The struggle of our Indian ancestors who were brought to Guyana and forced to work on the sugar plantations, will once again be remembered through planned events on May 5, the official day designated annually to reminisce as a nation on their contributions to the country.
The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), the national body with the mandate of planning activities in observance of the historical period during which our East Indian fore parents came as indentured labourers, will be hosting three major concerts to commemorate Indian Immigration Day in Guyana.
Executive member of the IAC, Aditya Persaud, told Guyana Inc. that it is integral for the committee to ensure the rich history of all ethnic and cultural groups are kept alive, for which such observances, as the Indian Immigration Day, were established to achieve.
He highlighted three points which are considered key in the Indian Culture- “Know where you came from, know where you are now and know where you are going”. He added that it is in this regard that Guyana’s rich history needs to be upheld.
As such, to keep the knowledge alive in the minds of the elderly and educate the younger generation, the Indian Arrival Day 2015 activities will be held under the theme “Hamara Guyana”, which means “Our Guyana”.
The first concert will get underway at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on May 1, 2015, followed by May 2 at the Anna Regina Community Ground and on the holiday itself- May 5, at Berbice.
Persaud noted that the holiday is being observed officially in Berbice because it is where the indentured labourers landed 177 years ago.
All three concerts will adopt a similar pattern as Guyanese of East Indian descent gather to celebrate the heritage of their ancestors.
The concert line-up will feature story telling, booths showcasing various aspects of the Indian culture varying from food to instruments to books and apparel.
Another main attraction will be a pictorial exhibition, depicting in black and white and then in colour, the transition and development Guyana underwent from the time of our Indian ancestors until now.
Additionally, as with any concert, there will be singing, musical renditions, dances, poetry and other cultural presentations.
Persaud noted that all events are done with the aim of educating youths about their rich history, as well as stimulating interest among the Guyanese population to learn and embrace their culture.
The IAC Executive Member noted that all performances will be done by Guyanese, as part of an effort to embrace local Indian talent.
Apart from the three major concerts, the IAC is expected to host a lecture series highlighting the importance the indentured group has had on Guyana’s development.
“Our fore parents have gone through serious times and hardships which we would have never been able to experience. They had to struggle on the sugar plantations without an option. Youths of today have many opportunities available because of a free society”, Persaud pointed out.
He added that “All of this was made possible through a long, harsh process of indentureship”.
Despite the fact that the IAC is the official host of the events to mark Indian Arrival Day, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will also host a number of events to mark the 177th anniversary come May 5, 2015