Bengaluru, 27 th October 2025(HS) :
Tanzania and India have had great relations over the centuries. Indians have made huge representation in terms of trade and commerce .
Over the years the Indian Diaspora progressed well and began to contribute to the socio economic development of not only to the community but also their eco space.
By the turn of the twentieth century Indian diaspora was a formidable community co existing together as one in Tanzania.
As a matter of fact, one can easily find mini India in the city of Dar Es Salaam. Gujarathis , Maharashtrians, Bengalis , Odiyans, Tamilians, Malayalees , Teluguites, Kannadigas form the majority of the total Indian Diaspora in the city of Dar Es Salaam.
The diaspora have formed their own association for networking . For example Patel Samaj, Kaveri Kannada Sangha , Bongo Sangho are few of the glaring example of a vibrant Community.
Each association celebrates the respective region’s festivals and invite members of other association to actively take part thus championing the spirit of brotherhood.
Events like Shivaji Jayanti, Ganesha Festival, Dasara, Dandiya Nights, Deepavali are held on grand scale and is a sight to watch.
State formation days of each state like Rajyotsava Day of Karnataka is held with pomp and show.
Each event of Kaveri Kannada Sangha is a true representation of the History and Culture of Karnataka. Kaveri Kannada Sangha is a 25 year old Sangha meant for demonstration of universal brotherhood of Kannadigas.
The objective of the event is to introduce the younger generation to the rich cultural treasure of Karnataka. The legacy of the land, language, literature and culture forms the theme of the nearly three hours of celebrations.
As a matter of protocol, there will be at least one representive from Indian High commission of India to Tanzania. The High commissioner himself attends the event or delegates a representative to these events. It is the sense of belonging that matters in these events , the stake holders come to gether as one.
Temple Street’s Patel Samaj and Hindu Temple complex are good venues for holding religious and spiritual events. These venues boasts of ample space for congregation of around 300 people at a time.
While these events are true representation of Socio Cultural values the native food of the respective region is a good occasion for culinary experience to the guests. Thus each of these events represent the spirit of India .
It is worth noting that Hindu Marriages are solemnised in these temples as per the tradition. Priests from different parts of India visit these temples .
Religious discourses on Bhahawath Geetha ,
Ramayan , are held on a regular basis for the benefit of devotees. Famous Bhagawathars from Kerala or Tamil Nadu or Tirupati visit and perform thus enriching the festival times.
Shirdi Sai Baba Idols adorn in two premises on Temple Street. Every Thursday Sai bhajans are held with great devotion. Devotees take part in these bhajan sessions in large numbers.
These sessions serve not only as devotional service but also give ample opportunity for Indian diaspora to network.
Many Hindu familes run NGO’s contributing to the society. These organisations provide help in terms of Education, Free food and medical aid .
One such distinguished family is that of Sajnanis, who have led an inspiring married life for seventy years.
Nathulal Sajnani and his wife Mohini have been residents of Dar Es Salaam over many decades
Thier involvement , commitment in social work remains a role model . The couple provide mid day meal on a daily basis to the needy over the years .
……The local government has been very helpful and supportive of all our activities over the years.
We have earned enough for our life time. It is time to give back some thing back to society. We are blessed to be a part of this journey says the ever smilling Nathulal Sajnani.
Well, life is beyond profits losses . It’s the journey of co existing and living in harmony.
Thus Indian diaspora in Tanzania is a glaring example of the adage Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.
R Manjunath Chavan
The author lives in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania and Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Hindusthan Samachar / Manjunath Chavan
