerships with foreign merchants. The architectural heritage of this era lives on in landmarks like the Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple in Polali and Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple in Kadri.

Strategic ports including Mangalore, Bhatkal, and Honnavar became vital links in international spice trade networks. This exchange left an indelible mark on local cuisine, linguistic nuances and architecture such as the Zeenath Baksh Juma Masjid and the Milagres Church, among the oldest in the region. These same waters that carried ancient traders to distant lands later sent a new generation of dreamers. This region also attracted European powers, with the British establishing Mangalore as their South Canara headquarters in 1768, while the French and Dutch maintained trading posts at Honavalli and Basrur respectively.

While other ports along the coast became vital colonial trading hubs, Ullal Port, under the reign of Rani Abbakka proved that commerce need not come at the cost of sovereignty. Despite the Portuguese Empire’s repeated attempts to seize the strategically vital port, her military prowess kept them at bay for over four decades. This balance of being globally connected yet maintaining cultural autonomy remains a defining characteristic of coastal Karnataka’s identity even today.

The 20th century brought new opportunities, as the Middle East oil boom and rising educational standards propelled generations of Coastal Karnataka natives into global careers, from healthcare to technology, continuing their ancestors’ legacy of crossing oceans in pursuit of opportunity.

Transformative Contributions

The deep connection between Coastal Karnataka’s diaspora and their homeland manifests powerfully through their economic contributions. Remittances account for approximately 6% of Karnataka’s GDP with this region standing as one of India’s leading contributor, with Gulf countries alone channelling an estimated $2 billion in 2022. These funds do more than just boost statistics, they are reshaping communities, transforming rural healthcare, funding education, upgrading village infrastructure, and empowering local businesses and turning ancestral villages into vibrant townships.

Coastal Karnataka NRIs are celebrated worldwide for their innovation, resilience, and excellence across industries. In healthcare, the region has earned the moniker “Doctor’s Factory,” with over 25% of Gulf-based Indian medical professionals hailing from Udupi and Mangalore. From pioneering cardiac surgeons to healthcare entrepreneurs, they have shaped institutions like NMC Healthcare in Abu Dhabi and Narayana Health, revolutionizing medical care across continents.

In technology, Silicon Valley is home to numerous Coastal Karnataka natives contributing to giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft.

In the hospitality sector, Mangalorean entrepreneurs have created culinary empires, from luxury restaurant chains in Dubai to innovative food-tech start-ups in Europe and America. Their success goes beyond profit margins - they have become cultural ambassadors, introducing Coastal Karnataka’s rich culinary heritage to global audiences.

Similarly in Academia, professors and researchers from the region are advancing knowledge at prestigious institutions worldwide. The construction and real estate sector has seen remarkable success stories, with entrepreneurs from the region developing landmark projects across the Gulf countries. The media and entertainment industry has also felt their influence, with professionals from the region making marks as journalists, filmmakers, and digital content creators. The banking and financial services sector showcases another dimension of their expertise, with many holding key positions in international banks, investment firms, and regulatory bodies. Philanthropy remains a cornerstone of their success, with many establishing foundations focusing on education, healthcare, and rural development in their homeland.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite their remarkable achievements, Coastal Karnataka’s NRIs face challenges that test their resilience. For many in the Gulf, dependence on the volatile oil economy makes their livelihoods precarious. Blue-collar workers often struggle with insufficient welfare measures, while complex customs regulations, and bureaucratic hurdles hinder meaningful contributions to their homeland.

For those in Western nations, cultural isolation and “diaspora loneliness” are common issues, particularly among second-generation NRIs. Preserving the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Tulu, Konkani, and Beary-speaking communities remains an ongoing struggle.

Addressing these challenges calls for innovative solutions. For Blue-collar workers, diversifying employment opportunities, state-backed insurance schemes and simplified procedures for repatriating deceased NRIs are essential. Creating a centralized NRI database and Decentralizing NRI services and disseminating information at the panchayat level are also necessary. Proactive steps by Karnataka NRI Forum to create awareness and advocate for their interests is needed. Uniting cultural and linguistic organizations under an umbrella NRK Forum can strengthen identity while fostering a sense of belonging.

Karnataka has taken steps with its 2017 NRI Policy, but we could do more. Why not follow Kerala's example and create a dedicated NRI Ministry? Why not facilitate seamless voting rights for NRIs? These aren't just good ideas, they are necessary steps to support those who contribute so much to our progress.

Para diplomacy, while evolving rapidly, must integrate NRI concerns effectively. Events like "Pravasi Kannadigara Dina" can bridge gaps and reinforce cultural and economic connections.
From Tulu dramas in Texas to Yakshagana performances in Yemen, they are ensuring that our rich heritage lives on.

A Vision for the Future

As Coastal Karnataka’s diaspora continues to bridge geographies and generations, they exemplify the philosophy of “thinking globally and acting locally.” Their contributions not only enrich their host nations but also uplift their homeland, creating a legacy of progress and cultural preservation.

As we honour these global citizens on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, let's remember that their success is our success. Their story isn't just about individual achievement - it's about a community that dared to dream big while staying true to its roots. In their journey from our coastal shores to the world's biggest stages, they've shown us that the best way to honour our heritage is to use it as a launching pad for global success.

These are our ambassadors, not appointed by governments but chosen by destiny who carry the warm hospitality of Coastal Karnataka to every corner of the world. Their story reminds us that true success isn't just about reaching new shores; it's about building bridges back to the ones we left behind. In the story of Coastal Karnataka's global citizens, we find a powerful truth: success isn't measured by the distance you travel, but by the lives you touch along the way.