TT/India ties strong

So said new Indian High Commissioner to TT Shri Bishwadip Dey as he delivered the feature address Monday night, at his first taste of the Divali Nagar in Chaguanas. Dey said it was very heartening to know that the “real strength” of the Indian community is in its ability to adapt to the new world and take the best of all traditions.

“Today I find assimilation of all groups together, yet preserving their own special cultural identity, as a unique feature of the Indian Diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago.

The assimilation or integration was not an easy task under colonial rule but it was skillfully done,” Dey said.

Relations between both countries go back to May 1845 when the first ship - the Fatel Rozackbrought 225 East Indian indentured workers to the shores of Trinidad. Dey charged that people of Indian descent, who came to Trinidad from 1845 to 1917, “barely” carried any possessions, except the message of goodwill, friendship and religious books such as the Ramayan, Bhagwad Gita and Q’uran.

Dey paraphrased words of this country’s first Prime Minister, Dr Eric Williams, saying: “He enunciated on your Independence Day ( August 31, 1962) that a nation was founded, but a society was yet to be formed. I think the late Prime Minister had pontificated about Divali Nagar.” Dey applauded the NCIC for its role in showcasing the Indian culture in TT and the Caribbean region.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Ganga Maa - Sacred River.” Expressing delight over the theme chosen, Dey highlighted that River Ganga is the most important river of India and is one of the longest rivers in Asia.

That river, he added, is used for integration, transportation, hydroelectricity and fishing. Since celebrations began at the Divali Nagar’s site last week Thursday, scores of Hindu devotees and other persons have visited. Apart from the religious events at the site, several booths have been set up.

The Indian High Commission has also established a booth, which Dey said, is to bring “the commission closer to the people and serve them in a better manner”.

Senior officials volunteered to make themselves available to the public and Dey promised that he too will be “manning the booth at internals”.

NCIC officials honoured former Independent Senator Dr Kriyaan Singh for his contributions to social services and animal care.

In receiving a plaque, Singh, who operates a Veterinary Clinic at La Romaine, called on the gathering to always see the good in everyone.