The journey of our forefathers

Today we mark the 172nd anniversary of the arrival of our forefathers from the different parts of ancestral homeland — Calcutta (now Kolkata), Madras (now Chennai), and Pondicherry — as indentured labourers.

The first batch of indentured workers arrived in Trinidad on May 1845 aboard the historic Fatel Razack.

The final set arrived in 1917 aboard the SS Ganges and SS Mutlah.

Indentureship was discontinued in 1923. It must be noted the Indian labour force helped in the economic development of Trinidad in the sugar plantation industry.

Their journey was long, tedious, arduous and inhumane.

Many died during the passage across the kala pani or black water.

Their living conditions and accommodations were deplorable.

They were sent to various estates on the request of the British rulers.

Our Indian forebears brought with them customs and norms, clothing, jewelry, religion, dance, music and food.

The rich culture, history and traditions we all enjoy and practise today are a direct result of their strict adherence to dharma and Sanskrit.

The language of communication used by our forefathers then was the Bhojpuri dialect which has been replaced by Hindi and Urdu.

Hinduism and Islam, two of the world’s great religions, were introduced to Trinidad by our forebears.

It was not until 1995, 22 years ago, that Indian Arrival Day was made a public holiday.

On this auspicious day, which is both historical and sentimental, we must always be proud of our Indianness and culture.

Though we have practised different forms of religion and worship, the one common or relevant conduit/factoid we can never deny or change is that we are all Indians.

Vanishka Maharaj Asja Girls’ College Charlieville