Romani or Gypsies? | Dijana Pavlovic | TEDxBocconiU

What come to your mind when hearing of the word “Gypsies”? People might have different point of views toward this word. From the past to present, Romani people have struggles on attaching to the society. Dijana Pavlović, as an actress and activist for Roma rights, shares with us how the Roma are (dis)connected by her personal experience and how we can create a more diverse as well as multi-cultural world in the future. Dijana Pavlovic is an actress and activist for Roma rights.
She obtained a degree in Dramatic Arts in Belgrade in 1998 and has been living and working in Milan since 1999.
She is the president and co-founder of several associations related to the Roma culture and society such as ERIAC and the Kethane Movement and she is spokesperson of "Consulta Rom e Sinti di Milano". This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@SunilMeena-do7xn]

Europe talk so much about Human rights but don't look in their own countries. It brings tears to my eyes.

[@hep8008]

The west isn't as glamorous as it portrays itself. Quite the opposite with centuries of colonisation

[@Michael___xxx]

Exactly Gypsies Roma and travellers at the most discriminated group in Europe GRT community

[@Madhiey]

Gypsey have same language as marwadi

[@michaelgrimm2121]

Well you have to ask yourself... Should we be tolerant of cultures that hold none of our values e.g. woman's rights, law and order, education m, paying taxes. Why do you think no one wants anything to do with gypsies?

[@lambamamba2523]

@@michaelgrimm2121 Then don't preach other countries about tolerance ! Say we are intolerant if you don't follow our lines . As far as education , woman's rights are concerned I can see a 'roma woman" speaking who seems "educated' more than you will ever be

[@subhamchoudhary4091]

We are proud of you, Romanis. Love from India. We urge Indian govt to recognise Romanis as Indian diaspora.

[@romanochavo829]

We are the only brother in Europe who speaks not the European language, but the language of the Indian group, because we are from India. But we are being respected in Europe for this, that we don’t want to change our language, they forbid us to speak our language, which is not similar to more than one European language, but similar to Hindi, Punjabi and Rajasthani. It is very difficult for us that our brothers and sisters in India know so little about us, and so little know how we suffer, we so hope that our homeland India will at least once intercede for us.

[@positivethoughts5430]

@@romanochavo829 yes very few Indian know about you.. it's true n sad also bro.. it's because nobody talks about this.

[@danielabassano8565]

Also Pakistan

[@shrigadi]

Thanks for enlightening. Approach the Government of India. Write to the Prime Minister.

[@uks9823]

Indian government should proactively do more for the Roma people.

[@mm-ie7le]

Jews from middle east , Parsis from Iran, Siddis from Africa, Chinese in Kolkata all assimilated in India and they are rich people compared to native Indians in India. 1000 yrs still Roma not assimilated in Europe, persecuted all over again and again. It tells what kind of Society Europeans have been for millennia.

[@SangitA]

Obviously, because of the skin color they are treated like that, then they lecture India..

[@music79075]

Roma have always been migratory since before Europe. They were also never invited to wherever they immigrated. Shock of all shocks you go into someones house when you are not invited they don't want you there.

[@RK-es8oj]

Yes brother, it's true

[@pawantripathi5604]

@@music79075 lol, that's what Europe did for generations looted other countries.

[@music79075]

@@pawantripathi5604 and they weren't wanted there now were they? Thank you for agreeing with me

[@nakulgarg2314]

We want India to recognize Romani people as Indian diaspora. 💕

[@artzone9606]

@Lolapaloza Yes Bro it has already been recognized that Roma are indian people moved 100s year ago to Europe.

[@krr3502]

Hello Romani people we indian consider you as our lost brothers and sisters and we welcome you all hindus never prosecuted any religion but we're being prosecuted from centuries by abrahmic cults so you are welcome here.

[@catphuckers]

@@artzone9606 No, it has not been recognized in an official matter by the Indian government. Romani people still do not hold PIO or COI cards, and it is still hard for them to move to India, though as people who are clearly Desi they should be able to move to India and be recognized as Indian by the state of India. A conference on the Romani, held in Zagreb and attended by Indian ministers, was just concluded a few hours ago, and this conference was intended to decisively settle issues of Romani citizenship, their ties to India, and their economic and political situations.

[@catphuckers]

@Nisha chambiyal We know. We are talking about the Romani currently, who are of recent Indian origin.

[@AjitJoshi686]

@@catphuckers these cards are only for people who are having 4 generations back Indian citizen as forefathers . Even the people from Mauritius or West Indies find it difficult to get.

[@marija7847]

How beautiful speach . I m also roma from Serbia. But my father always hide that. He knew how they discriminate roma people. But i always feel and love my India my motherland . Vande Mataram❤ Hari Om

[@jeanniepetrov9934]

Hey i am Also half Roma and i also hide that . I had family in Beogrado. Greetings

[@jeanniepetrov9934]

@@akkkkk813 thank you very much for your Loving words and tips it lights up my day . By the way i am a woman . Have a beautiful day like the words you give 🙏

[@akkkkk813]

@@jeanniepetrov9934 ok sis❤️

[@jasonstevens32]

I’m gypsy from the United States but my great grandmother and grandfather are from Serbia I’ve done years of research our people are not from India we have no Indian dna at all there are many books and websites saying this but there is no proof of this at all im very confused why people really believe that we originated from India when there is no real proof or facts to back this theory

[@akkkkk813]

@@jasonstevens32 because literally every gypsy language is highly influenced by Indian language such as Hindi Sanskrit and Rajasthani even the gypsy art and dancing form a very highly influenced by Indian dance style such as kalbeliya in fact even the lifestyle of soccer gypses are very much influenced by an Indian ethnic group called Banjara

[@lenesoler]

This video made me cry, I am romani and growing up in Germany this exactly how we was discriminated. My grandfather was in Auschwitz and many of my relatives were in camps. Everyone knew my family so they had a opinion about me growing up before even knowing me. Being romani is difficult because we feel like we don’t belong no where besides our community. I moved later on to the United states and people here don’t understand what it is. I wish people would inform themselves more because we are special and have a beautiful culture. Don’t let the stereotype label every Romani. This needs to stop

[@user-dl1oy4mp2l]

🙏🏻😪❤️ love from India.

[@ucd389]

I hope you all well be settled in india some day ..we wont let a single soul raise questions on your identity..love from india to my bothers and sisters.

[@ucd389]

You belong to india 🇮🇳 ♥

[@kimphilbi9109]

Come back to India 🇮🇳

[@lll2282]

roma in sanskrit is goddess of wealth and fortune , love from india

[@Dhruv_Dogra]

Hats off to the Roma for keeping the ancient culture and values alive even after a thousand years. As an Indian I love the Romani as I can see in them the same culture, the same peacefulness, love for the mother goddess and love for each other!

[@rakeshgautam8014]

This is first time I realised that gypsies are from Indian origin, and it's feeling good for gypsies or Roma 😭😭😭😭😭😭🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@sandeeppatilhosting]

they follow the 7 days shrawan month fro1970 indian goverment add them in indian diapora

[@sierrachoco5271]

@@sandeeppatilhosting !

[@sierrachoco5271]

@@sandeeppatilhosting !

[@SherSingh-vf3eb]

@@Anonymous-lw4nq tere se pucha kisi ne. Yeh Northern India se hote the woh bhi untouchable caste.

[@watercressfabrique3333]

@@Anonymous-lw4nq Ayy Ami o bangali

[@sureshrajan1135]

“Ooper” in Hindi means ‘up’. That’s what we want The Roma to be. Up & Above. Walk tall dear Roma. Much ❤️ from India.

[@justliveandlove769]

Our language is almost exactly alike. We count the same.

[@ckpatt9886]

@@justliveandlove769 Well the descended from hunter-gatherers once inhabiting north India and migrated after the Islamic invasion.

[@ManishKalyan-gx2wi]

@@ckpatt9886 you know nothing so keep your thoughts shut

[@ckpatt9886]

@@user-xn2hc5it8q The earliest Islamic invasion was in 711 led by Muhammad bin Qasim who captured sindh and Multan. There is atleast 2 theories about Roma migration and I prefer the Islamic invasion theory. Historians says that they left India almost 1000 years ago to escape the invasion of Afghan general Mahmud of Ghazni.

[@ttt9618]

@@ckpatt9886 Mahmud ghazni was a turkic not afghan. He was a sl ave lf Samanid empire of Persia from tranxosania(Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan). He defeated form Samanid empire and ruled Afghanistan. Ghori was also a turk who was form turki shahi dynasty that ruled side of hindu kabuli shahi dynasty. Qutub ud din aibak was also a turkic sla ve and khalji were also turkic. Sher shah suri was afghan. Babur was also turk from Uzbekistan. Even nizam of hyderabad was also a turk as his father came from Uzbekistan.

[@romanochavo829]

I love my home India, Im Romani people!

[@pritsingh9766]

In our language Hindi/Sanskrit upar means above or Up .Swastika means good fortune or good luck .

[@prateek7366]

@BadRomaMan1 It means ROMA originally came from desert tribes of RAJASTHAN,India !☸️

[@yourshelper776]

bro come to India.

[@romanochavo829]

@@yourshelper776 thenks my brother

[@zarlg]

Why don't you go there?

[@prithviprakash1110]

Damn you can her the pain her voice. Incredible talk.

[@carolinekanini6342]

She's strong...but i hear her pain too

[@noworries864]

It was painful to listen to

[@Ainger13]

I'm English but my dad was Romani and i'm proud to be,Amazing talk Dijana,I felt every word you said and thanks for sharing

[@vivektiwari6473]

If your father was a Romani, then how come you became English, why don't you consider yourself as Romani.

[@DearTech]

@@vivektiwari6473 well he has rights to consider whatever he wants we should be none to question them. And I don't understand why he's comparing a culture with nationality 😅

[@BadRomaMan1]

@Diana Prince I notice you keep saying the same thing over and over again however and I'm not looking to be rude but what I'm thinking is and I'm speaking as a Roma you don't speak the language you do not know the culture you do not associated with Roma you are considered a guy Jo a person who is not of the Roma race just the same therefore you do not have the Privileges of a Roma I just think you should know that

[@yeetem6461]

@@vivektiwari6473 He said he speaks english. Romani is a race of people 😑

[@ttt9618]

@@BadRomaMan1 roma is not a race, it's a mixture of races now as Indian dna is now less. Roma migrated form India 1000 years ago.

[@laffytafff3298]

I am a Roma Gypsy, from America. 💕 I was born and raised knowing I was a gypsy, both sides of my family are Gypsy And I love learning more about my ancestors before they were here.

[@allelectricguitar9681]

You are indian at heart

[@tipsyhogai5336]

@@allelectricguitar9681 they're not! Just there genes are S.asian.They leaved india 1000 years ago, as they were from 'Banjara' community of Rajasthan, thats known for moving from place to place.Kalbelia dance is a dancform there women used to perform.They are stereotyped by Europeans, the indians who go and live abroad are mostly from educated familys, they aint like European Gypsies

[@mindorbs1628]

You are from wealthiest and richest artistic cultural land that had lot of advanced scientific studies. But now most of such resources are lost due to series invasions.

[@entropyshade2120]

​@@tipsyhogai5336most assimilated roma people hide their identities to this day lol

[@kcommon3552]

​​@@tipsyhogai5336we indians are educated but don't discriminate against Romanis. You are part of our community.

[@SINGH_01]

Hypocrisy of western countries on human rights.

[@paulsaha2242]

I am from India. And I just discovered about Roma people today. 😢 It's just tears in my eyes. Come back home, brothers and sisters. 🇮🇳

[@alexandrunae9378]

Greetings to india,I'm roma myself

[@Indo-Aryan9644]

@@alexandrunae9378 Please give your Insta

[@shivaskumar2621]

Showing mercy on others is a foolishness,lookat in your village how the untouchables are treating

[@paulsaha2242]

@@shivaskumar2621 There is no untouchables in my village. I have not seen any untouchables in my life. I have only read it in books.

[@JURA8275]

@@paulsaha2242 one heck of a reply ... Good job 👍

[@stephanienikols9831]

I’m so proud of her. A successful woman. My parents are from her country. I’m half Roma born in Canada. A registered nurse 👩🏽‍⚕️

[@tagrule1]

Love from India... You belongs to us...we are proud of our Roma brothers n Sisters

[@thenoshow]

Kudos to your effort. 🙏🥲

[@thenoshow]

Do visit India we want to give the respect you deserve. 🙏

[@Chen-gl9hm]

Come back to original faith

[@patricia-jk4ik]

the amount of pain and emotion in her voice deadass makes me want to cry because i understand her pain

[@BK19727]

Roma people's is our .... Brothers And Sisters.....Love From India 🙏🇮🇳🙏🌷♥️♥️♥️

[@alexandrunae9378]

Love india,greetings to you from a Romani

[@UnitedBosnia]

I’m Yugoslavian and Bosnian. I always say and always will that we need to do so much more to help bring our Roma brothers up and make them equal.

[@Martin-zr2tb]

M Johns thanks, my grandfather was/is serbo-Croatian- product of Macedonian / Greek/ Slavic and other origins , came over to Canada when country was still Yugoslavia Never quite understood why people didnt like me My mother’s other parent was British And on my dads side Métis - French (also has history involved with Romanis) mostly and Native American, his mom Scandinavian It’s difficult to be envied of everyone and balance to make yourself not object of envy while trying to be the best version of yourself Everything you do better isn’t admired based solely on your DNA, everything you do better is only envied Grew up on morin st as a young child Morin ( anagram of Romani without the a)

[@banjara-romas3698]

Me too a banjara gypsy from India. We are also few group of people are deprived in many ways including education. I started a you tube channel (BANJARA-ROMAS) to let the world knows about us and our face. As a small youtube I want to connect the gypsies of the entire world. Kindly support me if possible in all ways. subscribe to this channel if you like it.

[@banjara-romas3698]

@M Johns Me too a banjara gypsy from India. We are also few group of people are deprived in many ways including education. I started a you tube channel (BANJARA-ROMAS) to let the world knows about us and our face. As a small youtube I want to connect the gypsies of the entire world. Kindly support me if possible in all ways. subscribe to this channel if you like it.

[@subhashishbagchi3191]

@@indramajumder3482 Why went to Europe if Indians were sympathetic for them? Shame on India for not able to keep their people intact to their motherland therefore people of India running here and there in the world for search of better life.

[@vineet3269]

@@subhashishbagchi3191 there migration outward coincides with Islamic persecution.

[@shubhgarg7845]

We Indians love Roma people as we love our blood brothers. Don't forget what Europe is today is because of India and its Science and Development . We love you from bottom of our Heart. You originate from far superior and advance civilization of India / Bharat.

[@ofcet]

sure

[@djfrankie7586]

Thats right brother at the time india was an acaint empire until islam came and destroyed us .. thats when we gypsies left our home .. at the time gypsies were living like kings in india.. its sad that we never went back ever since we left .. love from a gypsy my indian brothers and sisters love you.. and every good human beings godbless what ever race we are 💝💝💝💝💝

[@user-wp7kg6qw1g]

“Europe is today is because of India and its science” 😂😂😂 Chill out man. Relax. Maybe Francis pope is also indian?)))

[@Queen-qy4qc]

@@djfrankie7586 no, people just migrate

[@anushwimehta8302]

@@djfrankie7586 love from India

[@user-wl2hd1ot6t]

I came to know about their origin and rich culture some day ago and I am feeling so much connected ...... I am going to write articles and try to aware people as much as I can..... Stay strong my Roma brothers and sisters.... Lots of respect and love from India 🇮🇳❤

[@romanochavo829]

❤️🇮🇳❤️ I miss you my home Bharat🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@ucd389]

@@romanochavo829 i miss all of you...from bharat🇮🇳❤❤❤🙏

[@mmsherzad6352]

If you are really honest and humanitarian So you and the fascist government of India give the rights of 170 million Dalits You don't consider dalits as human beings, you killed thousands of them just now Here dalits GYPSI barhas have much rights compared to your brahmin caste

[@rogersilva9479]

@@mmsherzad6352Total fabricated comment from a fabricated religion

[@mmsherzad6352]

​ @Roger Silva Yes, the religion of slavery and the Hindu caste system is not only false, but also inhuman and barbaric

[@henriquedias3431]

I live in Brazil and I’m best friends with a roma family. Before I started researching about it I had no idea they suffered so much discrimination and I feel so sad...I love romani culture. Congratulations for your TEDTalk

[@cinthya0593]

Existe um termo certo entre Roma e Romani? Ou podemos usar qualquer um deles? Às vezes eu acho que gypsy é meio pejorativo...

[@eddijasarevic5164]

Really bro? Even in Brazil are Roma??

[@henriquedias3431]

@@eddijasarevic5164 yes, many

[@lll2282]

roma in sanskrit is goddess of wealth and fortune , love from india

[@henriquedias3431]

@@lll2282 that's really beautiful

[@dilipsave428]

Ms.Dijana, Wonderful speech. The discrimination stems from the fact that Europe does not accept outsiders nor do they respect human values. India is the land of your ancestors and we stand with you.

[@justbegin5923]

Even after having such hard life, she wishes good fortune for everyone... it explains how great Romani culture is and knowing the fact Romani people were from India. I am feeling proud of being an Indian, which is the origin of this great culture.

[@thesentry1434]

Romani peoples are our blood, They belong to Indian Culture, They belong to Indian origin , So they don't need to prove to anybody 🙏🙏 Jai Hind 🇮🇳🇮🇳🕉️🚩

[@Michael___xxx]

I am very proud to say a Roma Woman on tEDTalk specially being from this ethnicity group Truly emotion moving speech Thank you for being brave and standing up

[@ripvanmarston1241]

This shows how great India is as a nation where people being so diverse live together. (I mean sure there are problems but still we are together) Be it the Tibetians, Parsis or any other faith or nationality, we have a place for everyone in our country. One day we shall regain our past glory. West always portrays itself as being democratic n bs but this is unfortunately the hard reality. Jai Hind 🇮🇳❤

[@lll2282]

roma in sanskrit is goddess of wealth and fortune , love from india

[@trevino37]

India can’t take any credit for these people. No, not one inch. This is the greatness of Romani people and not from Indian government nor country because India has done nothing to help them. No, India has nothing to claim here.

[@ripvanmarston1241]

@@trevino37 I never said India helped em, all I said was that India has helped several communities like the Parsis, Tibetians and many more.

[@atulit]

@@trevino37 Indians were unaware of this community, now in age of internet we are knowing about them, we were oppressed for centuries in our own homeland, we were not able to provide help because of our situation, I hope we come to terms with our long lost diaspora😊

[@Rolando_Cueva]

Everyone in India has a place. Except Dalits.

[@pellaw8011]

In some parts of Europe Romani women were sterilized up to 2007... Absolutely horrifying.

[@tammychristian1479]

I was asked as a Tribal Rroma to attend the Berkley University of the indoctrination of Rromani studies into the School. There were panelist and one was a non Rromani woman who reported on the unprecedented case won due to the 30,000 Rroma women being sterilized (more but the only ones the Lawyers could prove) This was 2011 you can research through Berkley. It was not 500,000 killed in The horror-cost it was 1 million and a half . Europe will not disclose the real number Rroma and non Rroma Professors of Rromani academics history and human rights have discovered.

[@user-uu4rg9kw7c]

GOOD

[@pellaw8011]

@@user-uu4rg9kw7c i'm sorry you're going down this path. i hope someday you're able to break from the chains of hate.

[@user-uu4rg9kw7c]

@@pellaw8011 have you even seen a single gypsy in your life? lmao

[@user-uu4rg9kw7c]

@@pellaw8011 i'm waiting for an answer btw, but i can guess you have never seen a single gypsy in your whole lifespan, bc if u actually did u would hate them like i do

[@saraswathis7433]

I am proud of you ....Romas travelled from India and have spread all over the globe ,sharing their music and all the vibrant artistic specialities they possess. Yet in this day n time still they are discriminated by prejudiced govt n countries. I hope India help them with the respective countries so they can have their rights to lead a normal n respectable life.

[@Robert_31]

As an orphaned Roma in Bulgaria, it took me a while to embrace this identity. Today I am proud to stand with you all, family. I love you.

[@Paula-133]

Love to Roma, to you. I am African American I admire the courage, heart you have to educate the world and Thank You!

[@wonderfacts7782]

She is crying inside her heart. The world should love human over their religion, colour or ethnicity.💕

[@carlak.5346]

Thank you, for speaking up, speaking out. My grandmother is Roma. She refused to teach me and my brother our culture. It's so hard to learn when it is just me. I long to know, I learn all that I can. I've learned so much. I understand why my grandmother did what she did. It's just hard to be so disconnected. Opre Roma

[@selinarittenhouse1181]

I know that feeling. My grandma on my mom's side was adopted, and after her death we found out she was Romanichal. We can't find her relatives. On my dad's side, his mom was Sinte and she kept it a secret from everyone but me. It's hard being the only one carrying on the legacy alone because in order to protect my father, she got remarried to a Gadžo without telling him about her heritage. So no one believes me. It's isolating, but I'm lucky. I found a Irish Traveler Posh who grew up in a similar cercumstance as me, and wants to build a community. He is helping me to learn my culture, and he even is helping me to learn my family language.

[@clonehd9962]

Carla K. How can you be Roma you have no connection to the Romans or Romania you guys are Indian

[@carlak.5346]

@@clonehd9962 ....I am not interested in talking to you. I hope that you can use Google or find someone else to explain any of this to you. Have a nice day.

[@selinarittenhouse1181]

@@clonehd9962 Roma have no connections to neither Romans or Romanians although our people live in Romania. Roma are actually East Indian's who have mixed in with different societies thus our different skin colours. What still unites us is our culture and language. It is apart of us 100%. I hope you find this information helpful.

[@carlak.5346]

@@kzarin3139 she is from the Ukraine.

[@leticiaaraujo834]

Diana I'm really proud of you, of using your voice, I'm Roma and I'm proud ❤

[@vicagar3341]

You are our blood, comeback to your motherland India. We Love you

[@lifearoundwesternghats]

Hats of to Romani people for surviving all discrimination and persecution ....respect from india

[@prehistoriccreature1800]

no you are not proud lmfao

[@Tired_Boie]

I am Roma and this made me sad.. I never grew up with this discrimination.. but it hurt to know we are a hated people... a collective enemy.

[@Banjara_asr]

Roma people will accept all discrimination and insult and ready to move from one place to another but they are not ready to come back to root land India .. I guess it’s punishment of that only .. But best wish to u all guys and hope one day you guys get equality

[@taraprasadsen9865]

Come back to India

[@australiaprisonisland9156]

Europeans don't hate Roma. Total nonsense.

[@RandomVidsforthought]

​@@australiaprisonisland9156😂

[@RandomVidsforthought]

​@@taraprasadsen9865Why would they?

[@MukeshVarma9198]

Where are Indian? There are millions of Indian people who live in Europe and America, why they never tried to help our Roma Brother? They migrated 1000 year ago from North West part of India.

[@lutzypoholotcko9721]

Brother do a DNA test it comes back as Israeli.

[@MukeshVarma9198]

@@lutzypoholotcko9721 I had many documentaries and video of Roma people. Their culture, food and physical features are similar to Indian.

[@IndiaIndia203]

@@lutzypoholotcko9721 Hahahahaha.....There are DNA studies and Linguistic studies as well...They were from India.....

[@SK-ol7nv]

@@lutzypoholotcko9721 still believing in the book of prophecies

[@legendarymortarplayer9453]

@@lutzypoholotcko9721 dude they have indian names you are high

[@dipakchavan4083]

Huge Respect to You Sister From India

[@AshishSharma-cg4lt]

I had no idea of Gypsies who they are but after watching peaky blinders I started googling about them and u was shocked to know that they are Indians ❤️❤️❤️❤️ we need to recognise them as ours

[@Nicolas5095]

I started googling about them after watching Peaky Blinders as well, it's nice to see what a tv show can do for us, I believe that many other people now know more about them because they were curious after watching it

[@XYZ-ps2wt]

The gypsies in Peaky blinders are irish travellers not roma

[@avtanshpandey4991]

Lee family was roma

[@avtanshpandey4991]

@@XYZ-ps2wt john shelby married in roma family.. lee family

[@AshishSharma-cg4lt]

And Bret Lee Charlie Chaplin they are all roman gypies

[@lisasture4523]

I am sorry you experience this. I speak up for Gypsies and other travelling people here in the UK whenever I can. I am sometimes surprised and disappointed at the response of people I know. Even doing this I receive strongly negative responses. I also know people who are supportive. May your path be blessed, thankyou for doing this talk. I can see how hard it was for you.

[@Southboundpachyderm]

To all the Roma people: I may only be one lonely American, but I sincerely want you all to know that I am an Ally of you. I am sorry for the continuing years of oppression your people have faced at the hands of racists and bigots. Know that nothing the racists say about your people defines you. You are a human just like all of us. A brother, or sister. You are family even if not by blood. I stand at your side and the side of all oppressed peoples around the earth. We must all unite to defeat bigotry and racism.

[@drewbranch7700]

I concur my fellow countrymen. I am also privileged to have a close friend who is Roma.

[@JaneDoe77777]

Thank you 🙏

[@patricia-jk4ik]

thank you so much. this made me so happy

[@noewood61]

❤️

[@sydneyortiz3987]

So beautifully put. Thank you for stating so eloquently what I, and those who support the Romas, feel.

[@sumittomar9205]

Good Romani are our brothers Love from india

[@romanochavo829]

Thank you brother

[@sumittomar9205]

Welcome brother

[@aswink5915]

@@romanochavo829 😍

[@romanochavo829]

@@aswink5915 you bro india?

[@aswink5915]

@@romanochavo829 yeah bro

[@dinahvargas6312]

Beautiful message. I am proud of you, Roma. I will stand with you, Roma. I will walk with you, Roma. I will celebrate with you, Roma. Stay strong Roma. Love you all from Florida USA

[@jane62603]

We love you straight from Africa all Romani we see your pain we know your pain.

[@jane62603]

What do you mean by that?

[@jane62603]

It’s funny how someone can just comment on post and devalue someone’s truth stop playing victim. Also you post and in front of American you put African yet you here trying to fight with an ally. So does the world keep fight for you or do you get out of the victim mentality and start working towards a better future. Also yes, Africa sees Romani. I do not get it pathetic comment, explain your comment, so I can educate you.

[@patricia-jk4ik]

thank you so much, we understand eachother and we must stick together

[@sayittomyfaceortapglassfar4392]

@@jane62603 alright c'mon girls most of humanity is oppressed no need to argue about it, your oppressed, she's oppressed, we're all oppressed!!! Now let's work together with compassion to solve this problem, because we can do better and strengthen each other, so we can heal all of earth.

[@aissadiallo229]

Be proud in your live.

[@Come_to_light119]

I'm proud of the Indians who stand by Roma and send love to them. They need love and support of our people. This love of yours for them means you recognise them as our people. Our Indian government should also do the same and support them in finding for themselves equal status in European society.

[@arth_chart5280]

I am an Indian and I am proud of our Roma brother and sister, I hope European countries don't discriminate against them and show true spirit of democracy and human rights which European is known for.

[@bestcitizen9137]

You could take them back if you care so much about them

[@Akash-nb7lu]

​​@@bestcitizen9137 we will welcome them back compare to those Jihadi invading our nation everyday, from Bangladesh and Pakistan.

[@ananthakrishnan.n783]

They are not indian

[@kellykelly6272]

You connect through love and connection. Your story hurts my heart. I am from the states in an area where there are no Roma. What I did know, was flamenco. Since I was a child the music would awaken me. When I made by first trip to Spain and had a chance to meet a gitano in the street, he connected to me through music. When I return to the city we always find each other. I was so honored to break bread with them when I was invited to sit among them when they were playing guitars. I will never forget a restaurant owner saw me and made a comment about this, and it broke my heart. When I return after lockdown, I will search them out in Granada, and gladly break Brad again. This is how to make the world a better place. PS one told me about the wheel, and I loved that it was in the back drop! I am sure you made a difference with the children, if anything, you planted a seed. ❤️

[@thenoshow]

Kudos to Romani people who still are bravely fighting the world and preserving the Indian culture. Kudos to all Romani people for your efforts. Please visit India and let us give you all the Respect you Deserve. 🙏🥲

[@saptarshimtr]

Love you Romas, with love from India👚🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@romanochavo829]

Thank you brother, we hope that the Modi government will soon recognize my people as part of the Indian diaspora!

[@amitrana-seeker]

@@romanochavo829 brother, any leader of ur community should reach out to indian govt.

[@romanochavo829]

@@amitrana-seeker Inauguration of International Roma Conference and Cultural Festival (February 12, 2016) Back in 2016, the brother turned, the government is silent ... Watch it to the end

[@romanochavo829]

@@manoranjankumar6409 Thank you my Indian brother❤️🇮🇳 Be sure when this kronovirus passes, I personally will come to my Indian land !!!

[@FirstLast-hz8ut]

Alex C Sintis are descended from Sindhi people of India.

[@LyricalXilence]

Thank you for posting. Good to hear and learn more about this culture...these people.

[@aryanmoksha]

You guys have carried the message of love, joy and perseverance from India to the world .. you guys were created to travel , we have other communities in india which only travel like Banjaras .. they sing they dance .. they smile .. even in utter poverity they will never get angry or depressed .. they will always Shine the Essence of being human .. may you guys move to the next level now, the world was always too poor to understand the essence of you guys /\ /\

[@kemailoski78]

Dıjana, I loved your speech and story. I can relate to you in so many ways. I very happy your sharing your life story. Many people don’t know our struggle been a Roma. Glad your open people eyes and also making them realize we are human beings just like everyone else. Thanks again! Opre Roma ❤️

[@marieveraschmidt2833]

Why aren't we learning about this! It is making me so mad that we can't even know what is happening in out countries. Huge respect and love from here❤️🥺

[@ferencfarkas2729]

I’m a Roma as well and I would never change my race even if I could ! I’m a proud Roma .. I’m proud that my people managed to survive anywhere Im proud of my people the way that they fought against ghaznavi’s but we lost in India and the ghaznavi’s took us out of India this was in the 10th century and ever since those days we didn’t forget our roots our langue our way of life and ever since we didn’t had our own lands we were replaced but we managed to survive anywhere in the world we faced many cruel toughest times our land become the whole world we are everywhere and we stick together we are true survivors we are music art rich culture great nation with our borders ! Always be proud of our roots Roma brothers and sisters ! We are true survives always will be and nobody in the world ever could change us into something we are not doesn’t matter what terror we faced or empires we faced we born as Roma and died as Roma gypsies !! Opre roma 🙏 💪🏼 ❤ 😊

[@ashash9986]

❤️ 🙏

[@indianamerican6362]

Be proud of your identity. You guys are unique.

[@marla350]

Love from india

[@sureshhp5112]

❤

[@higreentj]

Our species fears differences yet there is little genetic difference between us.

[@royrahul764]

Love u romas🤗, come to india if u all r tortured😭.. Love from India 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@Edangiolino]

they wont let us in ! It would be good if the indian government said we have the option to return.

[@suchisingh9421]

@@Edangiolino the sad story is we indian also forgetting our roots ......but hope someday our govt recognise you as our diaspora....bharat is always known for land of acceptance ,then I don't know what make us to stop accepting our ancestoral brothers and sisters..

[@alexandrunae9378]

@@suchisingh9421 greeting to India,we romas love india no matter what the indian government may do

[@suchisingh9421]

@@alexandrunae9378 ❤️

[@aryanhassan4659]

@@alexandrunae9378 in coming years India's economy will grow and I hope then india will be able to accomodate all Roma's....I feel you my brother....you are our brother...😭🙏🌹🇮🇳...love u bro...❤️❤️❤️❤️🇮🇳🇮🇳🙏

[@stcolmcille]

I've always admired the Roma culture. May God protect you all.

[@sandeeppatilhosting]

@hanuman dehru as indian follow the 30 days shrawan month they follow only 7 days

[@jntyrhds]

@@sandeeppatilhosting shame on them, i guess they're not as Hindu as you thought they'd be

[@matthewnicholas1550]

I’m Roma

[@robertnegotei3495]

It's gypsy

[@lutzypoholotcko9721]

Thank you Dave may the ALMIGHTY BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

[@kmrao06]

Next time if any Western institutions dare to give us lectures on liberalism, secularism and human rights, let us show this shining mirror to them.

[@AshishBagade-hv4el]

we need proper study to do all this and then institutionalize it and then give proper report out and lecture to europeans...it shouldnt be ad-hoc at all

[@akashdave2694]

Love and support to all my people ( Roma people) . Love from India

[@romanochavo829]

🇮🇳❤️

[@akashdave2694]

@@romanochavo829 thanks

[@vivektiwari6473]

Romanis are Indian, you people are our brothers and sisters... But unfortunately we are not able to do anything for you people 😢 You people are always in my prayers, love from India 🙏

[@subirdutta9132]

Wonderful, being indian 🇮🇳 I feel connected with you.....

[@ramizasakip5757]

Diana I`m proud of you and all Roma people we are proud of being Roma !!!

[@mihaelritter4221]

Roma & Sinti

[@mihaelritter4221]

@Enis Haljin First you should know about Sinti, the language and the different Sinti there are and the different Sinti dialects, about Habsburg Sinti from the time of Austria-Hungary. Don't write about something you don't know. You should first know the terms "Sintitikes" and "kebretikes" and use the "RomEnes" with E the Sinti and not Romanes with a as you write, the RomAnes with A does not exist with the Sinti. Where do you come from, from Ex-Yugoslavia? Mozemo i srpski!! There are Sinti, German-born Sinti, also in Ex-Yugoslavia.

[@mihaelritter4221]

@Enis Haljin first you must now what Sinti are!!!! We don't say how you write Sintizianes, we say Sintitikes, my, people, my Family, we are thousands of people in Serbia, Croatia, Slowenien, Germany, Romania, Hungary. WE SAY SINTITIKES AND ROMENES WITH E, NOT ROMANES. IT'S NOT THE SAME.

[@banjara-romas3698]

Me too a banjara gypsy from India. We are also few group of people are deprived in many ways including education. I started a you tube channel (BANJARA-ROMAS) to let the world knows about us and our face. As a small youtube I want to connect the gypsies of the entire world. Kindly support me if possible in all ways. subscribe to this channel if you like it.

[@MoreanuAlexandru-go5ho]

@@mihaelritter4221 ,Hi ! I am a professor of the history of Indo-european and non-Indo-iuropean peoples. I am of roma ethnicity! Your statement is incorrect. The primary origin of the Roma is Indian! Therefore, it differs (only) culturally. The roma peoples speak a language of Indian origin! The roma from the south, from the north, from the east and from the west, no matter from any corner of the world, you should know that the roma in the world speak dialects of the same language (romani). We got along well! The Roma, who call themselves "sinti", are descendants of Indians from the Carachi region (a district of India). Me se rom! i chib romani! You have a goal baht!

[@beccismith4454]

Thank you so much for this talk and for your inspiration and heart and insights. Especially your heart. I am somewhat of a nomadic US American whose grandfather was actually born in India to missionary parents. And I am very appreciative of time I was able to spend with Romas/Gypsies in Poland on a couple of occasions, and some dear friends who are part Roma from the Czech Republic near where I live. (those in Poland I met called themselves “Cygany” which is the Polish word for gypsy, they did not use it in a derogatory way but quite normally)

[@darshandave1811]

We should extend scope of CAA and include Roma in it.

[@Jambudwipvasi]

Yes

[@raj-khotmarathawarriorclan]

Ha ha then will u asked them ur cast ???

[@Amit-mt9ko]

@@raj-khotmarathawarriorclan like Ashraf, Ajlaf, Sayed, Ahmedi, Gaddi, Faqir or like Knanaya, Malankara, Nadara, Kayasthas, Udayar, etc.

[@Skyjuice70]

Back in 2005, I met a beautiful Roma girl at a train station one day when I was visiting Eindhoven, Nederlands. She said she couldn't give me her phone number because she didn't have one. She told me she was a gypsy (she actually used the word) and she moved around too much to have a relationship😆. I think that was just her nice way of telling me she wasn't interested. But damn, was she beautiful. Nice olive skin tone, pretty eyes, and a sweet smile. She made me want to convert right then and there.🤣

[@elizabethdingley1348]

Convert to what? It's not a religion, it's an ethnicity.

[@andretabayoyon452]

Thank you so much, so much for relaying this information. I listen to Djelem Djelem, so many times then I translate and fell in love with roma people. You a light shining for Roma's

[@taraprasadsen9865]

India should recognize Roma people as Indian diaspora living outside. Love from India to Roma brothers and sisters ❤❤❤

[@stevensgirl85]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING! I LEARNED ALOT! SORRY FOR WHAT YOU AND OTHER Roma's go through and will go through.

[@potentiallyvalid9906]

"Roma are what Europe wants and claims to be".... love.that.point.

[@potentiallyvalid9906]

@天堂心臟 `Rom` means `human` in their language ;-)

[@michaelregis1015]

@天堂心臟 not only that, but their region of origin is North India in the Punjab area.

[@Kaistaale1964]

@天堂心臟 Nobody connect them to the Roman Empire.

[@beccismith4454]

Yes!!!!! 💗💗💗💗💗

[@claudiuplugariu1488]

Nah, that's what gypsies want to be, visit some eastern european countries then comment that again.

[@latchidelchev5104]

So glad to see you happy and successful! All the best! ❤️

[@samann95014]

I started learning about Roma after a brief 'not so positive' encounter I had with a Roma family I met on a US highway. I was furious at first but then when I learned about their roots, their struggles, the issues they have, my heart melted. My roots are also from India. There is a Roma community developing here in California who have arrived here as refugees from Romania & Eastern Europe. They are having a hard time integrating with us here & we have a hard time dealing with them. How can we help these people survive & thrive?

[@samann95014]

@BadRomaMan1 Like it or not - DNA tests confirm a common ancestry rooted in NW India. The Romani language has many common terms as in Hindi. Also, the numbers - ek, do theen char panch.

[@samann95014]

@BadRomaMan1 well, whatever

[@ChrissyTina0687]

@Sam Ann, as a Roma woman I thankful that you are willing to accept and understand our people. There is still such a divide between our people and non-Roma. It breaks my heart and I truly hope it will change. Thank you 😁

[@samann95014]

@@ChrissyTina0687 yes, huge divide. Any suggestions on how can we bridge the gap?

[@ChrissyTina0687]

@@samann95014, I wish I did. Just keep doing what you are doing. Learning what you can, show love and acceptance, and openness. There are Roma people who are willing and wanting to connect. There will always be those who are just too angry to be willing to do the same.

[@CA6989_]

Thank you for doing this and making anti-romanyism known

[@richardsumer838]

Love from India! Love you Romas 💙

[@letthemotherfuckerburn]

Thank you. Dzie kuje. 💗 When will people learn respect? When we teach them.

[@alessiaforte7411]

Love to every single Roma person from Italy. This video should definitely have way more views than it actually has.

[@emmanuelfernandes5610]

"We, the romani, are what the Europe claims to be". That strikes so hard. Power to the romani!

[@tarcoal]

You made a good case for Roma people. I wish you and all Roma people prosperity and happiness. Very informative lecture

[@virgotendencies653]

The human struggle is real! So is human triumph. Thanks for sharing this story - it sounds like a very familiar story to my own ethnic group’s.

[@g7eit]

Be proud of who you are. You have a beautiful heart. It’s this that makes you special. We love you.

[@jiacao5899]

I like how she said, "what truly truly matters is how we perceive ourselves and how much we believe in ourselves". But at the same time, also resonating with BLM, we all are different but equal, and we all need to educate ourselves about different people, their situations, perspectives, and cultures; also listen to their voices, learn to respect everyone, and speak up for people who are being discriminated. The minority cultures are also extremely underrepresented or misrepresented in the mass media resulting in worse biases and misunderstandings in people's minds.

[@janapavkova9150]

Great speech, all people from the world should listen and think about your words! Thank you from the Czech Republic!

[@DianMeidiani]

i love roma, your music, arts, culture, may you have a beautiful future too. love from indonesia.

[@viveksahajpal1788]

Lot of love and respect from India !!! I can understand your agony. Europe has miles to go before becoming truly democratic. You are right, " Roma are what Europe claims and wants to be". Your struggle will bear fruit. Best wishes from India !!!

[@shirlss7913]

She is so beautiful!!

[@Killgore-ip2yq]

It's interesting isn't it? Roma are 1000 years in the making. The ultimate immigrants that span the globe and adopting and adapting any culture they live in, yet still carries that part of their own culture identity to be distinguishable. They been doing this longer than most and that should be respected.

[@patriciakelley3529]

Roma, gypsy it does not matter . You are GOD creation and you are beautiful

[@wingedcheetah-rn8qg]

Patricia Kelley thank you

[@tombond8402]

They are descendants of the Indian lower strata of the Hindu society

[@luciferkon3664]

@@tombond8402 no we’re not, majority aren’t.

[@samwisegrangee]

I play in a few jazz manouche or gypsy jazz ensembles, and I have to say from Paris to Hungary, no culture has ever understood or performed music as viscerally or virtuosity as the Roma. 👏🏼

[@rajbhatia455]

Today I learnt about you first time. Great survival story of the people and their culture. All the very best and lots of love from India.

[@100vinodpandey]

Indian government must immediately recognize Roma people as Indian diaspora.

[@romanochavo829]

👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@rameshputhalamanoharareddy6942]

I hope India does this at least now. Better late than never

[@JenE923]

Your story and message is inspiring.

[@TigrisAquino]

So thankful she was given this platform to tell her story

[@butchephraim9958]

I’m a gypsy. And I love my people. I Ministered Christ them for 18 years. God made us. And god does not make mistakes. So I’m proud to be his creation

[@kritisaxena7154]

@@rajwardhanghorpade8898 God is one brother.

[@raghvendrasingh9984]

You're hindu

[@Queen-qy4qc]

@@raghvendrasingh9984 No haha, they are clearly Christian

[@YoAddicts]

Rest assured. I just remembered that my first supervisor, who used to work in Max Planck and even with the late Nobel Laureate Paul Crutzen, is likely of Romani origin. She is a brilliant professor, a Chair I investigator in Canada, and a leader in her field. She was one of those students, who had been admitted to university at the age of 16 with a double major. I never thought of her as a Romani, but a Canadian from Europe who spoke fluent French.

[@bgverka]

Bravo Dijana .Podrska iz Beograda svaka cast .Lepo koncizno i nadam se da si bar nekome promenila razmisljanje.

[@mihaelritter4221]

Bravo sto ignorira Sinti Aktiviste i neradi sanjima zajedno, samo sebe svuda kao prvu trpa u sve Medije i prica za obadva naroda ako znate sta su Sinti, bravo njoj sto je protiv toga sto Sinti u Italiji traze svoj identitet, bravo sto netrazi Kontakt sa Sinti Liderima nego misli da moze i njih da svuda zastuplja. Bravo njoj na tome sto neradi zajedno sa Sintima. Korektna zena!!!! Bravo njoj sto ignorira ljude sa Kojima je stupila u Kontakt pa posle nista. Bravo!!!!!

[@user-tq5ci3sp3n]

I’m very lucky to be growing up in America in this modern age, where barely anyone knows my roots, and cannot discriminate against me. I am thankful. But from America, we send love ❤️

[@thesky6748]

As a Human we have treat every people as a Human being. Humanity is our first Religion. Love for ROMA....

[@owenw.1643]

theres so much emotion in her voice it makes me want to cry

[@jntyrhds]

you realize she's an actor right? It's what she does.

[@lauravaldez3282]

I really liked to learn more about gipsy or romani history though this video. I know there are romanies in USA, Canada, Chile and Argentina, and I would love to learn more about their history here. Thank you a lot for sharing your history, never forget you are a beautiful romani, serbian or european, Laura.

[@jeanniepetrov9934]

Hi Laura, i am half puertoriceña and half Gitana . Where are you from?

[@calistaconder9070]

You have to be the best in everything to be recognized in anything. I realized at a very very young age that those people will admire my work but spit on me when they see who made it. Little ‘gypsy’ girls will always been seen as hagglers who try to deceive. It’s hard, it’s so hard. But we can do this ✊🏽

[@chetangawade5002]

I am indian hindu 🕉🚩💪🏻 and all roma gypsy are my brother and sisters . Love from india 🇮🇳❤❤❤

[@mastersergeant8672]

Thank you for educating me. NEVER heard of any of this before.

[@adamlamb3114]

@dijana God bless you for sharing I am a Romani from America a true blood if you will and every word you spoke i truly felt as if I was living my childhood again. Please if this does anything let it give you confidence to continue “ja ay devlesa payo opray Romani”