The Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT) on Sunday honoured 104-year-old Sukdiah Mohabir, a first generation Guyanese whose parents travelled from Indian as indentured labourers.
This was one of the highlights of the 175th anniversary celebration of East Indians’ arrival in Guyana held at the newly rehabilitated Indian Monument Gardens on Camp Street, where the ICT put on a show filled with song and dances.
Chairman of the ICT Dr Yesu Persaud told Stabroek News that the ICT found it necessary to produce a magazine filled with writings that were descriptive of the historical context in which Indians came to Guyana and their local and global contributions over the past 175 years.
He said recognising 175 years of Indian heritage was one of the greatest ways to remember the journey of East Indians.
Dr Persaud stated that “we just have to look at Guyana now and see that we have come from nothing to something… Our ancestors were treated without regard and they remained persistent and determined.”
He said it was the 70 per cent of Indians who stayed in Guyana after their time of servitude was up who contributed to the cultural diversity found in Guyana.
“Modern Indo-Guyanese have long felt that the arrival of these Indian indentures should be honoured and remembered for the sacrifice they made,” he stated. He added that through the songs and the dancing on Arrival Day Indian ancestors are celebrated for their “persistence and their resistance in many cases.”
The garden was lit and many members of the ICT were surprised that with events occurring across the country so many patrons still showed up to celebrate and to recognise the rich Indian history that has become an integral part of Guyanese culture as a whole.
The ICT plans on keeping the newly rejuvenated gardens opened to the public. Tarachan Khelwan Vice Chairman of the ICT stated that “we will close the gate at night still but if a group of people want to come in and sit and relax there will be a guard”. He said that the ICT was hopeful for corporate sponsors to cover the operating cost of the garden. He noted that “we spent five months doing all this work and we want it kept looking nice and want people to come and enjoy it.”
Lalita Persaud, joined by her parents and siblings, was thrilled to be a part of the festivities; her mother stated that the family came into Georgetown to be a part of the ICT showcase.
