Latest news with #Girmitiya
IOL News
08-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Professor Kapil Kumar to discuss book 'Revealing Suppressed Realities' at Durban workshop on Girmitiya diaspora
Professor Kapil Kumar from New Delhi will be discussing his book 'Colonial Plantations & Indian Indenturers: Revealing Suppressed Realities' Image: Supplied Professor Kapil Kumar from New Delhi will be discussing his book 'Colonial Plantations & Indian Indenturers: Revealing Suppressed Realities' virtually at the 'The Girmitiya Diaspora in 2025: Identity, challenges and shaping our future' workshop this Saturday. The Global Girmitiya Centre of South Africa is inviting the public to attend the workshop which is set to take place on July 12 at L'Aperitivo - The Auroras, 9 Aurora Dr, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban. The workshop will include participation from: Shri Ravindra Dev (Guyana) – Identity & cohesion, Professor (Dr) Sandili Ramdial- Maharaj (Trinidad) – The psyche of the oppressed & oppressor: Girmitiya experience Professor Kapil Kumar (New Delhi) – Revealing suppressed realities Professor Ganesh Chand (Fiji) – The way forward Bugsy Singh (South Africa) – Girmitiya in SA & facilitation The Global Girmitiya Centre of SA (affiliated to the Global Girmitiya Institute) was established to highlight the South African Girmitiya's history, challenges, heroes and role in the pursuit of social cohesion and nation-building – and to liaise with Girmitiya populations in the diaspora. The book, which Professor Kumar co-edited with fellow participant, Dr Sandili Ramdial-Maharaj from Trinidad, seeks to provide an alternative to the established colonial narrative on Indenture labour history. The book highlights how the plantation economies, to save themselves from ruin after the abolition of slavery, re-packaged it in the form of indentured labour. Professor Kapil Kumar from New Delhi will be discussing his book 'Colonial Plantations & Indian Indenturers: Revealing Suppressed Realities' virtually. Image: Professor Kapil Kumar/Facebook 'To procure it, India was converted into the biggest market. Oppressive practices, deceit, manipulations, false promises and allurements - the established colonial tools were operationalised to facilitate smooth flow of labour under the garb of agreements, converting India into the biggest labour-recruiting nation. 'The agonies of this new human trading were not confined to economic aspects alone. It generated wider and serious social, religious and psychological implications for the Indian community in alien lands, which has been described as the trauma of the Indenturers by Dr. Sandili Maharaj-Ramdial,' a book summary reads. 'This trauma emerged from the recruitment methods, long hard ship journeys, betrayals of so-called agreements, separations from loved ones and the toiling conditions in plantations spread over in Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, Mauritius and Fijil etc.' Professor Kumar said the reason why he argues that indentured labourers were the same as slaves is that the working conditions did not change. He mentioned that the restrictions placed on them at the colony plantations were the same as that of the slaves. 'A labourer from one plantation could not move to the other plantation without permission. 'And also, the way that families were parted - The husband would go to another plantation while the wife would go to another plantation, and the children would likely be sent to some other place. 'So all these kinds of things, among others, were suppressed in colonial history and geography,' Kumar said. He later added that one of the worst things was how, after its abolishment, when the indentured labourers wanted India to help them, 'they were denied it' and that they were told they 'are not the citizens of India, we can't help you.' 'And the question there is, none of them had given up their Indian citizenship when they went to the other countries, and none had gone on passports or anything. They were refused help.' He added that history is not just the study of the past or the dead, but that it shows how the present has evolved. 'The idea is to let the present generations also know their ancestors toiled to make them what they are today. It is not that the present diaspora, and all its descendants, fell from the sky.'
Times of Oman
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
India actively working on creating comprehensive database of Girmitiya community: PM Modi
Port of Spain: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community, documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. While addressing Indian community members in Port of Spain on Thursday (local time), PM Modi noted that the move will also support India's "deep and historic ties" with people in Trinidad and Tobago. He recalled the participation of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. He said, "This year, when we hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, Her Excellency President Christine Carla Kangaloo ji was our Chief Guest. A few years ago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar honoured us with her presence. At the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world. We are mapping the past and bringing people closer for a bright future." "We are actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya Community. Documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. This will support the deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago as well," he added. PM Modi announced that citizens of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago, up to the sixth generation, will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, allowing them to live and work in India without restrictions. "Today, I'm happy to announce that the OCI cards will be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. We aren't just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India welcomes, and India embraces you," PM Modi said. He encouraged the Indian-origin community to visit their ancestral land and deepen their connection with India. "I encourage all of you to visit India more in person, and not just virtually via social media. Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children and neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys 'Chai' and a good story. We will welcome all of you with open arms, warm hearts and Jalebi," he said. He also praised the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago for keeping Indian culture alive. He said, "They left Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried Ramayana in their heart. They left their soil but not their soul. They were not just migrants, they were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contribution has benefited this country culturally, economically and spiritually." "The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence," PM Modi added. PM Modi said that India is the third largest startup hub in the world, and women serve as directors in nearly half of these startups. He stated that India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital payments. He congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first country in the region to adopt India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. "The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India's growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth. Today, India is the third-largest startup hub in the world. Nearly half of these startups also have women as directors. Nearly 120 startups have achieved unicorn status. National missions for AI, Semiconductor and Quantum computing are becoming the new engines of growth. In a way, innovation is becoming a mass movement," he said. "India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital payments. Nearly 50% of the world's real-time digital transactions take place in India. I congratulate Trinidad & Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now sending money will be as easy as sending a 'good morning' text message! And I promise, it will be faster than West Indies bowling," he added. Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar also addressed the Indian community members. She praised PM Modi's leadership, calling him a "transformational force who has refined governance of India." She stated that PM Modi has modernised India's economy through his visionary and futuristic initiatives. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. PM Modi has shared highlights from the special welcome in Port of Spain on the social media platform X. The video shows PM Modi being welcomed by his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Upon his arrival in Port of Spain, PM Modi was given a ceremonial welcome. The people of Trinidad and Tobago greeted PM Modi with enthusiasm, dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and Indian culture. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. While sharing the video on X, PM Modi wrote, "May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain."
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Modi announces OCI cards for 6th generation of diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards will be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday as he began a visit to the Caribbean nation where more than 40% of the population is of Indian origin. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. (AP) Modi, the first Indian premier to visit the island nation since 2009, pitched for greater economic, security, and technology cooperation between India and Trinidad and Tobago while addressing a gathering of the Indian community along with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the first woman premier of the country. Trinidad and Tobago is the second destination in Modi's five-nation tour. The diaspora there, descended from immigrants who began arriving in 1845 as indentured labour, maintains strong ties with India. It is the largest concentration of Indian-origin people in the Caribbean. Modi highlighted the long-standing links between the Indian community and their country of origin and lauded their achievements in Trinidad and Tobago. 'Today, I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. 'You are not just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India looks out to you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you,' he said, speaking in a mix of English and Hindi. The descendants of the 'girmitiyas' or indentured workers are no longer defined by their struggle but by their success, Modi said, pointing to the achievements of Persad-Bissessar, President Christine Carla Kangaloo, musician Sundar Popo, and cricketer Daren Ganga. The Indian diaspora now includes 35 million people spread across the world, and each member is an ambassador of India's values, culture and heritage, Modi said. India is creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community, documenting the villages and cities from which their ancestors migrated and identifying the places where they settled. 'This will support the deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago as well,' he said. Persad-Bissessar, in her address, referred to the enduring ties between the two countries and thanked India for providing Trinidad and Tobago with vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic. She announced that the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country's highest honour, will be presented to Modi on Saturday. Modi, who was received on his arrival by Persad-Bissessar and almost the entire cabinet, also said India will soon be among the world's top three economies, and its missions for artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing are becoming new engines of growth. He called for closer trade, security, and technology cooperation between the two countries. 'Our Mission Manufacturing is working to make India a manufacturing hub. We have become the world's second-largest mobile manufacturer,' he said. 'Our defence exports have increased 20-fold in just the last decade. We are not just making in India, we are making for the world. As we grow, we are ensuring that it is of mutual benefit to the world.' Modi also showcased India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), saying it has revolutionised digital payments. 'Nearly 50% of the world's real-time digital transactions take place in India. I congratulate Trinidad and Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI,' he said. 'Now sending money will be as easy as sending a 'good morning' text message! And I promise, it will be faster than West Indies bowling.'
United News of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Modi announces OCI cards for 6th generation of Indian diaspora in T&T
Port of Spain/New Delhi, July 4 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will be issued to citizens of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago, extending up to the sixth generation. This move will allow them to live and work in India without restrictions. PM Modi lauded the Indian diaspora for their resilience, cultural richness, and significant contributions to Trinidad & Tobago. He also acknowledged the community's continued efforts to preserve Indian cultural traditions. To further strengthen these bonds, Prime Minister announced that OCI cards would now be issued to the 6th generation of the people of Indian origin people of Trinidad & Tobago. This special gesture was greeted with loud applause. Prime Minister also underscored that the Government of India would be supporting several initiatives to nurture the 'Girmitiya' legacy. Girmitiya was the name given those Indians who left the country in the middle and 19th century to serve as labour in the then British colonies "Our decision on the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago being issued OCI cards will strengthen their connection to India and preserve our shared heritage for future generations," PM Modi said. Addressing the Indian community in Port of Spain during his first visit to the Caribbean country as Prime Minister, PM Modi underlined the deep emotional and cultural ties that bind India with its diaspora. "Today, I'm happy to announce that the OCI cards will be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. We aren't just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India welcomes, and India embraces you!" PM Modi said. PM Modi called upon the people of Indian origin to visit their ancestral land and deepen their connection and roots with India and not just be connected virtually via social media. "I encourage all of you to visit India more in person, and not just virtually via social media. Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children and neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys 'Chai' and a good story. We will welcome all of you with open arms, warm hearts and Jalebi," he said. PM Modi also congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first country in the region to adopt India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. "I congratulate Trinidad and Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now, sending money will be as easy as sending a Good Morning text message. I promise it will be faster than the bowling of the West Indies," he said. Highlighting India's rapid growth, PM Modi said the country has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy and has successfully lifted millions out of poverty. "India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies of the world. The fruits of India's growth and progress are reaching the most needy. India has proved that we can defeat poverty by empowering the poor... The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India's growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth," he said. Prime Minister outlined India's rapid development and transformation in the fields of infrastructure, digital technologies, manufacturing, green pathways, space, innovation and start-ups. He highlighted that in the last one-decade India has made significant strides in promoting inclusive growth with over 250 million people lifted out of extreme poverty. Highlighting various aspects of India's growth story, he noted that the country would soon be among the top three economies in the world. Prime Minister stressed, "National Missions on AI, Semiconductor and Quantum Computing were becoming new engines of the country's growth. Underlining the success of UPI based digital payments in India, he expressed optimism that its adoption in Trinidad & Tobago would be equally encouraging. Reflecting on India's age-old philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam , meaning the world is one family, vividly demonstrated during the Covid pandemic, he offered continued support to T&T in its pursuit of progress and nation making." The grand event was attended by over 4000 people and featured a captivating cultural programme performed by the artistes from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation and other organizations. UNI AAB RKM
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
India actively working on creating comprehensive database of Girmitiya community: PM Modi
Port of Spain [Trinidad and Tobago], July 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community, documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. While addressing Indian community members in Port of Spain on Thursday (local time), PM Modi noted that the move will also support India's 'deep and historic ties' with people in Trinidad and Tobago. He recalled the participation of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. He said, 'This year, when we hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, Her Excellency President Christine Carla Kangaloo ji was our Chief Guest. A few years ago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar honoured us with her presence. At the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world. We are mapping the past and bringing people closer for a bright future.' 'We are actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya Community. Documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. This will support the deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago as well,' he added. PM Modi announced that citizens of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago, up to the sixth generation, will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, allowing them to live and work in India without restrictions. 'Today, I'm happy to announce that the OCI cards will be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. We aren't just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India welcomes, and India embraces you,' PM Modi said. He encouraged the Indian-origin community to visit their ancestral land and deepen their connection with India. 'I encourage all of you to visit India more in person, and not just virtually via social media. Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children and neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys 'Chai' and a good story. We will welcome all of you with open arms, warm hearts and Jalebi,' he said. He also praised the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago for keeping Indian culture alive. He said, 'They left Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried Ramayana in their heart. They left their soil but not their soul. They were not just migrants, they were messengers of a timeless civilisation. Their contribution has benefited this country culturally, economically and spiritually.' 'The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence,' PM Modi added. PM Modi said that India is the third largest startup hub in the world, and women serve as directors in nearly half of these startups. He stated that India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital payments. He congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first country in the region to adopt India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. 'The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India's growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth. Today, India is the third-largest startup hub in the world. Nearly half of these startups also have women as directors. Nearly 120 startups have achieved unicorn status. National missions for AI, Semiconductor and Quantum computing are becoming the new engines of growth. In a way, innovation is becoming a mass movement,' he said. 'India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital payments. Nearly 50% of the world's real-time digital transactions take place in India. I congratulate Trinidad & Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now sending money will be as easy as sending a 'good morning' text message! And I promise, it will be faster than West Indies bowling,' he added. Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar also addressed the Indian community members. She praised PM Modi's leadership, calling him a 'transformational force who has refined governance of India.' She stated that PM Modi has modernised India's economy through his visionary and futuristic initiatives. PM Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday (local time) with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament of the Caribbean nation. PM Modi has shared highlights from the special welcome in Port of Spain on the social media platform X. The video shows PM Modi being welcomed by his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Upon his arrival in Port of Spain, PM Modi was given a ceremonial welcome. The people of Trinidad and Tobago greeted PM Modi with enthusiasm, dancing to the beat of drums and showcasing traditional music and performances that reflected a blend of local and Indian culture. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered at Piarco International Airport to welcome him. While sharing the video on X, PM Modi wrote, 'May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain.' (ANI)
