This article was published in the Mint January 2, 2025.
A recent report by Barratt London, a prominent property developer, has revealed a significant milestone: Indians have emerged as the largest group of property owners in London, surpassing native British residents. This finding, which reflects the growing global economic influence of Indians, sparked widespread discussions online. Many users interpreted it as a poetic twist of history, drawing parallels to Britain’s colonial past in India.
The report categorizes Indian property owners in London into several groups: UK residents of Indian origin who have lived there for generations, non-resident Indians (NRIs), foreign investors, and those relocating for educational purposes. This diverse representation underscores the multifaceted contributions of the Indian diaspora and highlights their robust financial presence in a highly competitive real estate market.
The news gained traction after being shared by the BRICS official account on X (formerly Twitter), amassing 15 million views in just two days. The comment section brimmed with reactions, many linking this phenomenon to historical events. One user pointed out that the word “loot” originated from the Hindustani language during colonial times, symbolizing the plunder of India’s wealth between 1765 and 1938 by the British Empire. Another emphasized the $45 trillion estimated wealth drained from India under British rule, calling for its restitution, alongside the iconic Kohinoor diamond still set in the British Crown Jewels.
Social media discussions were rife with a sense of justice and irony. A recurring sentiment was that Indians acquired their ownership legally, unlike the exploitative methods of colonial rule. “At least Indians did it legally,” one user noted, contrasting it with Britain’s history of taking resources from India during their 200-year rule. Another aptly summed up the scenario as “karma,” with Indians now owning a significant stake in Britain’s capital, but through fair competition in a globalized environment.
This phenomenon is more than a mere shift in property ownership; it symbolizes the evolving dynamics of power and influence in the modern world. It highlights how a nation that once suffered under colonial rule has risen to reclaim its place on the global stage through resilience, hard work, and legal avenues. As Indians continue to assert their presence in London, it serves as a reminder of how history can take transformative turns, balancing past injustices with contemporary achievements.
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