Exploring Community Vitality: Insights of Ethnic Migrants in the Indian Context

The concept of urban vitality evolved as an essential representation of high-quality urban regeneration. Vitality refers to the capacity of an urban space to promote lively social and economic activities. While multiple studies have focused on assessing the impact of the built environment on the vitality of urban areas, local-scale measurement of vitality is significant in assessing and rejuvenating community vitality. This chapter focuses on understanding the vitality factors of communities of ethnic migrants through a case study approach. Specifically, the study utilises factor analysis to identify the underlying dimensions of vitality within the Nepali and Telugu communities in Kharagpur, India. By conducting factor analysis, the study extracts the significant variables and categorises them into distinct dimensions that sheds light on the core factors influencing the vitality of these ethnic migrant communities. The identified factors serve as valuable indicators of community well-being, which consider the aspects on spatial assimilation, multiculturalism, access to infrastructure, economic opportunities, social inclusiveness, and residential distinction. The weightage of the factors assessed in this study will serve as a valuable tool for future research in measuring adaptability capacity, enabling communities to address barriers and shocks effectively. Furthermore, this chapter highlights the importance of considering cultural diversity and social integration in urban planning to create vibrant and thriving neighbourhoods where ethnic migrant communities can prosper and contribute to the overall vitality of the city. The findings of this research contribute to the broader understanding of community vitality, enriching the existing literature on urban sustainability and community development.