Indian performances for NCIC Arrival Day celebrations

In keeping with the 160th anniversary celebrations of the arrival of indentured labourers from India to TT, activities will take the form of performances at the Divali Nagar site in Charlieville, Chaguanas, on May 26 from 7 pm.

The programme was revealed by Deokinanan Sharma, president of the NCIC, as he spoke at a press conference held on the compound of the National Flour Mills (NFM) yesterday.

Customer service supervisor of NFM, Rampersad Samlal, took the opportunity to present a cheque for $10,000 to NCIC as a contribution for the hosting of this year’s Indian Arrival Day celebration.

Other activities of the NCIC for this year’s celebrations include a dinner and cultural show which is carded for May 27, with performances by the following artistes: Shivanand Maharaj, Narendra Maharaj, Sudesh Sooknarine, Taradath Sawh, Stephanie Quan Soon, Nirvana Dancers, and Mastana Bahar finalist Tricia Ramdhan. Tickets for the event will costs $125.

The celebrations will continue with a seminar which will be co-hosted by the Indian High Commission’s office, and the History Department of UWI. This is carded for May 28 from 9 am to 4 pm and will feature speakers of various countries.

The guest speakers include: Professors Mahin Gosine (New York), Verene Shepherd (Jamaica) Prem Misir (Guyana), Ved Nanda (USA), Kundan Tuteja (India), Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine (Virgin Islands), Ashook Ramasran (USA), Olivier Moonswammy (Guadeloupe), Rinia Doelahasorie (Suriname), and Sudhir Parikh.

A cultural show will take place from 7 - 9 pm with songs by the performing couple of Baal and Lily John and also Tej Ramlogan and Sattie Maharaj. The drama production "Freedom Road" will end the presentation.

Meanwhile, on May 28, the visiting Bihar performers will be on stage at the Barrackpore Secondary Comprehensive School from 7 - 9 pm.

On Sunday May 29, the NCIC will be hosting a concert for classical singers of TT including: Sam Boodram, Haniff Mohammed, and Solo Girdharie.

Dances will be performed by the Shri Devi Dancers led by Ria Soodeen and the United Village Dancers led by Lisa Samlal.

On the final day, May 30, the cultural programme will start at 4 pm and end at 10 pm with a parade through the streets of Chaguanas with accompaniment of tassa drumming by the Petrotrin Boodoosingh Tassa Group.

For the stage show, pannist, Rawle Motilal will also perform alongside the Anand Bhavan Ladies Chowtal Group.

Members of the TTEC Gayatones Orchestra led by Rishi Gayadeen will provide music for singers, Davindra Maharj, Nishard Sultan, Nadia Madoo, and Satnarine Ragoo.

Pichkaree winners Vijanti Ramoutar, Pooja Ramoutar and Mohip Poonwassie will also perform on the final night. The chief guest of this night will be attorney-at-law, Anand Ramlogan. The final day celebrations will be held under the patronage of the Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday.