‘Indian Arrival Day’ in South Africa commemorates the arrival of the first indentured Indian labourers to that country in 1860. Why is it important to revisit the indentured labour system, often footnoted in mainstream Indian history discourses? The indentured labour system started in 1834 when British Parliament abolished slavery. Socio-political-economic and historical issues play a pivotal role in determining the mental health of Indian descendants. The intergenerational impact of indentured labour on the mental health of the Indian descendants needs to be revisited, acknowledged and atoned to pave the way for healing.

Source: The Telegraph January 07, 2026 02:17 UTC