The History of Bhagat Singh Thind

Asian American History 101

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 8! February 19, 2023 marks 100 years since the landmark U.S. vs. Bhagat Singh Thind ruling that further defined who were considered caucasian in this country and eligible for citizenship. Spoilers… it didn’t include people of Asian descent. Although Dr. Thind is best known for his part in this ruling, he spent his life here, providing lectures and also being an activist for a free and independent India without British rule. And he did all these while facing racism and a U.S. population that often viewed him as a perpetual foreigner. We take time to talk about his fascinating life, including his imprisonment in Omaha, Nebraska in 1942. Dr. Thind has a website created by his son where you can learn more about him. We also take time to talk about the South Asian American Digital Archive (SAADA.org). We recommend visiting their site, donating to their work, and buying their recent book Our Stories: An Introduction to South Asian America. For previous episodes and information, please visit our site at https://asianamericanhistory101.libsyn.com or social media links at http://castpie.com/AAHistory101. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, email us at [e-mail].

Segments

• 00:25 Welcoming Gen back
• 01:54 The History of Bhagat Singh Thind
• 21:18 Organizations to Know: South Asian American Digital Archive