A network of social, cultural, and religious programs is now operational as Trinidad and Tobago marks the 177th Indian Arrival Day, May 30. Some 145,000 East Indians were brought from India, principally Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to assist in a failing agricultural sector, between 1845 and 1917.
And the flagship Indian cultural entity, the Divali Nagar is hosting a series of cultural programs, some of which are now in progress.
Surujdeo Mangaroo, public relations officer, said that the program continues to showcase, develop and sustain the rich cultural heritage reflecting Indian thought and Indian philosophy over the many millennia.
The program commenced last Saturday, May 7 with An Evening of Folk Culture which featured folk songs from Kajri Bhajan and Vivah Geet, Jhaal Ramayan, chowtal, biraha/nagara, and local compositions, by noted cultural enthusiasts Nisha Ramkissoon, Shiv Sangeet Sangha Ramayan Group, Biraha Raja Chowtal Group, Rukminee Beepath, and Rasika Dindial.
The Evening of Classical Music set for Saturday, May 14 will highlight the voices of Rana Mohip, Shivananad Maharaj, Narinder Maharaj, Anil Maharaj, Sharda Patasar, Sachin Boodram, Arista Karwaroo, Sanjay Boodoosingh, Anup Ramsundar, Sadanand Brahmadat and Purwa Joshua. Saturday, May 21 will feature singing by Dubraj Persad, Debashish Ramdath, Karishma Dowalt, Nirmala Seesnarayan, Veejai Ramkissoon, Moonilal Girdhari, and Rakesh Yankaran.
The major highlight of the month’s proceeding will be on Saturday, May 28 with an explosion of dance by Sandra Sookdeo, ZeeTV Shiv Shakti Dance Group, Khalnayak Dance Academy, Prem Shakti Dancers, Radha Krishna Dance Group, Kiss Natraj Dance, Nritya Sangam Dance Group, Susan Mohip, and the Nritanjali Dance Group.
Mangaroo pointed out that “this year’s presentation will demonstrate that Indian culture continues to shine, despite the showdown of the past two years caused by the Covid 19. We look forward to marking this 177th Indian Arrival Day, with renewed vigor and taste, as this program will enthrall the various audiences over the period.”
“Indian culture has added an additional genre to the cultural strength of our cosmopolitan society as it encompasses all sectors of the national citizenry. We continue to make an indisputable contribution to the cultural mosaic”, Mangaru added. A notable feature of this month was the unveiling of a Gandhi statute at Manmohanisngh Park, Cedros, remarks by Indian High Commissioner, Arun Kumar Sahu, and Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad Bissessar. The port of Cedros holds great historical significance as it was the point of disembarkation of some East Indians who first came here in 1845.
By PARAS RAMOUTAR