Authentic Indian saris are available in Jackson Heights. Tribune photo by Ira Cohen

By Nicole Burdett

How Many Are There?
he 2000 Census reports that 112,373 South Central Asians live in Queens, which is about 10.9 percent of the total Queens population.

Who Are They?
The Census divides South Central Asians into six categories. Those from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran and Pakistan make up the South Central Asian population within Queens.

When Did They Get Here?
Many South Asians began arriving after 1965, but it was during the 1980s when the second wave of immigrants came to Queens. South Asians from India began arriving around 1965 and the second wave in the '80s contained a different class structure and ethnicity.
According to Morshed Alam of the Bangladeshi Friendship Association, Indians began to arrive in the 1950s, Pakistani's began to arrive in the 1950s and '60s and Bangladeshi's began to arrive in the 1970s and '80s.

The “Little India” section of Jackson Heights on 74th Street is between 37th Ave and Roosevelt Ave. Tribune photo by Ira Cohen

Where Do They Live?
Indians, primarily from the South live in Floral Park; while collectively they live all over Queens, Bangladeshi's generally live in Jamaica, Sunnyside, Woodside, Astoria, Elmhurst, Corona and Jackson Heights, according to Alam.

Dr. Madhulika Khandelwal, a leadng expert in South Asian Diaspora at Queens College and president of its Asian American Center, said that South Asians are much more scattered in Queens and the rest of New York City than other ethnic groups. Queens has the largest concentration of South Asians in the country and stressed that the group is more scattered than other groups that mostly settle in what she calls, receiving areas, like Flushing, Elmhurst, Richmond Hill, and Jackson Heights. South Asians have moved to various parts of Queens, including Bayside and other Eastern parts like Jamaica and Jamaica Estates.
Her book Becoming American, Being Indian delves into the details of the demographics and trends of South Asians in the City, and predominantly in Queens.

Khandelwal explained immigration from South Asians was typical of the post-1965 immigration of different ethnic groups.

South Asians from India came in the first wave of immigration and were predominately professional with high levels of education and who knew the English language.

The second wave of immigrants in the 1980s and onwards marked a “gradual widening of class” status, according to Khandelwal, and included family and relatives.

Origins of “South Asians” include countries like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and some may even consider Afghanistan, according to Khandelwal. But the cultural group is not limited to these ethnicities, since “South Asian” peoples have generally not lived by exacting political boundaries, but rather a cultural assignment, and that can extend to the islands of Trinidad and Guyana as well part of Africa, where Indians were sent to be laborers over 150 years ago.

Khandelwal stressed that national identities become blurred once South Asians come here, while at home political tensions still exist between countries like Pakistan and India. “I feel they have become left behind in the multicultural terrain of Queens,” she said, and Havani couldn’t agree more.

“Politics which exist back home doesn’t exist here,” he added, “here you don’t feel the slightest difference…we have so many customers who are Pakistani or from Bangladesh.” With a half smile, he continued, “The beauty of the American system is that you’re at the mercy of the landlords,” explaining that he and similar immigrants don’t have much time to get involved in political squabbles because they are too busy paying off loans and mortgages.

South Asians have brought an ancient and vibrant culture to Queens. Tribune photo by Ira Cohen

Where Do They Worship?
There are different religions stemming from the South Asian population. There are Hindu temples which are located throughout Queens in Jamaica, Flushing and Richmond Hill and mosques located in Richmond Hill, Sunnyside and Jamaica. One place of worship located in Woodside is the Islamic Institute of New York, 55-11 Queens Blvd.

Where Do They Shop?
Probably the most popular shopping location for South Asians is in Jackson Heights on 74th Street, between Roosevelt Ave. and 37th Ave. The area, known as "Little India," contains specialty shops which sell clothing, jewelry, music, movies and food and customers come from all over just to shop there.

Some of the most popular places are Subzi Mandi, 72-30 37th Ave. and Neena Sari Palace, 37-23 74th St. If you would like to experience Bollywood, the Palace Theatre on 37th Road is the home of feature Bollywood films.

Another up-and-coming area is along Hillside Avenue in Bellerose.

Where Do They Eat?
The Jackson Diner in Jackson Heights is one of the most popular Indian restaurants in Queens. Located at 37-47 74th St., this restaurant offers selections from a buffet, Tandori which is cooked in a clay oven, seafood and vegetarian selections.

Other restaurants are Indian Taj, 37-25 74th St., and Rajbhog Sweets, 72-37 74th St.

What Do They Do For A Living?
Many South Asians were educated and held professional jobs, such as doctors and lawyers. It was also during the 1960s when many South Asians came to New York with technical training as well.
Most of the South Asians that live in Jackson Heights are business owners. They own jewelry, clothing and food shops as well as restaurants.

What’s In Their Future?
Alam insists that many South Asians will continue to be professionals. "They are very ambitious and have a lot of strength," said Alam. South Asians are contributing to the community in many different ways, said Alam.