Bahison Ravindran believes he belongs in India. Born to Sri Lankan refugee parents in Tamil Nadu, he has worked and studied there, even holding an Indian passport. However, his life took a dramatic turn when police arrested him, claiming his passport was invalid. Authorities ruled he couldn't be an Indian citizen 'by birth' because both his parents fled Sri Lanka during the civil war in 1990.
While Indian law used to grant citizenship to anyone born in India, a 1987 amendment stipulated that at least one parent must be an Indian citizen for children born after July 1, 1987. Bahison, born in 1991, had been unaware of this law. After learning about his citizenship status through his arrest, he applied for 'citizenship through naturalisation' but found himself labeled as 'stateless.'
His situation highlights the challenges faced by over 22,000 Sri Lankan Tamils born in India, many of whom live in limbo without proper citizenship. Despite their long-standing presence and the cultural similarities with India, they struggle to obtain citizenship status due to India's stance on refugees, including the fact that India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.
Bahison's pursuit of citizenship underscores a broader narrative of refugees in India, with political parties often making promises yet failing to resolve these complex issues. He remains hopeful that with legal support, he can reclaim his identity as an Indian citizen.
While Indian law used to grant citizenship to anyone born in India, a 1987 amendment stipulated that at least one parent must be an Indian citizen for children born after July 1, 1987. Bahison, born in 1991, had been unaware of this law. After learning about his citizenship status through his arrest, he applied for 'citizenship through naturalisation' but found himself labeled as 'stateless.'
His situation highlights the challenges faced by over 22,000 Sri Lankan Tamils born in India, many of whom live in limbo without proper citizenship. Despite their long-standing presence and the cultural similarities with India, they struggle to obtain citizenship status due to India's stance on refugees, including the fact that India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.
Bahison's pursuit of citizenship underscores a broader narrative of refugees in India, with political parties often making promises yet failing to resolve these complex issues. He remains hopeful that with legal support, he can reclaim his identity as an Indian citizen.
