Introduction: Modelling Exemplarity in South Asia

In 2007, Prashant Tamang, a young Indian police officer of Nepalese origin, became the winner of the third edition of the television show ‘Indian Idol’. This victory was made possible by the mobilization of Tamang’s profession -the Indian Police force- and of his ethnic community -Indians of Nepalese descent- both in India and abroad. The young man had captured the imagination of these two groups with his musical talent but also with his life-story and personality. Born and educated in Darjee...