Trinidad and Tobago is ascribed the label ‘Land of the Steel Pan, Calypso and Limbo’ but you and I know that it is much more. It is also the land of Yagyas, Poojas, Shiv Ratri, Phagwa, Divali … the land of Moonilal ‘Tole’ Ramnarine of Dil-e-Nadan fame and Anil Bheem, and the Bissoon family of El Dorado. Unfortunately, the government and Creole Society have chosen to ignore and suppress aspects of this culture. Millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money continue to be lavished on our Creole artistes all in the name of national culture while Indians artistes are denied. Despite this blatant bias and discrimination, Indian culture continues to flourish.
Throughout this country weekly readings from the scriptures are held without much fanfare. The Radha Govind Society has a packed itinerary from January 25 to February 12, 2023, that includes a Seven-Night Yagya, a Four-Night Yagya and a series of One-Day Satsanghs at various mandirs across the country.
The Dattatrya Mandir at Carapichaima also concluded a Seven-Night Yagya on 02nd February with a host of pandits officiating including Pandit Abedananda. Yagyas are also planned for Shiv Ratri (Feb. 17) at mandirs across the country including the California Hindu Mandir with Swami Prakashananda, Spiritual Head of the Chinmaya Mission (Trinidad) officiating.
With social media Hindus are well connected both culturally and spiritually. In addition to a rich cuisine to entice our taste buds, we have beautiful actresses like Kangana, Janvi and Kajol to reinforce fashion and beauty and Lil Champs on Zee TV to inspire our children.
Our saints and spiritual leaders like Sai Baba, Sadguru and Srila Prabhupada, founder of ISKON, are on social media to guide us on the path of devotion with moksha or salvation as the goal.
Politically we are inspired by the success of India that continues to rise both economically and culturally under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi who is not only developing the material fortune of India but also reigniting the spiritual values of our Hindu heritage.
In the world stage Hindus have all reasons to be proud with the articulate responses of the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs who excels in shaping a better place for Indians in the world.
I am not at all advocating a retreat or escape from the daily challenges that confront us. It is now time that we find inspiration from our culture and civilization to continue this fight not only for our survival but to help us flourish in this part of world.
The tributes paid to our artistes only demonstrates that we have a culture of gratitude and pride in our community. The tributes that continue to pour in for Anil Bheem only confirm that our youths are very much into the culture.
Let us not despair as we witness the squander mania associated with this bacchanal parading as national culture. As Hindus we must continue to keep our feet planted on the ground as we reach for the stars.