YATRA (The Journey) Vol. 2, Issue 1 January - February, 2010 Bimonthly Journal of the From the High High Commission of India, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Commissioner’s desk Editor-in-Chief Malay Mishra Dear Reader, Editor Nelson Mandela, the indefatigable fighter of contemporary times and a self-pro - R. Shanker claimed disciple of the Mahatma, called him the ‘Sacred Warrior’ while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, speaking at the Inaugural Plenary of the centenary celebration of Support team Satyagraha in New Delhi said, P.K. Sharma “As long as we live in a world of conflict, as long as human societies are divid - Jayashree Suresh ed by differences, as long as people resort to might to assert their right, there will always be a Gandhian to remind us of the power of truth, of love, of compassion, Contributors of peace…. As long as the ‘idea of India’ lives in our hearts and minds, the legacy Ramjass Ramlakhan of the Mahatma will live on. This ‘idea of India’ is the idea of ‘unity in diversity’, Ranjan K. Baruah Paras Ramoutar the idea of pluralism, the idea that there need be no ‘conflict of civilisations’. In a Dr. Vashti Singh world enveloped by the darkness of conflict and hatred, these ideas come as rays of Patricia Mohammed sunshine, lighting up our lives, giving us hope, renewing our faith in our common Sharda Maharaj humanity.” Shyam Saran Speaking at the feet of the Mahatma under a resplendent full moon in Gandhi K. Jayaraman Village in the deep South of Trinidad, the idea of India came alive as I exhorted the Aroonim Bhuyan assembled gathering to discover the abiding values, which Bapu stood for all his life K.R. Wadhwaney and that which continue to nourish humankind 62 years after he had passed into eter - Radhakrishna Rao nity, as the eternal gospel of all times. Swami Prakashananda The day began with planting of a peepal and neem at Kew Place in the heart of D.P. Singh Port of Spain under the benign shadow of the tallest personality the world has seen, Dr. Kiran Singh then moved on to the National Library where a reference section on Gandhiana Snehprabha Saxena Tony Musai would enlighten the minds and intellects of the population of this wonderful rain - Sunita Panday bow country. The New Year has augured well with the visit of a small enterprise delegation from India to share best practices and entrepreneurial ideas to stakeholders in both government and private sector in Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and Dominica with a view to diversifying economies, generating business and creating employment. The cultures of our two countries have found more ground to dialogue and resonate and the Cultural Centre project is beginning to take definite shape with the welcome swift - Yatra is a bi-monthly journal pub - ness of decision makers who have descended on Trinidad in quick succession to gal - lished by the information Wing of vanise the initiative. A beginning made in the right direction, followed by finding the High Commission of India, Port commonalities in the sharing of democratic values as the most vibrant and diverse, of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. It is largest free market democracy of the world turns sixty. also available Online on the Mission’s Website. Three cheers to the Indian Republic and to the aspirations of a billion plus pop - ulation to find their rightful place under the sun, as the world watches in awe at the The views expressed are those of greatest socio-economic transformation uplifting one sixth of humanity in the mam - the author and not necessarily of moth experiment of representative governance. the High Commission of India, Port And our Yatra continues. of Spain. Welcome 2010….

Reproduction in any manner with - out prior permission of the High Commission is prohibited.

2 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain Contents

04 05 09

22 25 27

Republic Day ...... Page 4

Bilateral ...... Page 5

Cultural Events by MGICC ...... Page 9

Business ...... Page 10

Economy ...... Page 11

Feature ...... Page 13

Diaspora ...... Page 16

Know India Programme ...... Page 19

Science ...... Page 20

Sports ...... Page 21

Dance ...... Page 22

Spirituality ...... Page 24

Hindi Section ...... Page 25

Photo Gallery ...... Page 27

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 3 REPUBLIC DAY

INDIA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF BEING A REPUBLIC As the nation celebrates its 60 years of being a Republic on 26 January, it is an occasion to remember that this was the day the country adopted its constitution. A glimpse of the Republic Day parade in the capital. BY VISHNU MAKHIJANI ized. The significance of this can be gauged from the fact that within three years of independence, India guaranteed the vote to women across the spectrum - something it took a nation like the United States a century and a half to achieve. India thus became the first British colony to gain independence and to become a Republic, when even today nations like Australia, Canada and New Zealand owe their allegiance to the British Crown through their respective Governors General. In declaring itself a Republic, India also sent out a powerful message that it was second to none in the world and that the majority of its people might be poor and unlettered but they were certainly not uneducated or unin - There’s the pageantry and the pomp The country also got its first formed. This was the legacy of the free - but it’s not just a party. As India cele - President in Dr. Rajendra Prasad and the dom movement led by stalwarts like brates its 60 years of being a Republic nomenclature of the Viceregal Lodge Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and this 26 Jan, it also is an occasion for the changed to Rashtrapati Bhavan or the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad that allowed nation to remember the day it shed the presidential palace. What the Indians to look at themselves from a last vestiges of colonialism and adopted Constitution did was to spread egalitari - global perspective. What then, does the the Constitution that laid the framework anism across the land and formalise adult Constitution, whose drafting began on 6 for the "sovereign, socialist, secular, dem - Dec 1946, with the Constituent ocratic Republic" that it is today. Assembly being called into session, guar - Independence from the British rule came antee to the Indian people? on 15 Aug 1947, but it was not until 26 Two key elements stand out: the Jan 1950, that it became a truly free Fundamental Rights that enable the peo - nation - free to chart its course its own ple to live without fear or discrimination way. Till then, the head of Indian state in a democratic set-up and the Directive still was the British Crown represented in Principles of State Policy that are not what was then called the Viceregal Lodge The Constitution of India obligatory but are intended to serve as a by a Governor General. guide to what successive governments All that changed on 26 Jan 1950. Not guarantees all Indians should attempt to implement. One of only did India come out of the purview Six fundamental rights. the Directive Principles requires the of the Crown to become a Republic but This is also another day equitable distribution of resources of it also adopted a Constitution that for the production among all citizens and pre - first time codified the rights and duties of when the tricolour is vention of concentration of wealth in citizens and the manner in which the unfurled the hands of a few. government would protect these and The Constitution guarantees all administer the country. Once the franchise for all those over 18 without Indians six Fundamental Rights: Constitution came into being, the post of discrimination of gender, caste, colour, • Right to Equality - Since every Governor-General was done away with creed or religion. It is not that women Indian is born equal, they are all to and replaced with the President, who could not vote before 26 Jan 1950 – till be treated equally. All citizens are since then has presided over an annual then, however, the right was confined equal before law and there is no dis - parade that showcases India’s military only to the rich and the feudal classes and crimination on the basis of caste, and cultural prowess every Republic Day was certainly not available to those in the religion, sex or place of birth. in New Delhi. lower strata of society or the marginal - • Right to Freedom - Freedom of

4 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain REPUBLIC DAY

an individual is the essence of democracy and all Indians quate means of livelihood, make all material resources benefi - have freedom of thought and equal rights to freedom of cial to the common good, prevent concentration of wealth, speech and expression. ensure both men and women get equal pay for equal work, pro - • Right against Exploitation - No individual can be forced vide for free legal aid to the poor, promote cottage industries, or compelled to work without wages. and provide free and compulsory education for children up to • Right to Freedom of Religion - Citizens have the right 14 years of age. to follow their religion and all religions are treated alike. With the Republic grounded in a Constitution as all encom - Religious bodies have the freedom to manage their affairs. passing as this, it is but natural that 26 Jan is celebrated with a • Cultural and Educational Rights - With India being a grand parade in the national capital that blends the might of the land of many languages, scripts and cultures, there are armed forces and the paramilitary forces with the rich and many minority groups and their rights are ensured. diverse culture of the country and showcases the talent of the • Right to Constitutional Remedies - This enables citi - country’s youth. zens to directly petition the Supreme Court if their Other countries do have military parades and there are Fundamental Rights are violated. events like the Samba Carnival in Rio de Janeiro or the Mayor’s Till the 1970s, these rights were open to judicial review and Parade in London but nowhere else do the multifarious aspects early in the decade, they were placed in the Ninth Schedule of of a nation come together at one event. Truly does the Republic the Constitution to take them out of the purview of the courts. Day Parade, both in its scale and concept, serve as a shining This made Fundamental Rights inviolable and sacrosanct. example of India’s ‘Unity in Diversity’, a phrase the country’s As for the Directive Principles of State Policy, these enjoin first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru used to describe the myr - O the government to, among others, secure for all citizens ade - iad strands that bind this nation together.

BILATERAL

HIGH COMMISSIONER’S VISIT TO GRENADA

PM Tilman Thomas & HC with members of the H C presenting a gift to Minister for Carriacou SME delegation with FM Peter David, HC & Indian SME delegation and Shri Anurag Sinha. and Petit Martinique George Prime. Permanent Secy. Sibyl Alexandr (on right) High Commissioner Malay Mishra visited Grenada along with a 3-member SME delegation from 20-22 January 2010. On 20 January, he visited the site of Indian Arrival at Irvine’s Bay. The India-Grenada Heritage Foundation is planning to instal a plaque on the site. The Foundation has submitted a proposal for development of the site to the Government. The Foundation celebrated Indian Arrival Day on 1st May last year, for the first time as a national celebration and intends to hold a similar event this year too.

HC & IT Expert Anurag Sinha in front of the multipurpose Centre (IT Finance Minister Nazim Burke & HC with SME delegates Resource Centre), Carriacou set up with Shri Sinha’s assistance.

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 5 BILATERAL

HC at the Sauters Cliff A Panoramic View of Carriacou island High Commissioner also visited the sister island of ship Scheme, agriculture and agro-industries, SMEs, Diaspora, Carriacou. The biggest problem in Caribbean is scarcity of visit of cultural troupes, etc. Foreign Minister Peter David fresh water. It has been suggested sought assistance for their newly that a feasibility study could be created Diaspora Division in send - conducted to develop a reverse ing a delegation to India to have an osmosis plant to convert sea water idea of policies and initiatives of into fresh potable water. Minister the Ministry of Indian Overseas for Carriacou and Petit Martinique, Affairs harnessing in the Indian George Prime sought Indian assis - diaspora for national development tance in boat-building and live - as well as catering to its needs and stock breeding. expectation. High Commissioner also met The accompanying SME dele - Prime Minister of Grenada, Tilman gation had useful interaction with Thomas, as well as Ministers of Grenada Industrial Development Finance, Foreign Affairs, Corporation (GIDC). A MoU Agriculture and Education. He dis - between National Small Industries cussed diverse areas of collabora - A Carib Stone Painting Corporation (NSIC) was pro - tion between the two countries such as setting up of ICT posed and several areas for investment by Indian entrepre - Centre, Training under ITEC Programme and ICCR scholar - neurs were identified. O

VISIT TO NELSON ISLAND High Commissioner indentured workers from Malay Mishra undertook a 1866 to 1917 and even after visit to Nelson Island on emigration of labor was 17 December 2009. The stopped, for Indians to visit was facilitated by the return back to India. National Heritage Trust Incoming Indians were kept which falls under the on quarantine for one to Ministry of Community two weeks on the island Development, Culture and before being transported to Gender Affairs. Mr. different sugarcane planta - Samshu Deen, Chairman tions in the mainland of of the National Trust Trinidad and a few even to along with Mr. Ryan Tobago to work in sugar - Michel from the Ministry cane and cocoa plantations. of Works accompanied HC The island has been on the visit. declared as a National The Nelson Island was Heritage site and its restora - used as an immigration and tion has been taken up by landing point for Indian the local govt. HC, SS (P&I) & officials of Ministry of Works on Nelson Island.

6 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain BILATERAL

HC flanked by noted genealogist Shamshu Deen and Shri R. Shanker on Site of the Jetty where boats carrying indentured Indians landed. the 1st floor of the building which sheltered women and children. HC & Shamshu Deen in the foreground. Under the restoration project the local govt. has construct - Adjacent to it is the main two storey building which was ed a pathway which encircles the island. There are remains of constructed in 1802 AD as per the inscription on the front one building which used to serve as a hospital. At present only wall. The ground floor of this building was used for lodging a few pillars of the building exist and the rest of the structure male Indian indentured workers while the first floor was used has got destroyed over the years. Adjacent to this area is by females and children. The T&T govt. has plans to convert another dilapidated building which was used to house guns to the first floor of the building into a museum. The restoration protect the island from intruders. The gun house was used by work of this building is to be taken up in the next phase. The the Americans during the Second World War in addition to building had been used to house Indian labour, those who their base in Chaguaramas in Trinidad. Nearby this structure have been the forebearers of India’s culture and heritage on exist two other buildings, a single storey building which was this soil and therefore, has a deep motional and cultural value, later on converted into confinement cells where detainees besides a historical need to preserve the building and convert involved in the Black Power Revolution of 1970 were kept. it into a monument. O

REPUBLIC DAY

INDIA CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF BEING A REPUBLIC The celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of India being a Republic started at 9 AM on 26 January at India House with the flag hoisting by the High Commissioner H.E. Malay Mishra followed by the National Anthem and reading of President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil’s Message to the Nation. While extending greetings to the people of India including those living abroad, the President reminded that this year marks the completion of six decades of working, striving and, all along, being guided by the principles and objectives of the Constitution that was framed after careful deliberations and adopted in 1950. She recalled the speech of Mahatma Gandhi at the launch of the Quit India Movement on 8 August 1942, where he said that power, when it comes, will belong to the people of India.The wish of the Father of the Nation found expression in the very opening words of the Constitution - We, the people of India. This was a strong affirmation that the impulses of the nation and its future would be guided by its people. They would reflect their aspi - HC hoisting the National Flag rations and choices, through democratic means. They would

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 7 REPUBLIC DAY

Students of MGICC signing patriotic song HC welcoming UNC Party Chairman Mr. Jack Warner, Mrs. Mishra on right

FM Paula Gopee Scoon addressing the gathering HC flanked by Agriculture Minister Arnold Piggot & FM Gopee Scoon

also enjoy the fundamental rights that guarantee their free - entrepreneurship that has given rise to a technological revolu - doms and dignity. Today is a reminder that upholding the tion in India. values, determining the direction and propelling the growth Clarifying India’s stand on climate change he said that of our nation is a task that must be fulfilled by every citizen India’s position has been unique as it has played an active role of the country. in finalising the Copenhagen Accord, even though India’s Later on the students and teachers of Mahatma Gandhi dilemma is how to reconcile demand for development with the Institute for Cultural Cooperation recited patriotic songs which pressure of the world to reduce greenhouse gases which is a big were appreciated by the gathering of more than 100 persons task for us. He added that India’s position was far different as drawn from various walks of life including representatives of compared to other developed countries, as nearly 50% of the various socio-cultural organisations who had assembled to cel - population was still living without electricity. ebrate the Republic Day. In her address Foreign Minister Paula Gopee Scoon praised In the evening a reception was hosted by the High the High Commissioner on strengthening the cultural, trade and Commissioner which was attended by more than 300 people educational links between the two countries. She stated that she including Honourable Speaker of the Hose Mr. Barry Sinanan, was looking forward to the inaugural meeting of the TT-India Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister Joint Commission scheduled to be held in New Delhi which of Agriculture Mr. Arnold A Piggott, Chairman UNC Mr. Jack will cover wide range of fields i.e. from technical cooperation to Warner, COP Leader Mr. Winston Dookaran, MP Mr. Vasant culture through education, trade, agriculture and industry Bharath and COP Deputy Leader Mr. Prakash Ramadhar, including oil and natural gas. members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior government officials The distinguished guests were entertained by a captivating and other dignitaries and media persons. performance presented by the artists from Trinidad Addressing the distinguished gathering, High Entertainment Company. The troupe was sponsored by Commissioner stressed that the Constitution of India as a Indian Council for Cultural Relations to visit India where it Sovereign Democratic Republic was unique, indigenous to gave performance in five cities and mesmerized the audience. India, being neither imported nor copied from other countries. The Indian media carried several articles praising their per - He remarked that despite the global downturn the largest formance and how they had won the hearts of the Indian democracy in the world has been able to unshackle the spirit of youths. O

8 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain CULTURAL EVENTS ORGANISED BY MGICC

04 December 2009 27 – 29 January 2010 Launching of MGICC’s Outreach Centre in Tobago Official Visit of DG ICCR to Trinidad and Tobago The official launching of MGICC’s Outreach Centre at the Director General, ICCR, Mr. Virendra Gupta, visited Community Centre at Scarborough was done by the High Trinidad to discuss various matters pertaining to the Commissioner in the presence of Mr. Orville London, Chief MGICC project at Mt. Hope and other administrative Secretary, Tobago House of Assembly, Ms. Rayan Ramoutar, issues, with the High Commissioner of India and Director, President and executive members of Tobago Hindu Society MGICC. During his visit, DG, ICCR, paid a courtesy call and others. A total of 21 students got themselves registered. on Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, Hon’ble Ms. Marlene McDonald. 15-17 December 2009 Visit Of A 5-Member Bharatanatyam Dance Troupe Led By Priya Venkataraman MGICC organized cultural performance of a 5-member Bharatanatyam dance troupe led by Ms. Priya Venkataraman, in collaboration with the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) at Diwali Nagar, Chaguanas. Priya rendered a scintillat - ing performance to the delight of a packed audience.

25 December 2009 43rd Anniversary of Bharatiya Vidya Sansthan Bharatiya Vidya Sansthan (BVS) celebrated its 43rd anniver - sary. The Sansthan was founded by Prof. Adesh and has been working actively for the last 43 years in the promotion of Indian culture and values in Trinidad & Tobago. High Commissioner addressed the gathering at the anniversary cele - DG ICCR with noted artistes Sat & Mondira Balkaransingh and Mungal Patessar, Vice President of Nrityanjali Theatre bration. BVS also organised its Annual Youth Camp on 25 Mr. Narayanan in the background. December 2009 with a march past by the youth and rendering of patriotic songs in Hindi. 30 January 2010 Martyrdom Day / Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi The High Commission of India observed the 62nd Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi by paying a floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi followed by singing of bhajans / devo - tional songs by the teachers and students of Mahatma Gandhi, at Gandhi Square, Kew Place, Port of Spain. Minister of Information Hon’ble Mr. Neil Parsanlal, Mayor of Port of Spain, Mr. Murchison Browne and High Commissioner of India graced the occasion with their presence and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Members of the India - Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Officers and Staff of the High Commission of India and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation (MGICC), along Prof. Adesh, Founder of Bharatiya Vidya Sansthan presenting award on with their family members were present. the occasion of the 43rd Anniversary of BVS. After paying tribute to Gandhiji, Minister Parsanlal along (HC & Mrs. Mishra are seated ). with the Mayor and HC planted two saplings of Neem and Peepal in the park. They then proceeded to the National Library and Information System (NALIS) where High Commissioner presented a set of books on the life and teach - ings of Mahatma Gandhi to Minister Parsanlal in the pres - ence of Mrs. Wallace, Executive Director of NALIS and other guests. Later on, the same evening, the High Commission of India and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation (MGICC) in association with the Mahatma Gandhi Charitable Foundation, Debe and the Gandhi Seva Sangh, San Fernando observed the 62nd Death Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Martyr’s Day by paying floral tribute to the Mahatma HC addressing the Annual Youth Camp at BVS. Gandhi followed by singing of bhajans/devotional songs by

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 9 CULTURAL EVENTS ORGANISED BY MGICC

the teachers and students of Gandhi Village, Debe. Various dig - 20 February 2010 nitaries spoke on the occasion including Ms. Kamla Persad- World Hindi Day Bissesar, the newly elected leader of UNC Party, who was pass - The same day the High Commission will observe the World ing through Debe in a victory rally. Hindi Day (Vishwa Hindi Diwas) at India House.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS 27-28 February 2010 20 February 2010 Visit of a composite Folk Dance & Music group from Uttar Kala Sandhya Pradesh (India) to Trinidad and Tobago and other neighboring The MGICC in collaboration with our Outreach Centre, countries in the region Trinidad Sevashram Sangha Inc. (TSSI) will organize its As in the past Holi Festival/Phagwah will be celebrated Monthly Cultural Programme/Lecture Demonstration “KALA with gusto at the MGICC. To mark the event, a 10-mem - SANDHYA”, where performances would be given by MGICC ber composite folk dance and music group from Uttar teachers-cum-performers with their students and the students Pradesh (UP) sponsored by the ICCR, will visit Trinidad of our Outreach Centre Trinidad Sevashram Sangha Inc., and Tobago, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat and other Couva at the premises of MGICC, Couva. countries in the region. O

BUSINESS VISIT OF MSME DELEGATION TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

A 7-Member MSME Delegation led a) Provision of consultancy services by Mr. Dinesh Rai, Secretary Ministry of for capacity building and develop - Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, ment of a policy framework for Government of India paid a visit to MSE development. Trinidad & Tobago from 17 – 23 January b) Technical support for the develop - 2010 at the invitation of the T&T ment of MSE policy and pro - Ministry of Labour and SMEs. The visit grammes. took place as part of the T&T c) Setting up of businesses incubator Government’s celebration of January as centres at different places in Small Business month. SME delegates and members of India - T&T Trinidad & Tobago. Chamber at India House. The Delegation included two senior d) Dissemination of profiles of MSEs in officials from the National Small Industries the Caribbean on the Indian web por - Corporation (NSIC) in addition to a 6- tal www.nsicpartners.com which member Business group from different will permit access to its database on sectors such as Industry and Automobile plant equipment and machinery. Components / Lubricants, Baking e) Joint ventures and technology Machinery, Bio-Agricultural Components exchange including the facilitation (Bio-Organic Manure, Bio Fertilizers etc.), of Caribbean business delegations Ayurvedic / Veterinary Products, Machine in India. Components, Pickling Tanks, Printing and f) Facilitation of enterprise to enter - Material Ground Handling Equipment & Secretary MSME presenting a gift to Mrs. Gargi prise cooperation in sectors such as Kaul Mishra. Shri M.P. Bhardwaj, Second Office Furniture. auto components, agro and Secretary on left. The delegation had useful meetings food–processing, pharmaceuticals, with the T&T Minister of Labour and on 22 January. The Delegation also visit - chemicals, light engineering, plastics, Small and Micro Enterprises Development ed Tobago from 21-22 January, 2010 and leather articles and electrical compo - - Hon. Rennie Dumas wherein a presenta - held meetings with the Chief Secretary nents (or any other sector ); and tion was made by the delegation on the and other Secretaries in the Tobago g) Exchange of sector - specific MSE methodology for establishment of busi - House of Assembly as well as various trade delegations between India and ness incubators. Discussions were also Stakeholders. Trinidad and Tobago held on establishment of incubator models The visit to Trinidad & Tobago cul - Part of the Delegation travelled in Trinidad & Tobago. minated in signing of a joint commu - to Grenada on 21-22 January and to The Indian delegation participated in niqué between the T&T Ministry of Dominica on 24-25 January, 2010 business to business meetings as well as Labour and SMEs and the Indian and met senior Government func - in the Stakeholders Forum at San Ministry of MSMEs. Both sides agreed tionaries and SME stakeholders in Fernando on 20 January and at Tobago to co-operate in the following areas: these countries. O

10 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain ECONOMY

INDIAN ECONOMY: OVERVIEW The Indian economy is set to grow between 7 per cent and expectation that it will resume its high growth path. The global 7.5 per cent in the current fiscal, according to Dr C Rangarajan, credit rating major also held out the possibility of upgrade of Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council the local currency bond rating. (PMEAC). The mid-year review has projected a growth rate of Simultaneously, the agency also raised the ceiling on banks’ 7.75 per cent for the fiscal. foreign currency deposits to ‘Ba1’ from ‘Ba2’ to reflect the India’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 7.9 per cent robust external position of India better. Both ‘Ba1 and ‘Ba2’ during July-September 2009, up from 6.1 per cent in the previ - ratings, according to Moody’s definition, fall in the speculative ous quarter, as per data released by the Central Statistical grade category. Organisation (CSO). According to the latest estimates available Of the more than 200 companies from over 50 countries on the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), the index of min - that form part of the World Economic Forum’s Global Growth ing, manufacturing and electricity, registered growth rates of 9.5 Companies (GGC) Community, India today has the second per cent, 9.2 per cent and 7.5 per cent, respectively in Q2 of largest representation, with a total of 18 GGCs. Indian GGCs 2009-10, as compared to the growth rates of 3.8 per cent, 4.9 come from every sector, with a strong representation in infor - per cent and 3.2 per cent in these industries in Q2 of 2008-09. mation technology and electronics, retail, consumer goods and The key indicators of construction sector, namely, cement and banking. finished steel registered growth rates of 12.6 per cent and 2.1 The GGC Community was formed to engage high-growth per cent, respectively in Q2 of 2009-10, as against the growth companies with the potential to be tomorrow’s industry leaders rates of 5.2 per cent and 3.8 per cent, respectively in Q2 of and drive economic and social change. 2008-09. India ranks 49 among 133 countries in 2009-10 in the glob - al competitiveness index (GCI) prepared by the World The Economic scenario Economic Forum (WEF), an improvement of one position Overseas investors have infused US$ 816.69 million into the from last year. India’s position is a result of mixed performance stock market in the first trading week of 2010, reflecting a pos - across 12 categories covered by the GCI. itive start for the year after record inflows in the last year. FIIs India’s trade confidence remains higher than the regional were net investors of US$ 973.22 million in debt instruments in average as small and mid-market business in India continue to the first trading week of the year, according to the data released be optimistic about their trade outlook, as indicated by the lat - by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The wealth est HSBC Trade Confidence Index, which covers a total of 12 of foreign institutional investors (FIIs) in leading Indian com - markets, including key economies in the Asia-Pacific region. panies now stands at more than double the level a year ago, vin - The businesses surveyed continued to be confident with an dicating India’s image of being a safe and lucrative investment Index of 117, an increase over the second quarter index of 115. destination. The prospect of a global economy recovery has driven con - Consumers in India continued to be optimistic slightly more fidence across the board, supported by a sustained confidence than what they were six months ago, as per a latest MasterCard in the domestic economy, says a survey conducted in September Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence survey. "In India by JP Morgan Asset Management, in association with consumers are more optimistic than six months ago (68.0) and ValueNotes, a market research company. a year ago (63.9)," said the study. Additionally, India ranks sec - • Net capital inflows into India during the current fiscal will ond with 117 points in consumer confidence in the fourth quar - be about US$ 50 billion, said Dr C. Rangarajan, Chairman ter of 2009, according to the Nielsen Global Consumer of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council Confidence survey. The survey results indicate that the recovery (PMEAC), on the sidelines of an OECD-India symposium from the global economic downturn is faster in India as com - co-hosted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation pared with other countries in the world. and Development and ICRIER. The year 2008-09 saw a Global ratings firm Moody’s has upgraded long-term for - net capital outflow from the economy. eign currency (FC) deposit ratings of 14 Indian banks, includ - • After purchasing 200 tonne gold from IMF, India has now ing the country’s largest bank. State Bank of India (SBI), by one the highest gold reserves as a percentage of total forex notch to Ba1 from Ba2 with a stable outlook. This reflects a reserves, among the BRIC nations. India has US$ 17.5-bil - slight improvement in the credit quality of the rated entities. lion worth gold reserves, which is 6.66 per cent of its total This move has come in wake of the revision in India’s sovereign forex reserves estimated at US$ 262.9 billion as on outlook by the ratings firm. Among the banks which would be November 13, 2009. benefited by the ratings decision include Axis Bank, Bank of • According to data released by the market regulator SEBI, Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, FIIs transferred a record US$ 17.46 billion in domestic Export-Import Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI equities during the calendar year 2009. This FII investment Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Punjab National Bank, in 2009 proved to be the highest ever inflow in the coun - State Bank of India, Syndicate Bank and Union Bank of India. try in rupee terms in a single year, breaking the previous India’s local currency rating outlook has been raised to ‘pos - high of US$ 14.96 billion parked by foreign fund houses in itive’ from ‘stable’ by Moody’s Investors Service on the back of domestic equities in 2007. the country’s demonstrated resilience to the global crisis and • During the October-December period in 2009-10, FIIs

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 11 ECONOMY

made a net buy of shares worth US$ 5.19 billion, accord - • The Indian drug retail market grew by a 29.24 per cent in ing to data compiled from market regulator, SEBI. In the value terms in October 2009 over the year ago period, quarter, December attracted the highest inflow of US$ 2.2 more than double the average monthly revenue growth billion, followed by October US$ 1.95 billion and rate of 13-14 per cent in the recent past, as per market November US$ 1.18 billion. FIIs poured a net US$ 1.26 research firm ORG IMS. billion in debt instruments during the said period. • The country’s IT exports under the Software Technology • Indian companies have raised about US$ 2.6 billion from Parks of India (STPI) scheme logged an estimated US$ the international market through external commercial bor - 46.25 billion in the first half of the current financial year, rowings and foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) with Bangalore accounting for over 30 per cent of the total in October to fund overseas acquisitions and import capi - export basket. tal goods and modernisation and lending. This is highest • India’s iron ore exports more than doubled to 9.3 million amount raised in a month by Indian companies through tonne in October 2009 as compared to 4.4 million tonne in ECB\FCCB route after the financial crisis intensified on the same month a year ago on the back of increase in collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. demand from Chinese steel producers, as per a joint study • Exports from India are estimated at US$ 14.6 billion in by a group of iron ore exporters. December 2009, 9.4 per cent higher than the level in • India’s pharmaceutical industry is the third largest in terms November 2009, according to Mr Anand Sharma, Union of volume. The Indian US$ 20 billion pharmaceutical Commerce and Industry Minister. Export growth in industry has shown tremendous progress in terms of infra - December was driven by sectors such as pharmaceuticals, structure development, technology base creation and a engineering and auto components he added. wide range of products, as per the Ministry of Chemicals • In November 2009, India’s containerised volume reported and Fertilisers. a double-digit growth of 15 per cent year-on-year, accord - • India has joined an elite group of six countries which have ing to a report by the domestic brokerage India Capital successfully decoded the human genome indigenously. The Markets Pvt. Ltd. discovery, which was announced by the Council of • India’s logistics sector is witnessing increased activity—the Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will bring phar - country’s major ports have posted a 12.8 percent year-on- maceutical companies a step closer to designing drugs year (y-o-y) rise in cargo volumes in November 2009. The accounting for the specific characteristics of the Indian Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPAC) physiology. has approved four projects worth over US$ 897.7 million • India leads the top real estate investment markets in Asia to be developed through the public-private partnership for 2010, according to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PPP) mode in a move to boost capacity at the major ports (PwC) and Urban Land Institute, a global non-profit edu - in the country. cation and research institute. • Foreign tourist arrivals in India in the peak tourism season • A new survey undertaken by Manpower Inc, a world leader of 2009-10 is set to witness a growth of 25 per cent over in the employment services industry, found that Indian the same period of 2008-09, according to Mr Vijay Thakur, employers are most optimistic about adding staff. President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). • India’s life insurance sector is expected to grow by almost • The recovery of the Indian economy, as was broadly expect - 15 per cent in the current financial year and touch a total ed, worked well for the advance tax figures for the third premium income of US$ 50 billion, according to Life installment that was payable by December 15, 2009. The all Insurance Council secretary general S B Mathur. India direct tax collection between April and December • India which retained its numero uno position in world milk 2009, which includes corporate and personal taxes, increased production this year as well, is estimated to have produced 8.1 per cent to US$ 48.39 billion, according to figures that 110 million tonnes of milk in 2008-09. are currently with the income-tax (I-T) department. • The mobile subscriber base in the country crossed the 500- • The domestic mutual fund (MF) sector registered positive million mark to touch 506 million in November 2009, growth in November 2009. According to the latest statis - according to the figures released by the Telecom tics from the Association of Mutual Funds in India Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). (AMFI), the assets under management (AUM) of top fund • The country’s infrastructure sector accelerated by 5.3 per houses have increased by two to 10 per cent. cent in November 2009, backed primarily by growth in • Independent investment bank Rothschild sees potential for steel and cement production in the month. The six core M&A activity in banking, telecom and aviation in India sectors, which contribute 26.7 per cent to the overall Index driven by consolidation in these sectors. for Industrial Production (IIP), had grown 0.8 per cent in • India is likely to emerge as a major hub for production of the corresponding month of 2008. quality steel products, as per Ratan Jindal, vice-chairman, • According to data released by Society of Indian managing director and CEO of Jindal Stainless Steel (JSL). Automobile Manufacturers, car sales in November stood at The International Steel Exhibition ‘Indinox’, to be held at 1.33 lakh units in the domestic market, up from 83,121 in Ahmedabad in January, will portray India as a major desti - the same month last year. O nation for manufacturing steel products. (Source IBEF)

12 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain FEATURE

The Legacy of the Gandhi Seva Sangh Inc. of Trinidad & Tobago RAMJASS RAMLAKHAN The Gandhi Seva Sangh Inc. was formed by a group of men At the time of the formation of the Gandhi Seva Sangh, life who were deeply touched and influenced by the Mahatma who in the country was tough. We were just coming out of the pangs strongly espoused the philosophy of Truth, Brotherly love and of the last World War. Basic commodities were scarce. Rice was Non-violence or Ahimsa. Immediately after the Mahatma was rationed: an adult was allowed only 2lbs per week. Jobs were assassinated on 30 January 1948 these individuals formed them - also scarce and many parents found it difficult to send their chil - selves into a committee, called the Statue Committee. The dren to school. The headquarters at 40 Todd Street was used as intention was to erect a statue in the middle of the Town Centre a collection centre, where clothing and all sorts of basic neces - of San Fernando as a tribute to the philosophy for which the sities were collected and distributed to the poor and needy fam - Mahatma lived and died. This group was headed by the late ilies in the rural areas. Bisram Gopie who was the chief pioneer. He was ably support - The statue of the Mahatma which adorns Harris ed by Chander Maharaj, Roopnarine Biney Maharaj, H.V. Promenade is the first such statue to be erected outside of India Gopaul, Bissoon Pundit Chabinath Sardar, Itchu Chitta and after the Mahatma was assassinated. It serves as a constant Uttamchand Dialdas. The committee proceeded to contact a reminder to the citizens of T&T and visitors alike that Truth, sculptor from Mumbai who did a fine job in producing a life Love and Non-violence are among the greatest virtues to aspire size bronze statue which was erected on a beautiful pedestal for. These ideals were so strongly held by the Mahatma that he after receiving the blessings from the San Fernando Borough seemed to be the embodiment of them. Council which had donated a small plot of land for its erection. Though he was born in India, the Mahatma considered This achievement served as an impetus to move on. The himself a citizen of the world. As a young English trained bar - Committee thus transformed itself into an organization, today rister he was hired by a South African – Indian merchant to do known as the Gandhi Seva Sangh. Seva means ‘Service’ and so a case which was estimated to last for a month. The situation the motto of the organization was “Service to Man is Service to was so volatile that he remained in South Africa for almost God.” The Gandhi Seva Sangh is in fact a twenty one years championing the cause service oriented organization which has The very title Mahatma of the poor and oppressed Indians who responded positively in times of need, dis - (great Soul) attests to the were victims of the Apartheid movement tress and disaster both at home and greatness of the man. The in South Africa. His experiences in South abroad. Responding to appeals made to famous scientist Albert Africa are recorded in his book International Red Cross Society they con - ‘Satyagraha in South Africa’ which was tributed handsomely to the Ethiopian Einstein once remarked partially written in Yeravda jail and partly Famine Relief Fund and The East Bengal that generations to come outside after his premature release. Refugee Fund, among others. would scarcely believe Gandhiji saw Satyagraha, Truth force, as The year 1952 proved to be a turning that such a person, ever the most powerful weapon to be used point in the life of the organization. It was walked upon the earth is against injustice and oppression. Though the year when the Gandhi Seva Sangh was flesh and blood he was born of Hindu parentage he firmly established and placed on a sound embraced the teachings of the Holy footing to go forward. The rules by which it intended to oper - Koran and the Holy Bible in addition to that of Bhagwat Gita. ate and govern itself was formulated. In addition the Rules and It was from these teachings and his readings of the philosopher Memorandum of Association were drawn up and the organiza - Henry David Thoreau that he saw Truth, Love and Non tion was incorporated under the Companies Ordinance on 14 Violence as the principles which, if lasting peace and goodwill February 1952. among all men are to be achieved, must be strictly adhered to Later that year, the Tate and Lyle Sugar Company of Ste. and never be compromised in any situation. Madeleine donated a parcel of land comprising 15,235 square The very title Mahatma (great Soul) attests to the greatness feet at 40 Todd Street, San Fernando for the purpose of con - of the man. The famous scientist Albert Einstein once structing the Gandhi Ashram and the Krishna Mandir. This was remarked that generations to come would scarcely believe that a fifty year lease which was dutifully renewed in 1999. A build - such a person, ever walked upon the earth in flesh and blood. ing committee was established in 1981 to rebuild the existing The great American Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr. Krishna Mandir. made it possible to meet the Mahatma for discussions and guid - Continuing our thrust in sensitizing the community with ance on the theory and practice of non-violence as a means of Gandhian philosophy, Mr. Ramdeo Sampath – Mehta volun - achieving his cause. Likewise Nelson Mandela is also an adher - teered to establish a northern branch of the Gandhi Seva ent to Gandhi’s. In spite of his vast experience, when he was Sangh. He had the dilapidated concrete statue of the Mahatma asked to give a message to the world, he said, “My life is My at Kew Place replaced with a locally sculptured bronze statue. message, I have nothing new to teach the world – Truth, Love On 2 October 1988. The statue was inaugurated with a very and Non-violence are as old as the hills.” O impressive ceremony by His Excellency Noor Hassanali, (The writer is President of the Gandhi Seva Sangh President of Trinidad & Tobago. and a prominent cultural activist)

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 13 FEATURE

MAHATMA GANDHI, MY AJAA JAGDEO MAHARAJ AND CHILDHOOD MEMORIES BY RAVIJI

ahatma Gandhi con - Two days after my ajee’s ‘sankalp’, my stitutes the dawn of mother sat screaming her head off as a my consciousness man named Thunder was stabbing her and memory as much repeatedly rapidly on her hand with a as the cocoa fields, bunch of needles dipped in Indian ink. forest rivers , red carpeted floor under Ma was finally getting her godhana, pommerac trees, whistling tropical birds supervised by Sheroo ajee sitting on her in the verdant Montserrat Ward of favourite perhaa. I recalled that I was TMrinidad and as much as the distant whis - shouting at Thunder because he was tle of the charcoal trains six times a day hurting my mother. He grabbed me and that ordered our daily routine after World stabbed me on my right hand. My right War II. hand bears that mark up to today. My My family moved into Caparo Village affinity for the picture was lessened as a from the cocoa fields when I was about result, I recall. five years old. I remember, on the well Did Kaljug vanish, did the leepayed dirt wall of our home, a fading Mahatma’s picture appear mysteriously cut-out picture of an old bald headed after my mother had her godhana? Of man with a soulful toothless smile, around the same time when the train course no. But doon, my aja’s picture, extraordinary large ears and an equally service was stopped. No more would we had taken its place and supervised from extraordinary kindliness of face and of hear the whistle of the train as one of the the holy spot on high, the affairs of the eyes. ‘distinct country sounds’ that provided expanding family in Caparo, with roots I always thought the person might the medley of sound-scape fifty years ago. in far off Bihar. have been some distant relative, perhaps However, I had come to know that the Jagdeo’s eldest grand son has had the my ajaa’s brother, because of the unmis - old venerable man with the toothless great opportunity to visit Raj Ghat and takable likeness of features and gentle - smile and kindly face, so alike my ajaa, eye Porbandar. He also inherited the first ness. Or could it have been my par ajaa, glasses et all, was no relative at all, but land that ajaa bought from savings from who was back in India, across the Kaalaa Mahatma Gandhi a great freedom fighter. his indentureship. He also had the oppor - Paani. My ajaa was born in Teer Pokhar, I found it difficult to reconcile how such tunity to visit his ajaa’s village and meet Arrah, Bihar. He had come to Trinidad an old man, with only a lathi as a weapon, with the family. They were suspicious aboard the SS Ganges, as an indentured could chase away the British (or ‘bhagaa that he might have come for his ajaa’s labourer. dehailee Angrejwaa sabhin”; I could still land and this created quite a hullabaloo. The picture in question was placed hear the voice saying in Bhojpuri). Anyway, ajaa’s eldest grandson cherishes high up on the dirt wall, distant from the But by then, too, my ajaa’s picture had the images of those two pictures, one mischievous reach of some eight country replaced the Mahatma’s picture and so reclaiming his motherland from the children all of whom loved to climb. The too had another crop of children British, one taken across Kaalaa Paani to need for placing the picture far out of replaced us. make a new motherland for his grand our reach had an interesting conse - Then there is a gap in my memory. children and both look so alike.. quence; the picture attained the status of What happened to the old picture? I do The eldest grandson has long since a deity. This was heightened especially not know. No one seemed to know. It recovered his reverence and has been since the fading process produced the disappeared, and no one noticed it until inspired by the Mahatma. Today, he has magic of a yellowish halo around the fig - one day some one brought up the ques - just returned from Gandhi Village in ure’s head. This deity status would also tion. “My ajee, who was called ‘Sheroo- South Trinidad where High sharpen by the way my ajaa would peer at Lioness’, who always had the final word, Commissioner Malay Mishra spoke elo - it with his glasses which so resembled the determined, that Gandhi Baba’s picture quently on the Mahatma. A locally made one worn by the figure in the picture. had disappeared because it was Kali Jug. statue of the Mahatma has been installed Not unoften too, visitors would be ush - And she was sure Kali Jug had come on the roadside in a village that bears his ered into the house to view it. And no because my mother had no godhana- name. It leaves to be seen if the Mahatma one viewed the picture without an tatoo on her hand, even so long after she will inspire someone from the Gandhi expression of awe and prayerful hands was married. Ajaa then duly pronounced Village to inspire satyagraha in Trinidad clasped reverently. that she would not accept anything from and Tobago. O If my memory serves me well, my Ma’s hand, even the last drop of Ganga (The author is a prominent social activist ajaa died somewhere early in the sixties; jal at her “last dying breath”. and a grassroots cultural worker)

14 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain FEATURE SWAMI VIVEKANANDA AND ‘NATIONAL YOUTH DAY’ Are Indian youths losing their roots? In the age of globalisation, will it be possible to keep the culture intact and move forward? It is time for the youth of India to think positively and move ahead strategically for the country's development RANJAN K BARUAH “We want that education by which great cultural ambassador to the West. character is formed, strength of mind In spite of her innumerable linguis - is increased, the intellect is expanded, tic, ethnic, historical and regional and by which one can stand on one’s diversities, India has had from time own feet,” said Swami Vivekananda immemorial a strong sense of cultural who was one of the great philosophers unity. It was, however, Swami and was born on 12 January 1863. Vivekananda who revealed the true Swami Vivekananda, known in his pre- foundations of this culture and thus monastic life as Narendra Nath Datta, clearly defined and strengthened the was born in an affluent family in sense of unity as a nation. Swamiji Kolkata. gave Indians proper understanding of His sayings and speeches still inspire their country’s great spiritual heritage millions of people in the country and and thus gave them pride in their past. abroad. He discovered the country by Free India’s first Prime Minister traveling to different parts. During his Jawaharlal Nehru wrote: “Rooted in travels all over India, Swami the past, full of pride in India’s pres - Vivekananda was deeply moved to see tige, Vivekananda was yet modern in the appalling poverty and backwardness ment of Swami Vivekananda’s contri - his approach to life’s problems, and of the masses. He was the first religious butions to world culture, the eminent was a kind of bridge between the past leader in India to understand and open - British historian A L Basham stated of India and her present … he came as ly declare that the real cause of India’s that “in centuries to come, he will be a tonic to the depressed and demoral - downfall was the neglect of the masses. remembered as one of the main moul - ized Hindu mind and gave it self- The immediate need was to provide ders of the modern world.” reliance and some roots in the past.” food and other bare necessities of life One of the most significant contri - Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose wrote: to the hungry millions. For this they butions of Swami Vivekananda to the “Swamiji harmonized the East and the should be taught improved methods of modern world is his interpretation of West, religion and science, past and agriculture, village industries, etc. Thus religion as a universal experience of tran - present. And that is why he is great. the masses needed two kinds of knowl - scendent reality, common to all humani - Our countrymen have gained unprece - edge: secular knowledge to improve ty. Swamiji met the challenge of modern dented self-respect, self-reliance and their economic condition and spiritual science by showing that religion is as sci - self-assertion from his teachings.” knowledge to infuse in them faith in entific as science itself; religion is the Swamiji’s most unique contribution themselves and strengthen their moral ‘science of consciousnesses.’ As such, to the creation of new India was to sense. The next question was how to religion and science are not contradicto - open the minds of Indians to their duty spread these two kinds of knowledge ry to each other but are complementary. to the downtrodden masses. Long among the masses? Through education Another great contribution of before the ideas of Karl Marx were – this was the answer that Swamiji Swami Vivekananda was to build a known in India, Swamiji spoke about found. Swamiji founded Ramakrishna bridge between Indian culture and the role of the labouring classes in the Mission as he felt that an organisation Western culture. He did it by interpret - production of the country’s wealth. was needed to carry out welfare activi - ing Hindu scriptures and philosophy Swamiji was the first religious leader in ties for the masses. and the Hindu way of life and institu - India to speak for the masses, formu - His speeches at the World’s tions to the Western people in an idiom late a definite philosophy of service, Parliament of Religions held in which they could understand. He made and organize large-scale social service. September 1893 made him famous as the Western people realize that they In 1984, the Government of India an ‘orator by divine right’ and as a had to learn much from Indian spiritu - declared and decided to observe the ‘Messenger of Indian wisdom to the ality for their own well-being. He Birthday of Swami Vivekananda (12 Western world’. After the Parliament, showed that, in spite of her poverty January, according to English calendar) as Swamiji spent nearly three and-a-half and backwardness, India had a great National Youth Day every year from years spreading Vedanta as lived and contribution to make to world culture. 1985 onwards. O taught by Sri Ramakrishna, mostly in In this way he was instrumental in end - (The author is a liberal youth activist and the eastern parts of USA and also in ing India’s cultural isolation from the social entrepreneur working with people for a London. Making an objective assess - rest of the world. He was India’s first vibrant civil society)

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 15 DIASPORA

NO RIVAL TO HINDU CELEBRATIONS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO IN THE DIASPORA BY PARAS RAMOUTAR

he only place in the Indian Diaspora where one every major Hindu community hosts the nine-day celebration. can find real, authentic and unrival preparations Personages of Lord Rama, Mother Sita, Lord Hanuman and for the several Indian/Hindu festivals outside other gods and goddesses are minted in the human form as Trinidad and Tobago is in India probably. the parks and recreation grounds are packed to capacity dur - Whether it is Pitr Paksh, Nav Ratri Shiva Ratri, Ram Leela, ing the celebrations. Divali, Phagwa, and Kartik Snaan, the rich Hindu tradition Nobel Laureate, Deryck Walcott highlighted the drama, Tprevails in this oil-rich republic. the camaderie and the highly-spiritual essence portrayed in Preparations for either of these celebrations are mounted Ram Leela in his acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize in with the greatest of accuracy by checking and counter-checking Stockholm in 1994. Then Divali, a public holiday here since with the various religious texts to ensure that either of these cel - 1966 is the talk of the town. The national populace, inclusive ebrations is observed or performed on the exact date according of non-Hindus become part of the celebrations. The various to the highest professional astrological readings. Several of the ethnic and religious segments are deeply involved. They major Hindu religious texts are consulted or researched. attend Hindu prayer services, and the women folks wear saris The culinary table overflows with vegetarian stock— and, shalwars, while the men wear kurtas and other authen - mango, chaitaigne, pumpkin, buss-up-shot and dhal- puri tic East Indian wear. All government offices, ministries, rotis, potato and chana (chick-peas) rice, carhay (dhal) bhara municipal corporations, large and small corporations, banks, (doubles) sahina, pholourie, carelli, egg plant, dasheen bhagi, market vendors and others host Divali functions celebrating among several others. One must not forget, hot “mother-in- the, “victory of light over darkness, truth over falsehood, law” pepper sauce, chutney and achaar. The observances are and wisdom over ignorance.” From the President, Prime done in sequence during the period—September/October. Minister, Archbishop of the Catholic Church, Baptists, Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago began the religious obser - Methodists, Anglicans and Muslims among others, would vances with Pitr Paksh when memorial religious services, yag - send, “Divali Greetings” to the East Indian/Hindu commu - nas, pujas, special culinary delights to their departed ones for nity. All department stores, including the scores specializing a 15-day period in September. Then comes, the observance of in East Indian wear will hold special sales in order to catch Nav Raatri around October/November. The clean-up of and boost their sales for Divali. Several merchants from homes and other places of worship which began for Pitri India will turn up and set up bazaars offering the latest East Paksh continues for this period. Pundits and other religious Indian wear as well. leaders are kept busy during this period as devout Hindus One of the highlights of the annual Divali celebration in perform their annual religious rituals paying special obeisance Trinidad and Tobago is the Divali Nagar, a ten-day affair to the Female Aspect of the Supreme Being—Mother which climaxes on the night before Divali. In excess of Durga—to clear one’s pathway, Mother Lakshmi- for pros - 100,000 past the turnstiles at the mid-night hour as people perity, health and wealth , and Mother Sarsawati-wisdom and from all parts of the Indian Diapora, including the people of knowledge. Students concur that obeisance to Mother India and famous Indian entertainers, dancers and singers Saraswati at this time usher in major success in examinations grace the stage. This is organised by the National Council of and scholarships. Indian Culture (NCIC). During this period, religious services are performed to any Kartick-ke-Nahan is the period when all Hindus go to the of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses in the Hindu pantheon. beaches and rivers and offer obeisance to Ganga Mata, in Nine and seven-night yagnas are hosted as well as individual whose honour and glory pujas and other rituals are executed. prayers are held at respective homes and temples and other Religious observances in Trinidad and Tobago have blos - places of worship all through the year, but great emphasis is somed from being a one-family affair to national prominence. paid around Nav Ratri / Divali. Hindus maintain strict auster - These observances are not given any state or corporate funding, ity and keep away from all forms of material pleasures so as to and our Divali is now become a tourism promotion tool. appease the goddesses and have their many wishes, dreams Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago treat their religious and and aspirations fulfilled. Nav Ratri is considered an open field spiritual assignments with urgency, discipline and commit - for all religious activities. If one wants to see sincere, strict and ment. Our religious strengths and spiritual commitment have solid devotion, come to Trinidad and Tobago during this peri - enhanced multiculturalism and inter-racial solidarity to a high - od. It is also observed in March-April, but this one under er level among the ethnic segments. This is the reason why, review seems to have generated a greater level of spirituality one can safely say that outside of Trinidad and Tobago, India and religious fervour and participation. Between Nav Ratri is probably the only place where one find serious religious and Divali, the Hindu community celebrates Ram Leela, which observances. O is sourced from the Ramayana. It is open street theatre as (The author is a prominent journalist and writes there are no covered places to host the Ram Leela. Almost for Trinidad Guardian and IANS.)

16 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain DIASPORA

THE INDIAN DIASPORA OF TRINIDAD – ACCESS TO HINDU SCHOOLS: POLITICS, RELIGION, IDENTITY AND REPRESENTATION IN EDUCATION DR. VASHTI SINGH

uring the period 1845 to 1917, India contributed version of Hindu beliefs and practices. Meanwhile, as a prereq - approximately 143,900 indentured laborers to uisite, government was only prepared to grant recognition to sugar plantations in British Colonial Trinidad. Hindu schools established under a Head of Denomination. More than eighty percent (80%) of the immi - The year 1952 recorded the unification of Hindus as a more grants were Hindus. The great majority came from the region powerful collectivity deemed imperative for their educational of the Ganges plains: United Provinces, Oudh, Bihar, Orissa advancement. In 1952, Bhadase Sagan Maraj, an Independent Dand Central Provinces: a minority came from Bengal, the Member of Parliament and Sugar Union Leader, brought North West Provinces and the South .Accordingly, Hindus together the warring factions of the SDA and the SDBC to brought with them diverse geographical, linguistic, religious, form a stronger pressure group and Hindu organization, which and cultural rituals. However, all Hindus knew that that their is known today as the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS). culture and religion were inseparable and many displayed sound The SDMS was incorporated by Ordinance #41 on June 26, knowledge of their scriptures. It is contextually interesting that 1952 and Maraj was elected President General. The SDMS Hindus came as seasoned agriculturists to a society in which a gained recognition as a School Building Authority on July 25, dominant European culture exercised rigid control over a 1952. despised African sub-culture. A pertinent issue, therefore, was A related issue, of course, was that Maraj launched the Hindu integration into this society through education. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 1953, a predominantly Up to 1870, an insignificant number of Hindu children Indo-Trinidadian political organization which managed to elicit received any formal schooling. In an 1868 survey, there were support from the Hindu rural masses. Maraj’s political oppo - only 3 Hindu children among the 1,221 nent, the historian and scholar, Dr. Eric pupils enrolled in the public system of By the late 1920s and 1930s, the Williams, led the nationalist struggle into Ward Schools. To begin with, Hindus Hindu struggle for their own the decisive formation of the People’s were not schooled in English and their schools was activated by the National Movement (PNM) in 1956, a main focus was the preservation of Hindi party which drew immense support from Arya Samaj sect founded in and Hindu religious identity. Hindu par - Afro-Trinidadians in urban areas. Given Punjab in 1875. Its proponents ents refused to send their children to sec - the achievement of adult franchise in 1946 ular schools where both teachers and were greatly aware of the and the transition period of alliance poli - pupils were of a different language, race diverse Hindu population in tics (1946-1956) before the General and religion. It was the Canadian Mission Trinidad Indian Diaspora and Election of 1956,some White and Presbyterian Church who became the first intended to unite all Hindus coloured politicians attempted to bridge providers of education for the Indian based solely on the Vedas rural/urban differences through political Diaspora. Founded by Rev. John Morton bargaining and extension of basic services in 1868, the Presbyterian Mission introduced Christianity and to the disadvantaged, such as rural East Indian communities. education through the Hindi language. Notwithstanding that The first non-Christian school to be recognized was the El Presbyterian schools have played an instrumental role in the Socorro Muslim School (1949). Further, the socio-political educational advancement of Indians in Trinidad, for many forces which were ushered in by certain individuals contributed Hindus, conversion, was too great a price to be paid. to a significant change in the Hindu struggle for education. By the late 1920s and 1930s, the Hindu struggle for their Within the political arena, a deep friendship and alliance own schools was activated by the Arya Samaj sect founded in developed between Maraj and Roy Adolphus Joseph, who was Punjab in 1875. Its proponents were greatly aware of the designated as Trinidad and Tobago’s first Minister of Education diverse Hindu population in Trinidad Indian Diaspora and and Social Services in 1951. Maraj informed the Honorable intended to unite all Hindus based solely on the Vedas. The Minister that rural Hindus should not be forced to travel long Arya Samaj rejected idol worship and many teachings of distances to receive an education. Instead, education should be Sanatan Hinduism. In 1930, local Sanatanist Hindus invited the taken to them – which among other benefits – would transform Arya Samaji missionary, Pundit N.K. Banerji who advocated the the East Indian community from one of illiterate cane cutters to need for Hindu schools and the teaching of Hindi. With his one with equal opportunities for access to schooling and educa - guidance, the Sanatan Dharma Association (SDA) became a tional advancement. Considering the political divide between the legally recognized religious organization in 1932. Just as in two major races, Africans and East Indians, it is noteworthy that India, other Sanatanist Hindu leaders formed a rival organiza - the Minister of Education was of Syrian origin and his wife was tion, the Sanatan Dharma Board of Control (SDBC), also an East Indian. Within a relatively short four year period (1952- incorporated in 1932, to resist religious controversies initiated 1956), the SDMS established 41 Hindu primary schools. O by the Arya Samaj. For two decades (1932-1952), these two (Assistant Professor and Teacher Education rival organizations engaged in political infighting to prove their University of Trinidad and Tobago)

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 17 DIASPORA

A COOLIE’S RETURN BY PATRICIA MOHAMMED hen we arrived on the cold Saturday afternoon merchandise priced to suit the rupees of a tourist pocket, the in January, New Delhi was smothered in a scent of Indian assembly lines and factory floors unmistakable blanket of fog. It had taken me a lifetime to - conscience begins to immobilize choice. decide to make this journey to India. We were There was little time for shopping or exploration of New there, yet Mother India and Mother Nature both contrived to Delhi and India however as this was a trip with a purpose. keep us circling for another hour above ground. As the pilot Coolie Pink and Green had made its debut in Trinidad at the Wfinally lowered us slowly onto the tarmac, a dim light twinkled film festival in September 2009 and had won the award for in the smoggy horizon. For a brief moment, I imagined this as most popular short local film. The film had gained some a departure rather than return, trying to envision the flight of a attention in Trinidad – the title intrigued, the vibrant colours migrant indentured worker a century ago, on a sailboat leaving and music sensuously invited the viewer. But it is a film about port, watching her homeland recede into a shadowy distance cultural disruption, resettlement and conflicts and I was until all she could see was the feint flicker of a receding light. intrigued by what Indians in India would make of this film. We had gone to India to screen the short film Coolie Pink After our submission, I learnt the week before we were to and Green at the Pravasi Film Festival, prodded by the Indian travel to New Delhi that it had been selected by the festival High Commissioner in Trinidad, His Excellency Malay Mishra directors to be screened at the opening ceremony of the fes - to enter it into the first film festival which celebrated the work tival and shown to the huge audience of dignitaries, film buffs, of non resident Indians (NRI’s) and people like myself, per - delegates and press who attended openings. sons of Indian origin, The response was over - referred to as PIO’s. For whelming – Deepa Mehta some reason Indians were (director of Earth, Fire, now interested in what we Water) who was the main were making of India from guest at the opening cere - afar. Of my traveling com - mony talked about “Its panions and myself only visual poetry” and laugh - one had been to India ingly followed up with “so before. Sharda Patasar our whom did she choose?” musician, had spent four The latter was in response years of a childhood to the narrative elements of between New Delhi and the film which depicted the Agra nineteen years earlier, dilemma of a young Indian Rex Dixon my London girl being forced to choose born husband and co-pro - between an arranged mar - ducer of the film had per - riage by her parents and a haps contemplated a trip Deepa Mehta in the centre holds a copy of Coolie Pink and Green young man of her own to India in the sixties as a struggling artist in this era, Michael choice who was of mixed raced descent. Who wrote the script Mooleedhar, editor of the film and Christopher Din Chong, was a recurrent question – the rhyme and reason for this form co-editor and production assistant, were there to be exposed of scripting, prose and verse resembling the Ramayana and to another world culture – a generation who had few reference Bhagavad Gita made sense to this audience used to Sanskrit lit - points to anything east of New York. My sensibility was erature. Many were intrigued by the collage of old photographs formed from literature, film, history, acquaintances and which showed the early migrants. In the Caribbean historians friendships with many Indians from India and of course my have covered the history of indentureship so thoroughly that it own “Indian” experience from Trinidad. seems redundant for a Trinidad or Caribbean diasporic audi - Karol Bagh is a bustling, overpopulated market district, ence to relive this on film – yet here was an audience for whom seething with humanity, goods and street vendors. We crossed this story had yet to be told. A crowd surged around after the the ungainly rubble of construction in the fading light of dusk screening, reporters who followed up with interviews that into the first hotel to which we were ushered, Hotel Vishal. appeared in the several newspapers while we were interviewed The colours of my film Coolie Pink and Green receded. The also by University scholars and students of cinema. fog had lifted to reveal dust coloured ochres and browns, rust All artists need a critical mass to engage with to move to reds and faded olive greens. Dun coloured shawls wrapped heights of excellence – one has to pit oneself against the world Indian style over heads and shoulders and faces and mouths, – against the best filmmakers and directors, like Deepa Mehta on rickshaw drivers, market vendors and pedestrians, fighting and Mira Nair whom we met at this festival. The trip to India the damp cold of a Delhi winter - we had never seen these and New Delhi, though brief, has fuelled my passion, as I hope scenes in the picturesque screens of Bollywood transported it did for all my companions, to become better at what we do for decades to Trinidad. Besides these, the shops were full of for an audience that cannot be limited to a few thousands. O

18 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain KNOW INDIA PROGRAM

REPORT OF MY EXPERIENCE OF THE 12 th KIP BY SHARDA MAHARAJ Being one of the five selected participants from Trinidad ture of HP was unique, judging from the cultural programmes and Tobago for the 12th KIP was no surprise to me! I had that we were a part of; its dances and singing were enjoyed by faith and confidence in god that I would have been chosen all the delegates. Our short trekking up the mountains was an and I eventually was! But the feeling that it brought of hav - astounding experience, certainly a ‘sight for sore eyes’! One of ing been selected to be a representative from my country, in the other hallmarks of HP was our meeting with the hon - India, was amazing! Weeks building up to the programme, all ourable Governor and Chief Secretary, certainly we were KIP delegates informally interacted with each other via email enlightened by our interaction with them. Evening tea in HP and facebook so that the comfort level would be established was something that we were always treated to and was enjoyed from the very outset. by all delegates. However, changing hotels almost every day, After traveling for approximately 22 hours via a long and the long frequent ride on the bus and too much authentic tiresome journey to India, I was finally there…in my ancestral Indian food started reflecting negatively upon our health. land! Delegates were transferred to our hotel where we met Soon, it was time for us to leave this beautiful state that was with our programme leader for the 3 weeks, Mr Vikram Singh. Himachal Pradesh. Our train ride from Kalka to Delhi was He informed us of certain regulations and all necessary infor - very nice and I was impressed by it. mation that was required. After that, I was ready to begin the Our final destinations in the itinerary were Delhi and Agra! experience that was Know India Programme! The capital city and its neighbour state was where it was all The first leg of the programme began in Karnataka. What happening, with world famous places like Indiagate, Tajmahal, stood out about this state Rashtrapati Bhawan and was it being much more Fatehpur Sikri. The beauti - technologically driven than ful temple that was the other states that we vis - Akshardham became a ited, which can be proven reality when we visited it from visiting places such as and became a part of InfoSys Technologies Ltd everything else that it had and Indian Institute of to offer. While the under - Management. The progress ground boat ride was that this state was making amazing and impressive, reflected in places like the food was very spicy to Bharat Earth Movers Ltd which some could not and Hindustan Aeronautics properly digest. While time Ltd while Karnataka Udyog did not afford us to visit Mitra enlightened me with the Lotus Temple, Qutb their mission to assist its Complex/Minar was quite people. Additionally, the 12th KIP participants with Shri Vayalar Ravi, Hon’ble Minister of Overseas India Affairs extravagant with the differ - religious aspect of Karnataka was not forgotten as we visited ent building structures and intricate works. On the contrary, the sacred Chamundi Hills and Iskon Temple, where I was spir - the visit to Aurobindo Ashram allowed us to dwell more into itually enriched. Then, we journeyed to Mysore where the ourselves and interact with our inner-consciousness. We were famous Dassehra celebrations were held. It was a spectacular enlightened by the way in which Doordarshan conducted their event and the parade of all the different structures was indeed day-to-day operations and telecasts as we were guided around elaborate and pleasing to my eye. I surely wasn’t disappointed the station. The exquisite Tajmahal was something that I even if I had to face the hot sun and the thousands of people couldn’t believe I was seeing with my own eyes. It definitely which were gathered to witness the event on that day! lived up to my expectations and it was interesting to learn Futhermore, Cubbon Park and Lalbagh reflected the physical about its history. Also in Agra was Fatehpur Sikri, it was beauty and warmth of Karnataka. Finally, we had some of the incredible to be informed about the historical aspects of here most friendly personalities at our hotel in Bangalore who took as well, where all the different structures were quite antique utmost care of us and assisted us in any way possible. and lovely. The most anticipated event was here! It was the The next part of the programme took us to Himachal visit to Rashtrapati Bhawan, which was beyond compare. The Pradesh! Here, we journeyed to places like Shimla, Bilaspur, interior of the palace was quite beautiful with a lot of tradi - Manali, Mandi and Kullu. The first thing I remember about tional items. Finally, we had the privilege of introducing our - HP is our village visit at Panjgain, Bilaspur. We were treated to selves to her excellency, the President of India and thereafter, such a warm welcome here that I didn’t imagine we would she congratulated us for the journey which we had made to have ever gotten! I had the great opportunity of visiting one reunite with our roots. The consequent meeting with the of the villagers home. It was amazing to see the way that they Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs was a casual one where treat their guests, which reminded me of my parents. The cul - we discussed our likes and dislikes about the programme. O

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 19 SCIENCE

OCEANS — THE NEXT FRONTIER FOR INDIAN SCIENTISTS BY K. JAYARAMAN fungus that can make detergents more effective, a The thrust is taking place at many fronts. India has already start - nanobacteria that can hold the key to understand - ed work on third base in Antarctica. The expedition to the ing formation of the earth, a 60 million- year-old Arctic has signalled Indias foray into the northern hemisphere. chunk of rock that can make India rich — Indian India will soon be adding a brand new ship to its research fleet scientists are plumbing the depths of oceans like never before, and a manned submersible for underwater research. With help unearthing secrets of the earth, and the sea, in their quest for from Russia, India is already building a robotic vehicle that can Aunravelling the past and bettering the future. Marine biologist dive up to 6,000 metres. The first prototype was tested success - Kottekkadu Krishnan, for instance, at the National Centre for fully at a depth of 205 metres in October 2006. Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) in Indias coastal state Indian oceanographers have also been promised their first Goa is intrigued by the extremely tiny bacteria (nanobacteria) he ice class research vessel that Ravindra says will enable scientists found in an ice core sample he brought from Antarctica. He “go to Antarctic in winter and to the Arctic in summer and do thinks — but not everyone agrees — that the strange organisms year-round research in the tropics”. India has decided to join were originally residents of the earths mantle that were ejected the Integrated Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP) as an asso - during volcanic eruptions and transported to Antarctica by the ciate member paying $1 million as annual fee. China and Korea ash and got trapped in ice. are the only other associate members of IODP sponsored by Having done research in Antarctica for over quarter of a the United States, Japan and a 17-member European consor - century, Indian scientists have started exploring another very tium. Through this programme, India intends to initiate deep cold place on Earth. On Aug 6, NCAOR director Rasik drilling in the Arabian Sea, the western Andamans and in the Ravindra and his team of four scientists Bay of Bengal. The membership “will landed in the Arctic in what is said to be enable Indian scientists to join shipboard the first of several such expeditions. There, parties and sit on scientific panels”, says in collaboration with Norwegian scientists, Manik Talwani, president of Washington- they will look for cold-adapted microbes based IODP, adding that “in the long with possible application in industry. term” it will help discover energy and min - Known for its beaches, Goa also hosts the eral resources. National Institute of Oceanography Henry Dick, a senior scientist at the (NIO), founded in 1966 that has grown Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution into a major institution in ocean sciences. (WHOI) in Massachusetts, US, believes At NIO, Chandralata Raghukumar is India is ideally located to play a major role in thrilled by her discovery of a fungus that Indian Ocean research. “Western centres of she recovered from the bottom of central oceanographic research in Europe and A chunk of cobalt crust found in the depths Indian Ocean. The fungus Aspergillus ustus of the indian oceans that holds the promise North America had sent relatively few produces an enzyme that works efficiently of making india rich (photo credit: National research expeditions to the Indian Ocean at low temperatures. “German and US Institute of Oceanography) due to the distance,” he says in an email detergent manufacturers are testing our interview. “Thus the path is open for India patented enzyme (US patent 2005101002) as possible additive to for major new explorations and discoveries in its surrounding their products for washing clothes in cold instead of hot water,” ocean.” Indias interest in the ocean is as much economic as it is she says. But it is the trophy that NIOs Virupaxa Banakar scooped scientific. As one of the seven pioneer investors in undersea min - from an undersea mount that has excited the authorities. It is a ing, it has been allotted a 75,000 sq km area of seabed in the cen - chunk of rock covered with a seven cm thick crust that Banakar tral Indian Ocean — strewn with manganese nodules that contain says must have taken over 60 million years to form. Analysis copper, nickel and cobalt. India would like to mine these someday. showed these crusts contain cobalt and platinum – both precious. Meanwhile the ministry’s attention has been drawn to “Systematic harvesting of the cobalt crusts beneath our seas Banakars discovery of cobalt crusts because they are available can potentially make India rich,” says Banakar who is going to in shallow water as slabs capping the seamounts whereas nod - lead a massive hunt for cobalt crusted mounts in north Indian ules occur on seabed at abysmal depths of four km or more. “In Ocean under a $7.5 million government funded project. the next five years, we plan to explore all the prominent under - Hitherto largely confined to the shores, Indias oceanographers water mounts in the northern Indian Ocean and stake our claim are venturing beyond and discovering things even as the coun - whenever the International Seabed Authority is ready to open try is rapidly developing new capabilities in marine science. sea mounts for commercial exploitation,” says Banakar. The The ice core laboratory operated by Thamban Meloth at government says the manned submersible that it intends to NCAOR — where the nanobacteria were found — is the only procure will help in the exploration of cobalt crusts and also one of its kind in the tropical world. Upgrading the department hydrothermal sulphides and gas hydrates — a source of of ocean development into a full-fledged ministry of earth sci - methane, which can be used as a fuel. O ences last year has given a new thrust to oceanography research. (Indo-Asian News Service)

20 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain SPORTS

THE 2010 COMMONWEALTH GAMES Delhi is decking up to stage the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Indian sportspersons and enthusiasts too are not far behind. Everyone is gearing up for the show of shows.

K.R. WADHWANEY

or the first time in the chequered 80-year sporting his - watchers are unanimous that the Games in Delhi next year tory, India’s bid (India beat Canada 46-22) and prepa - will be the best and biggest held thus far. rations for the prestigious 2010 (16-disciplines) Asia is on the march and its performers are effectively rub - Commonwealth Games (October 3-14, 2010) is bing shoulders with the best of the west. Three Asian coun - absolutely timely and appropriate: both potentially tries have already held the summer Olympic Games. Tokyo and physically. This is great going, according to (Japan) was first in 1964, Seoul (Korea) was second in Frenowned international sports officials. Since the 1988 and Beijing (China) was third in 2008. All six 1982 start of the new millennium, there is a kind of Asian Games-created stadia – the Jawaharlal Nehru awakening for sports in the country’s govern - Stadium, the National Stadium (Dhyan ment and non-government sectors. Chand), the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Corporates are willing to invest in sports and the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, the Talkatora support sportspersons. Some industrialists, Stadium, the Cycling Velodrome and the non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Indians have Karni Singh Shooting Ranges – are being already started sponsoring talented and promis - modernized with ultramodern gadgets. In ing stars. This is a healthy development and one fact, the infrastructure is being revamped and that augurs well. some new stadia are being added. The bar in certain disciplines, particularly in The Games Village, modern and spacious in shooting, weight-lifting, wrestling, boxing, bad - every sense, is being constructed so that ‘rooms minton and tennis, has been sufficiently raised to and apartments with unusual and sophisticated help stars win laurels in international competitions. surroundings will be more eye-pleasing. Chefs This sudden rise in sporting standards and culture are vying with each other to announce that they has caused widespread surprise worldwide. India will provide such ‘delicious dishes’ that occupants is now on the march trying to adhere to the will refuse to vacate the rooms. New Delhi looks Olympic slogan of ‘Faster, Higher and Stronger’. newer with the Metro, the over-bridges, flyovers In the last Commonwealth Games in and subways providing the needed shine. For Melbourne (Australia) in 2006, India shocked all, most renovated and new stadia, the work is pro - including its ardent admirers, by winning 22 gold gressing, according to schedule. Despite some glitch - medals, 19 silver and 11 bronze (total 42 medals). In its back - es, all the facilities will glitter on the eve of the Games. All yard with enthusiastic support from keenly-poised spectators, participants, officials, spectators, will be heard saying: “Ever there is a wave of optimism that Indians will secure no less dreamt, never hoped, such bliss would be ours!” The than 50 medals India is the second Asian country that is host - Olympic and Commonwealth Games officials are optimistic ing the Commonwealth sporting extravaganza which will see that India’s mascot the Tiger will roar to make the Games a about 6000 participants from 71 countries and 4000 officials. big success. O The first was Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) in 1998. Keen sports- —The writer is a veteran sports journalist.

Model of a stadium The Commonwealth games village

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 21 DANCE

CELEBRATING THE COSMIC DANCE OF SHIVA The Nataraja or the dancing Shiva is one of the magnificent themes in Hindu mythology. A source of inspiration for artists and a symbol of worship for the people at large, it carries many meanings, messages and metaphors.

BY RADHAKRISHNA RAO PHOTOGRAPHS BY DEEPAK MUDGAL

he icon of Nataraja depicting the cosmic dance of stone basement with a wooden door. The Nritya Sabha or the Shiva is quite popular with the connoisseurs of art hall of Dance is a most aesthetically designed artistic structure. and lovers of dance the world over. The divine pro - This edifice known to have been built by Kulothunga Chola is genitor of dance, Nataraja has fascinated and capti - a graceful hall with 56 pillars decorated with figures represent - vated the Indian mind down the centuries. Indian art and cul - ing various moods and manifestations of Lord Nataraja. Indeed ture is replete with references to various forms of dance per - Chidambaram temple has a central place in the art of dance Tformed and perfected by Nataraja – the creative originator of with the presiding deity Nataraja meaning the King of perform - dancing. There are many shrines and temples dedicated to ers, standing as symbol of the art of dance. Nataraja in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The most The esoteric significance of Nataraja is pregnant with great venerated among the Nataraja temples is the magnificent shrine spiritual meanings – the drum in the right hand of Nataraja at Chidambaram where Shiva is known to have performed symbolises that he is the savior and protector of the world. The Ananda Tandava or the dance of Bliss. Located at a distance of skin wrapped round his waist signifies the annihilation of Aham 200 kms. from Chennai, the Nataraja temple also called Kanaka (ego). The right leg tramping the malignant dwarf implies the Sabha (golden hall of dance) is intertwined with the country’s destruction of evil. In ancient times Chidambaram was known art, culture and architecture and the very foundation of the by different names such as Tillai Ponnambalam, Vyagrapuram Hindu spiritual tradition. and Chitambaram. Tradition has it that it was the son of Chidambaram is foremost among the five holy abodes of Madhyandina Rishi, who found a self manifested Shivalinga dancing Shiva in Tamil Nadu. Here in the ancient shrine of under a banyan tree in the forest of Tillai and prayed to god, Nataraja, Shiva denotes the element of Akasa (Ether) while the seeking a boon of tigers feet and claws to climb up trees and four other places are Kancheepuram as earth, Thiruvanaikoli as pluck flowers for worship even before bees could taste their water, Thiruvannamalai as fire and Kalahasti as wind. In the honey. His prayer was granted and he became Vyagrapada Hindu spiritual tradition, these five vital elements referred to as meaning one endowed with tigers’ feet. Pancha Mahabhutas, constitute the bedrock of life. There is another fascinating legend as to how Shiva per - The Nataraja shrine at Chidambaram being the most hon - formed his first ever dance at Chidambaram. The three eyed oured is referred to as Ponnambalam, meaning golden temple Shiva who represents the principle of destruction in the Hindu and Kanakasabha, meaning the golden dancing hall. Behind the trinity once wanted to teach a fitting lesson to the sages at image of Nataraja, separated from it by a veil is Akasa Linga – Darukavanam who had become arrogant on account of their the celebrated secret of Chidambaram. The abode of Akasa knowledge. Assuming the form of a beggar and accompanied Linga is called Chitsabha. The Kanakasabha is the frontal com - by Vishnu disguised as Mohini, Shiva went to Darukavanam. plement to the Chitsabha. It is a small porch built on the same The wives of the sages were enamored of the beauty of the

22 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain DANCE

divine couple which enraged the Rishies (Sages). In a fit of jeal - ousy they tried to destroy the pair. They raised a sacrificial fire from which emanated a tiger which pounced on Shiva. But Shiva peeled off the skin of the tiger and wrapped it around his waist. Then the sage set against Shiva an Apsamara Purusha or malignant dwarf. Shiva killed him effortlessly. At this the sages confessed defeat. Thus began the enthralling majestic cosmic dance of Shiva which all the Gods and Rishies witnessed to the full content of their hearts. Meanwhile Adisesha, the serpent couch of Vishnu who heard the vivid description of Shiva’s dance from Vishnu desired to witness the dance and prayed to Shiva to allow him to see the dance. Shiva then told him he would perform the dance before him at Tillai. Adisesha was born as Patanjali and went to the forest at Tillai where he was joined by Vyagrapada. Both of them began to worship Shiva and when the time came for Shiva to perform the dance before his devotees, the guardian deity of the place Bhadra Kali, would not allow him. Thereupon they entered into an agreement, according to which both Shiva and Kali should participate in the dance contest and the winner would get the right of the place. Accordingly Shiva performed Ananda Tandava (dance of bliss) before his devotees and defeated Kali to take possession of Tillai. The magnificent Meenakshi, Sundareswara temple at Madurai has a shrine of Nataraja that occupies a position next only to Chidambaram temple. This shrine is called Rajatha Sabha (Silver Hall). Here the idol of Nataraja is seen standing on his right foot while in all the other four halls he is shown standing on his left foot. In the Shiva shrine at Kutralam, Nataraja is known to have performed his vibrant, Tripura Tandava dance in the celebrated Chitsabha. At the Kailasanatha temple at Mahabalipuram near Madras one can see a myriad range of dancing forms as performed by Nataraja. It is a sculp - tural tribute to the cosmic dance of Shiva. O Chidambaram temple, Tamil Nadu (The author is a freelance writer)

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 23 SPIRITUALITY

THE SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT IN TRINIDAD SWAMI PRAKASHANANDA, CHINMAYA MISSION

ne of the natural facts of migration is that one tion which has Sanskrit as a mandatory subject at primary cannot take everything along as one migrates. and high school levels. Some things will naturally be left behind. This, In the 1970s people from the Transcendental Meditation coupled with a few other factors like the adverse group had also started making their presence felt. The Kabir conditions of indentureship etc., saw Indians loosing many Panth Organization was incorporated way back in 1932 to pro - important spiritual practices as they braved the Diaspora. We mote the teachings of Sant Kabirdas—a great spiritual master. Oare in the process of reclaiming and/or reviving in Trinidad and Sri Swami Satchidananda of the Divine Life Society also made Guyana those lost fragments of spiritual practice. In this article a significant contribution in the religious field by way of teach - I make no distinction (though there is one) between religion ing havan etc. The Brahma Kumaris and Sri Vasudevji teach and spirituality because all religious practices in Hinduism con - meditation. tain a spiritual kernel. Over the years, starting with the visit of Swamis from the Tirtha (pilgrimage) including mahatirtha like kumbhmela Bharat Seva Ashram Sangh around 1956, we have had visits and tirth-sthanas (places of pilgrimage), Vedic gurukulas and from many renowned Saints of India. Swami Purnananda, ashrams (with live-in ashramites), the great art of meditation, Swami Chinmayananda, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Swami Ganapati the tradition of intense Sanyasa or renunciation and dedication Satchitananda, Swami Tejomayananda, Swami Veda Bharati, Sri solely to spirituality, the study of Sanskrit, the in-depth study of Kripaluji Maharaj and many others have all contributed to the Scriptures and Sanskrit compositions, composing in Sanskrit effort of spiritual uplift of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. and the tradition of the Maha-arti (as in Har-ki-Podi, Haridwar) It remains a fact, however, that we have not produced the are some of the aspects of spiritual practice that have been neg - greatness of the likes of spiritual masters like Sri Ramana lected in Trinidad and Guyana. Even when attempts have been Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, made to reclaim them, they have been Swami Chinmayananda, Murari Bapu etc. rather peace-meal. Nor do we seem close to doing so. The It is not that many great and significant For the first time in 2008 main contributing factor in this regard is aspects of spirituality have not been prac - the Chinmaya Mission the absence of the appreciation of the true ticed. Elaborate Pujas, Ramlila, Yagnas in Trinidad completed a full- spiritual flavour of the Hindu scriptures. their thousands, celebration of Divali with time residential course in The Hindu Scriptures have as their goal its deep religious embellishments, astrolo - Vedanta. Students from moksha or enlightenment. One has to gy, yoga, Kartik Snaan, Ramnavami, Trinidad and Guyana appreciate this first before we can make a Shivaratri and Krishna Janmashtami are Ramana or Vivekananda. We came to this some of the more pronounced practices stayed in the Ashram for land for economic reasons. We did not found in Trinidad and Guyana. 14 months learning come here for spirituality. Spirituality natu - With the return of Ravi-ji (Sri Vedanta and Sanskrit rally takes second place, even in the minds Ravindranath Maharaj) to Trinidad in the of those who are entrusted with the duty of early 1980s and the subsequent formation of the Hindu Prachar teaching it. Swami Vivekananda was concerned only about seeing Kendra, the spiritual movement seemed to have received a long God when he approached Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. overdue boost. For the first time we saw the actual in-house Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi couldn’t care less about anything training of students (Gurukul), the revival of the Ganga worldly. Where economic considerations enter the religious field Dashera festival with Maha-arti. The Kendra has now taken spirituality is the first casualty. One may even say that in order to Ramlila to a chair at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. allow economic considerations to enter the religious field in the Spiritual practices were lifted to new dimensions. Traditional first place spirituality has to be absent. Both are true! organizations had hitherto managed only to sustain Hinduism. When economics take the forefront of the minds of reli - The coming of the later organizations gave it a lift. In 2003 the gious teachers not only does it stifle spiritual growth but it Dattatraya Organization built the tallest Hanuman Murti out - opens the door for many other cancerous growths. For exam - side India. This became a sight for Hindus to behold. Not that ple, many teachers, rather than lifting people to spiritual heights, we have anywhere near learnt to appreciate the greatness of prefer to keep them as a mere ‘chela’ (disciple). It becomes an tirtha but tirtha-sthanas are coming up. economic rat-race because in order to keep the economic pace In 1997 the Chinmaya Ashram started the teaching of we have to increase the number of ‘chelas’ and for that popu - Sanskrit, meditation, Upanishads, Gita and other scriptures larity is important and for popularity we have to be able to sing in a formal way. The Chinmaya Mission is known for its well and to sing and speak what the people like to hear and not Gurukulams in India. For the first time in 2008 the what is good for them and it goes on and on. In this mad pur - Chinmaya Mission Trinidad completed a full-time residential suit we lose sight of the essence of the scriptures: spirituality course in Vedanta. Students from Trinidad and Guyana and enlightenment. O stayed in the Ashram for 14 months learning Vedanta and (Swami Prakashananda was born in California, is the founder and Sanskrit. The Chinmaya Mission remains the only organiza - resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission of Trinidad and Tobago)

24 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain HINDI SECTION fVªfuMkM esa dkfuZoky

Hkkjrh; mPpk;ksx dh }Sekfld if=kdk ^;k=kk* Hkkjr vkSj fVªfuMkM ds lka>k Lojksa dks vfHkO;fDr nsus dk ,d egRoiw.kZ iz;kl gSA lekt] laLd`fr vkSj yksdkpkj ds bl fu;fer LrEHk dh 'kq:vkr dkfuZoky tSls egRoiw.kZ mRlo ls gks jgh gSA dkfuZoky ds ckjs esa dgk tkrk gS fd ;g /kjrh dk lcls cM+k mRlo gSA ikap fnu pyus okys bl eq[; vk;kstu dh rS;kfj;k¡ lky Hkj pyrh gSaA ns[kus esa u`R; laxhr vkSj [kwclwjr >kfd;ksa ds bl vk;kstu ds ihNs ,d ijEijk] laLd`fr vkSj bfrgkl jgk gSA ;g ys[k bl vk;kstu ds ihNs dh ijEijk] laLd`fr vkSj bfrgkl dks le>us dk iz;kl gSA “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate”. —Oprah Winfrey nqfu;k ds lcls cM+s mRlo dkfuZoky ds fy, vksisjk fouÝs ds bu iqrZxky] vesfjdk vkSj muds mifuos'kksa esa Hkh QSy x;kA fVªfuMkM esa 'kCnksa ls csgrj vfHkO;fDr eqf'dy gksxhA fVªfuMkM&dkfuZoky u flQZ dkfuZoky fd ijEijk 1785 esa Ýkalhlh IykaVlZ ds lkFk 'kq: gqbZA ml ;gk¡ dk lcls cM+k mRlo ekuk tkrk gS cfYd ;g fj;k&Mh&tsusfj;ks le; Ýaklhlh dkfuZoky ds vk;kstu esa eq[kkSVksa o ia[kksa dk bLrseky ds ckn nqfu;k dk nwljk lcls cM+k dkfuZoky ekuk tkrk gSA Qjojh ds djrs FksA vÜosr vÝhdh leqnk;ksa esa e`R;q ds le; Hkh eq[kkSVs ds lkFk eghus esa fVªfuMkM vkus okyh mM+kuksa gh ugha cfYd ;gk¡ ds gksVyksa esa Hkh u`R; dh ijEijk FkhA ;gh dkj.k gS fd vÝhdh et+nwjksa us vius txg feyuh eqf'dy gksrh gSA fVªfuMkM ds fy, dkfuZoky ,d ,slk ikjEifjd laxhr vkSj u`R;ksa ds lkFk [kqn dk dkfuZoky eukuk 'kq: lkykuk mRlo gS ftlus ;gk¡ ds laxhr] ijEijk ds lkFk&lkFk yksxks ds dj fn;kA dkfuZoky ds bl vfÝdhdj.k us muesa vkRelEeku dk ut+fj;s dks Hkh cny fn;k gSA fVªfuMkM dk dkfuZoky bl ckr dk csgr - Hkko HkjkA 1838 esa xqykeh izFkk ds var ls ;g mRlo muds eqfDr dk jhu mnkgj.k gS fd ,d mRlo reke lkaLd`frd fofHkUurkvksa okys izrhd cu x;kA vkxs py dj dkfuZoky ds ek/;e ls vÝhdk ds yksxksa dks ,dlw=k esa ck¡/k ldrk gSA fdlh iwohZ laLd`fr esa jgs O;fDr ds ikjEifjd dyk dks vfHkO;fDr feyhA fy, ;g vuqHko mruk gh vuwBk gS ftruk igkM+] jsfxLrku ;k leqnz dk xqykeh izFkk ds var ds ckn 1845 ls Hkkjrh; et+nwjksa dk vkxeu vuqHkoA tc iksVZ vkWQ Lisu dh lM+dksa ij yk[kksa yksx dkfuZoky dh 'kq: gqvk vkSj fVªfuMkM fd lkekftd lajpuk esa cnyko vk;k vuwBh >kfd;ksa ds lkFk de ls de oL=kksa esa lkjh otZukvksa dks rksM+ dj ysfdu Hkkjrh; et+nwj fczfV'k QkeksZa esa fc[kjs gq, Fks blfy, dbZ u`R; djrs gSa rks os ukseZu foUlsaV ds bu 'kCnksa dh ;kn fnykrs gSa Þvius n'kdksa rd dkfuZoky esa mudh Hkkxhnkjh vkSj izHkko lhfer FkkA ls cM+h pht+ esa vki ftruk [kksrs gSa cnys esa ml [kksus ls dgha T;knk ÅtkZ izkIr djrs gSaß dkfuZoky 'kCnkrhr vuqHko ljh[kk gSA laxhr] laxhr vkSj laxhr laxhr dkfuZoky dk lcls vge~ igyw gSA dSfjfc;u dSfyIlks bfrgkl ds cgkus] le; ds cnyko laxhr dkfuZoky ds dsUnz esa jgk gS ysfdu fiNys n'kd ds nkSjku ij dkfuZoky flQZ bruk gh ugha gS tSlk fn[kkbZ nsrk gS] blds pVuh vkSj lksdk laxhr dk izHkko c<+k gSA 1970 esa tc iwjh nqfu;k ihNs ,d ijEijk vkSj bfrgkl gS ftlus bls bl eqdke ij igqpk;k esa dSfyIlks laxhr vius mrkj ij Fkk rc rst /kqu okys dSfyIlks vkSj gSA bl ijEijk vkSj bfrgkl fd lthnxh dk vanktk bl ckr ls Hkkstiqjh laxhr ds feJ.k ls lksdk fgi&gki vkSj jkIlks laxhr dk yxk;k tk ldrk gS fd ;gk¡ dh ljdkj bl vk;kstu ds fy, u flQZ tUe gqvkA mlh le; lqUnj ikiks ds vykok jkenso pSrw] fjDdh t;] djksM+ks dk vuqnku nsrh gS cfYd ;gk¡ ckdk;nk ,d vk;ksx cuk dj jkds'k ;kadj.k tSls pVuh xk;d fVªfuMkM ds Hkkjrh;ksa esa yksdfiz; dkfuZoky fd ijEijk vkSj bfrgkl dks lajf{kr fd;k tkrk gSA gks x, vkSj muds izHkko ls dSfyIlks lksdk laxhr dkfuZoky dk vge~ jkseu dSFkksfyd /keZ ds vuq;kf;;ksa us 'krkfCn;ksa igys ysaV R;kSgkj fgLlk cu x;kA pVuh laxhr esa fgUnh&Hkkstiqjh ds lkFk vaxzsth ds fd iwoZ jkr dks mUeqDr ifj/kkuksa dk mRlo 'kq: fd;kA pw¡fd 'kCn rst /kqu ij xk;s tkus yxsA blesa

The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 25 HINDI SECTION

esa gqvkA ;g ok| ySfVu vesfjdu vkSj ik'pkR; laxhr esa csgn yksd - jax fcjaxh >kfd;k¡ gqvk djrh Fkh ftUgsa ^ekl* dgk tkrk FkkA ekl esa fiz; gqvkA 1880 esa lHkh rjg ds Mªe ctkus ij ikcanh yxk nh x;h u flQZ vÝhdk ds lkaLd`frd izrhdksa dh >kdh gksrh gS cfYd blij ifj.kke Lo:i vÝhdh yksxks us rEcw&cEcw laxhr dh 'kq:vkr dhA ledkyhu izHkko Hkh fn[krk gSA dkfuZoky ds reke ekl dh bl laxhr esa ckal ds xkaBks dks [kkl rjg ls cka/k dj y; esa ihVk tkrk vyx&vyx Fkhe gksrh gS ftlds vius leFkZd gksrs gSA gj dkfuZoky vkxs py dj os ckal fd xkaBks ds lkFk&lkFk LVhy Mªe dks ctkus yxs cSaM dh viuh iks'kkd gksrh gS ftls fMt+kbuj rS;kj djrs gSaA ;fn vki ;gh ls LVhy iSu fd ;k=kk 'kq: gqbZA flQZ dkfuZoky dk ewd n'kZd cus ugha jguk pkgrs rks vkidks fdlh f}rh; fo'o ;q) ds le; fVªfuMkM esa ekStwn vesfjdh lsuk dh rsy cSaM dh iks'kkd [kjhn dj [kkl rjg ds u`R; ds fy, rS;kj gksuk iM+rk dh t:jrksa ds dkj.k LVhy Mªe izpqj ek=kk esa miyC/k gks x,A ftls gSA bu iks'kkdks dh dher ikap gt+kj ls ipkl gt+kj ds chp gksrh gSA LFkkuh; yksxks esa LVhy iSu vkSj yksdfiz; gqvkA mu fnuksa LVhy iSu ;g iks'kkd bl ckr dh btktr nsrh gS fd vki veqd cSaM ds lnL; mHkjs gq, gksrs Fks ysfdu 1946 esa owM czqd ds vksoy cks;t LVhy cSaM ds gksdj bl egku mRlo esa Mwc ldrs gSA dkfuZoky dk ;gk¡ ds yksxksa ,y ekusV us ik;k fd ;fn LVhy iSu dks mHkkjus ds ctk; xgjk dj dh ftanxh esa D;k LFkku gS bls vki bl ckr ls c[kwch le> ldrs gSa fn;k tk, rks blesa ls vkSj vf/kd lqj fudkys tk ldrs gSaA vkt fd tc vki dkfuZoky ls igys fdlh Hkh lokuk ¼[ksy ds eSnku½ esa fVªfuMkM ds bl jk"Vªh; ok| ;U=k dk iwjh nqfu;k esa iz;ksx gksrk gSA vkSj 'kke dks tk,] rc ;gk¡ gtkjksa dh HkhM+ 'kke dks dke ds ckn lh/ks bl ;gk¡ ds yksx QØ ls dgrs gSa fd geus nqfu;k dks LVhy iSu fn;k gSA fy, nkSM+rh gS fd dkfuZoky ds nkSjku lqcg ls jkr rd pyus okys t'u esa u FkdsA t'u dk ;g t+Lck gh dkfuZoky dks thoar cukrk gSA le; ds iM+ko vkSj dkfuZoky vkt tc cktkjhdj.k ds bl ;qx esa tc dkfuZoky ds dkeqd u`R; Hkys fVªfuMkM esa dkfuZoky us nks lkS lky ds bfrgkl esa vusd iM+ko gh yksxks dk vkd"kZ.k gks ysfdu dkfuZoky ds t'u ds ihNs reke ns[ksa gSaA ,d le; Fkk tc bl mRlo dk eq[; vkd"kZ.k dkfuZoky dh jkspd ijEijk, gSa ftls vki ut+jankt+ ugha dj ldrsA O ß;kns fVªfuMkM dhÞ Ldwy ds fnuksa esa dHkh ^f'kokuh* dh laf{kIr dgkfu;ksa ds laxzg esa ,d LuSDl McYl cgqr izfl) gS ¼mlus fdlh fØdsV&eSp ds nkSjku fdlh ,d dgkuh esa fVªfuMkM dk uke i<+k Fkk ij dHkh lkspk ugha Fkk ns[kk Fkk½] vkdj ns[kk rks ogh nks iwfj;ksa ds chp puk j[kk gqvk vkSj fd brus o"kksZ ckn ogka tkdj jgus dk volj izkIr gksxkA ,d ,slk vk'p;Z ;g gS fd Hkkjrh; rks [kkrs gh gSa ij vÝhdh vkSj phuh vkSj ns'k ftls ;fn fo'o ds uD'ks ij ns[kus dh dksf'k'k dh tk, rks cM+h gh [kq'k gksdj [kkrs gSa] blh izdkj QqykSjh pVuh ;k lfguk tks vHkh Hkh vlqfo/kk gksxh] ij blhfy, rks dgk tkrk gS fd balku dk nkuk&ikuh mRrj Hkkjr ds nsgkrksa esa yksx cukrs o [kkrs gSaA gekjh 'kgjh lH;rk tgk¡ fy[kk jgrk gS] fof/k mls ysgh tkrh gSA ugha rks bruh txgs gSa esa rks ;s O;atu izk;% yqIr gks pqds gSaA b/kj fiNys nks n'kd ls ;gk¡ ds fo'o izfl)] muds ckjs esa u lksp dSfjfc;u }hi lewg esa ;g }hi gh Hkkjrh; viuh lH;rk&laLd`fr vkSj /keZ dks Hkh u, fljs ls igpkuus D;ksa\ vHkh fiNys o"kZ dh gh ckr gS] esjs ifr dks ;gk¡ dh ^eSjhVkbe dh ps"Vk esa yxs gSaA ;|fi Hkkjrh; Hkk"kk rks Hkwy pqds gSa rks dfBukbZ ;wfuoflZVh* ls lhfu;j baLVªDVj dh fu;qfDr dk vkQj vk;k] mUgksaus rks gksrh gSA Hkkjr ds lkFk laca/k tksM+us dk ,dek=k lk/ku ckWyhoqM ;ksfga iwNk vkSj eSaus Hkh fcuk lksps gkeh Hkj nhA cl fQj D;k FkkA dqN gSA tc Hkh ;gk¡ fgUnh fQYesa yxrh gSa] cM+k vk'p;Z gksrk gS fd Hkk"kk gh fnuksa esa lkjh dkxt+h dk;Zokgh gks xbZ vkSj os pys x,A vc esjh vkSj u le>rs gq, Hkh vaxzsth lc VkbVYl i<+rs gq, cM+h gh lgtrk ls cPpksa dh rS;kjh 'kq: gqbZ vkSj ge py iM+s ^,;j&bf.M;k* ds foeku esa euksjatu dj ysrs gS ;gk¡ ds yksxA ;gh ugha Hkkjrh; yksdlaxhr tks cSBdj U;w;kdZ ds fy,] ogk¡ ls ^dSfjfc;u&,;jykbUl* ds ikap ?k.Vksa buds iwoZt ;gk¡ yk, Fks vkSj Hkkjrh; fQYeh laxhr dk vius rjhds ds lQj ds ckn vk x;k iksVZ vkQ Lisu fVªfuMkM dh jkt/kkuhA ls :i ifjorZu djds ,d vn~Hkqr 'kSyh dk laxhr cuk fy;k gS ftlesa ,d u, ns'k esa vutkus yksxksa ds chp tgk¡ ds ckjs esa flQZ bruk dSfjfc;u dk jax gSA ;gk¡ dh jkeyhyk dh Hkh viuh fof'"V igpku ekywe Fkk fd djhc Ms<+ lkS lky igys vaxzstks us cgqr Hkkjrh; yksxksa gSA ;gk¡ ds yksxks us jkeyhyk dk ogh izkphu :i lgst dj j[kk gqvk dks ys vkdj ;gk¡ clk;k FkkA fVªfuMkM vkdj ns[kk fd dsoy Hkkjrh; gS tks buds iwoZt ysdj vk, FksA ;|fi Hkkjr esa vc bldk :i vkt ewy ds gh ugha] vÝhdk] phu o vU; ;wjksih; ns'kksa ds yksx yxHkx dh vk/kqfud ;qx ds vuq:i gks x;k gS] ;gk¡ rd fd vc xk¡oksa esa Hkh mrus gh le; ls ;gk¡ cls gSaA cM+s gh lrjaxh uLy dk lekt] ij ,d LVst cukdj jkeyhyk dh tkrh gSA fdruk fofp=k yxrk gS fd Hkk"kk lcdks ,dlw=k esa cka/ks gq, gS] og gS vaxzsthA fdlh dks Hkh vius xksLokeh rqylhnkl dh pkSikbZ;k¡ rks mlh izdkj xkbZ tkrh gS ij iwoZtks dh Hkk"kk dk Kku ugha gSA pkgs os Hkkjrh; gksa ;k vÝhdh vFkok layki vaxzsth esa gksrs gSaA ij ;gh rks bldh fof'k"Vrk gSA phuh] ;gk¡ vkdj cgqr yksxksa ls esytksy c<+k Hkkjrh; fe=k rks gSa gh dqy feykdj la{ksi esa ;g ns'k jaxfcjaxh lH;rk vkSj laLd`fr ls ij vU; yksx Hkh vPNs gSaA ifjiw.kZ gS ftlesa dbZ uLyksa dk feJ.k gSA ;fn vPNkbZ vkSj cqjkbZ ds ;gk¡ vkdj ftl pht us lcls vf/kd vkd`"V fd;k og Fkh] p'esa dks yxk, fcuk ns[kk tk, rks ;g ns'k viuh fofo/krk dks fy, txg&txg ij ^jksVh 'kkWi* fy[kh gqbZ nqdkusaA Hkkjrh; viuh jksVh gq, ,d vuks[kk LFkku gSA vc pkgs vki bldh fuUnk djsa ;k iz'kalk ugha Hkwys gSa Hkys gh foxr o"kksZ esa jksVh cukus ds u,&u, rjhdksa dk ij ut+jvankt+ rks fcYdqy ugha dj ldrsA vfo"dkj gqvk gSA vkus ds igys esjs Hkkats us dgk Fkk fd ekSlh ogk¡ dk &lquhrk ik.Ms;

26 | YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain YATRA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010 | 27