No Child is Born Racist: Ireland’s Reckoning With Hate

Recent Racist Attacks Against Indians in Ireland

In recent months, Ireland has witnessed a disturbing rise in racist incidents targeting the Indian community.

• In Tallaght (Dublin suburb), a group of teenagers accosted, beat, and partially stripped an Indian man, later filming him staggering and bleeding.
• Days later, in Clondalkin, another Indian man was assaulted by a gang, leaving him with a fracture and multiple injuries.
• In Ballymun, two passengers attacked an Indian taxi driver, hitting him with a bottle while shouting, “Go back to your country.”
• Most shockingly, in Waterford, a six-year-old Indian-origin girl (Nia) was brutally assaulted by a group of children outside her home. She was punched in the face, hit in the private parts with a bicycle, and told to “go back to India.”

Interview With the Victim’s Parents

Nia’s mother, Anupa Achuthan, recounted the incident on Ireland AM News Channel:

“Around 8 pm, when I was with my 10-month-old baby, Nia came home crying, terrified. Her friends said a group of teenagers attacked her, pushing the cycle into her private area and punching her face. Later, the same group returned, staring at us, which made me feel unsafe. When I called the Garda, they arrived late and responded coldly, suggesting it happened because I wasn’t with her. They did not even record the case until I insisted.”

Nia’s father, Naveen K.S., added:

“My daughter asked me at night, ‘Daddy, what if the bad boys come again?’ We couldn’t sleep. This was our first direct experience of such hatred in Ireland, though I had noticed rising hostility in recent months.”

The family, originally from Kottayam, Kerala, have lived in Ireland for eight years. Both parents are healthcare professionals and Irish citizens.

Indian Diaspora in Ireland

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, about 80,000 Indians live in Ireland, including:

• 15,000 NRIs
• 25,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
• 40,000 Overseas Indians

Indians contribute significantly to Ireland’s economy, especially in healthcare, IT, finance, and education. Ireland has also seen a 45% increase in Indian student enrolments (2022–24), making India one of the largest source countries for international students.

Historical Links Between India and Ireland

India and Ireland share deep historical ties:

• Irish missionaries and educationists played a major role in 19th-century India.
• Indian freedom fighters like Subhash Chandra Bose and Vithalbhai Patel had close links with Irish nationalist leaders.
• Both countries’ flags share the same tricolour symbolism, reflecting mutual inspiration.
• Personalities such as Dean Mahomet, V.V. Giri, and Annie Besant have left enduring legacies in both countries.

Importance of the Indian Community in Ireland

• Economic Backbone: Indians fill critical skill gaps in healthcare, IT, finance, and education.
• Business Links: Companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra have strong Ireland connections.
• Cultural Exchange: Festivals like Diwali and Holi enrich Ireland’s multicultural identity.
• Bridge Between Nations: The diaspora strengthens trade, education, and diplomatic ties.

Diplomatic Responses

The Indian Embassy in Dublin issued an advisory urging Indian citizens to take precautions.
Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris stated:

“No child is born racist. The overwhelming majority of people in this country know we are better because of Indians and others making Ireland their home.”

The Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi reiterated that attacks on Indians are against Ireland’s values. Irish cricketer Kevin O’Brien also condemned the violence, calling Indians an integral part of Irish society.

Cancellation of ‘India Day’

The annual India Day celebrations, organized by the Ireland India Council, were postponed due to rising attacks. The event, usually held at Farmleigh House, celebrates India’s Independence Day and highlights India–Ireland ties. Organizers deemed the current climate “not conducive.”

Racism in Ireland: Broader Context

A 2023 report by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) found that:

• Two-thirds of international students in Ireland have experienced racism.
• Only 1 in 10 incidents are reported to authorities.
• Perpetrators are often teenagers, but adults also engage in abuse.
• Racism occurs in public spaces, workplaces, universities, and transport.
• Many victims do not report incidents due to distrust in Gardaí and weak legal protections.

Legal Perspective

Currently, Ireland lacks strong legislation explicitly criminalizing racist hate crimes. Judges may consider racist motives in sentencing, but it is discretionary. NGOs such as INAR (Irish Network Against Racism) have called for urgent legal reforms.

Ireland is a signatory to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. However, activists argue that gaps remain between international commitments and domestic enforcement.

Conclusion

The recent wave of racist attacks against Indians is a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by minority communities in Ireland. While the majority of Irish people are welcoming and supportive, rising hate incidents expose gaps in law enforcement, education, and legislation.

To safeguard Ireland’s multicultural identity, the government must:

• Enforce stronger anti-racism laws,
• Ensure consistent policing,
• Promote counselling and education in schools, and
• Foster community dialogue to prevent extremist narratives from taking root.

Ireland and India share a long history of solidarity, rooted in freedom struggles and mutual respect. Protecting every resident, regardless of origin, is not just a legal duty but a moral imperative that will define Ireland’s social fabric for generations to come.