In tribute to our
ancestors By Sarada Singh TOMORROW commemorates the 170th Anniversary since the arrival of East Indian indentured immigrants in Guyana, the former British Guiana, a colony of Great Britain. HERE for sada roti: These
two men knew exactly what they wanted – hot “sada” roti and Baigan
choka. They were at the National Stadium for the start
of Indian immigration day celebrations. This day also celebrates the contributions of the Indian immigrants and their descendants’ efforts which spanned many facets of Guyana’s development, despite their numerous struggles.
For
over three quarters of a century (1838-1917), Indian indentured
labourers were imported from the sub-continent of India to the West
Indian colonies, ostensibly to fill the void created as a result of the
mass exodus of ex-slaves from plantation labour following the abolition
of the despicable system of slavery, and moreso, the premature
termination of the apprenticeship scheme in 1838. Their
descendants today comprise over 50 per cent of Guyana’s population of
over 750,000. Overall, where the English speaking Caribbean is
concerned, substantial numbers of indentured Indians were imported.
Based on statistical evidence, Guyana was the recipient of 239,909 East
Indian immigrants until the termination of the system in 1917; Trinidad
143,939; Jamaica 36,412; Grenada 3,033; St. Vincent 2,472; St. Lucia
4,354; and St. Kitts 337. In addition, the non-English speaking Caribbean imported Indian indentured labourers during this period. Of the French colonies (now French Overseas Departments) Martinique received 25,509; Guadelope 45,844 and French Guiana 19,276. Neighbouring Suriname, while under Dutch rule, imported a total of 35,501 immigrants. INSIDE a typical mandir of
long ago. Several of these have been set-up at the National
Stadium for Indian immigration celebrations
which continue today. Following
the abolition of slavery in 1834 and the termination of the
apprenticeship system in 1838, a state of fear, uncertainty and gloom
was uppermost in the minds of the then British Guianese planters. They
were very conscious that a grave labour shortage on the estates would
certainly mean economic disaster to themselves and the sugar industry in
general. The mass exodus of ex-slaves from the plantations during this crucial period of ‘crisis and change’ merely served to confirm planters’ fear and uneasiness. This movement was not entirely surprising as several decades of slavery had resulted in the plantation being seen as the symbol of dehumanisation, degradation and demoralisation, and the victims, quite naturally wanted to rid themselves of white planter class, social, cultural and political domination, and to assert their economic independence. With great enthusiasm and in the face of tremendous odds, they started the village movement and peasantry. A panchayat (village court) in
session at the National Stadium. Have a case to plead? The
importation of indentured labourers from the Indian sub-continent was
part of the continuing search for a reliable labour force to meet the
needs of the powerful plantocracy. In the case of Guyana, East Indian
immigration had its origin in the ‘Gladstone Experiment’. John
Gladstone, father of British statesman William Gladstone, was the owner
of the West Demerara plantations, Vreed-en-Hoop and Vreed-en-Stein, at
this juncture of the country’s history. INDO-GUYANESE
CONTRIBUTION These folks mused at the cow
tied in the “cow pen” at the National Stadium. The fun continues
today. Guyanese
of Indian origin are largely responsible for the prominence of
Guyana’s rice industry. The Indian indentured labourers in the late
19th and early 20th Centuries began to cultivate rice on a large scale
and this was linked to the almost exclusive Indian village settlements
which emerged at the time. They are integrally involved in cattle
rearing, the selling of milk, and cash crop farming. Ever
since the 1880s, Indian immigrants have displayed a high occupational
profile in a number of off-plantation economic activities including
cab-drivers, barbers, tailors, carpenters, boat-builders, charcoal
makers, sieve-makers, goldsmiths, porters, small scale manufacturers and
fishermen. Today,
Guyanese of Indian origin are found in every sphere of activity
including business, the professional class, politics, religion and trade
unions. East
Indian immigrants and their descendants have ensured there is a rich
cultural heritage in this multi-cultural and pluralistic society of
ours. Indian customs, values and traditions have survived over the
years. They brought with them their main religions, Hinduism and Islam. CUSTOMS A woman makes
“sada” roti at the National Stadium. Can serve it up with Baigan
choka! The Ramayan, the Bhagwat Gita and the Holy Quran are prized holy books in
many households today. A
significant contribution is in the area of dress. Traditional Indian
wear such as the shalwar, sari, kurta and dhoti are popular today. Some
of these have taken on nationalistic flavour. The Indian ritual marriage
form and the extended family system have continued over time with very
few changes. Indian
music, songs, films dance and other art forms have taken root in
Guyanese society. Indian foods like roti, puri, curry, dhal, pholouri, bara, keer and vegetable dishes are regularly consumed by every ethnic group in society.
Indian
festivals are widely celebrated too. These include the colourful Phagwah,
Deepavali (festival of lights), Ramnoumi, Shiv-Ratri, Youman Nabi,
Eid-ul-Fitr. Four of these are today celebrated as truly Guyanese
national holidays, a testimony to their significance. Hindus and Muslims regularly perform their religious or thanksgiving ceremonies. Evidence of this development among Hindus is reflected in the numerous Jhandi and other flags and Murtis which are proudly displayed in devotees’ yards and homes respectively.
East
Indian immigrants and their descendants were able to survive largely due
to their resilience, perseverance, custom, tradition and commitment to
family which invariably promotes thrift, industry and self-esteem. They
continue to make valuable contributions to the overall progress and
development of Guyana. Their strong cultural ties are undoubtedly a
motivating factor, as they march forward into this new millennium of
ours with a great sense of purpose and maturity. After all, Guyana relentlessly seeks to have greater economic benefits, socio-political stability and national cohesiveness at this juncture of its history. All its people are faced with this ongoing struggle in the face of harsh global realities. Sunday,
May 04, 2008
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