Latest news with #Girmitiyas
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
How Bhojpuri people migrated to Trinidad in the 1800s
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Port of Spain, the capital of Caribbean nation Trinidad and Tobaga, on Thursday (July 4, 2025) he was welcomed with a cultural performance of Chautaal, a folk music form prominent in the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of the country. His Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, traces her origins to Bihar. In the ceremonial dinner hosted by her for Mr. Modi, food was served on a Sohari leaf, again a staple in Bihari households. President Christine Carla Kangaloo is also from an Indo-Trinidadian family. Also Read: Indian community's journey in Trinidad and Tobago a courageous one: PM Modi Bhojpuri Chautaal echoes in Trinidad & Tobago! — narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) July 3, 2025 'A total of 13 lakh people live in this country, out of which 45 per cent are of Indian origin,' Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson Ministry of External Affairs, said during a media brief on the PM's visit, adding, 'Among the 45% of people... most are those who have come from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Most of these people are those who have come from Bhojpuri-speaking districts like Chhapra, Ara, Ballia, Siwan, Gopalganj, Banaras, Azamgarh, etc.' India's Caribbean connection India's connection with Caribbean nations dates back to 1845. Fath Al Razack, a ship carrying 225 labourers from colonial India landed at the Gulf of Paria marking the arrival of Indians to Trinidad. Subsequently over 1.4 lakh Indian labourers were sent to Trinidad, mostly from present day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to work on the sugar plantations. A majority of them were Hindus and spoke Bhojpuri, Awadhi, and Hindi. After slavery was officially abolished, the British came up with the Indian Indentured Labourers System under which people would 'voluntarily' offer to work as plantation labourers. A number of Indians agreed and migrated to colonies as India was grappling with famine and poor economic conditions under Colonial rule. These Indians were refers as Girmitiyas, a colloquial term derived from English word 'agreement'. The British transported several thousand Indian labourers to several of its colonies, including Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad, and Guyana. The British called it the Great Experiment, in which as many as 1.2 million Indians were migrated to several colonies between 1834 and 1920, according to the UNESCO. Though the agreement stated that these Indians would work 'for a set period of time', a majority of them chose to stay back by obtaining a new indenture. Some returned, only to bring back their families. Another form of slavery? The British called the Great Experiment a success, the Dutch too followed it and thus Suriname too became a destination for Girmitiyas. On paper, the system looked like a contract on paper, but it was no less than slavery. The indenture was not based on the principle of equality or natural justice, wrote Ambassador Bhaswati Mukherjee in an article published in the MEA website in 2014. The indentured were shipped to the Caribbean and confined to a plantation or estate where they lived and worked under conditions comparable to those for Africans under slavery. They had no choice in employer, could not change employers or buy themselves out of, or negotiate their contract, nor could they move freely without the consent of their employers, wrote Professor Kamala Kempadoo in the article ''Bound Coolies' and Other Indentured Workers in the Caribbean: Implications for debates about human trafficking and modern slavery', published in Anti-Trafficking Review in 2017. In an article published in The Hindu's Sunday Magazine in 2017, when India observed 100 years of abolishment of indentured labour, author G. Pramod Kumar wrote: 'compared to 'slave' labour, indenture was projected as 'free' labour, even though the workers were bonded by contract for five years under harsh conditions. 'Double-cut', for instance, would dock two days' pay for a day's absence from work.' The workers could not easily move outside their estates. If caught without their 'immigration ticket', they were jailed for 'vagrancy'. The colonisers wanted to appear morally right without losing profits, but what they had surreptitiously laid out was 'a new system of slavery', he wrote quoting Hugh Tinker's seminal book published in 1974 titled A New System of Slavery. Where are the women? While it is a matter of pride for both Trinidad and India that two Indian-origin women are ruling the South American nation, very little is documented on women indentured labourers. Professor Kamala Kempadoo wrote that Indian women were recruited not for their labour, but to marry, provide care work, bring stability to the male labour force, and help eliminate the cost of remigration and the loss of workers. 'As wage labourers they were deemed inferior to men, and were paid less even while they performed the same work in the fields, but their sexuality was highly prized by the employers. The sexualisation of, in particular, Asian indentured women, is not dissimilar to that which is described as 'sex trafficking' in the twenty-first century, in that sexual labour was, and is, an explicit part of the reasons for the recruitment and overseas employment of women,' she wrote in the Anti-Trafficking Review article. The Royal government even collected a £3 tax on indentured emigrants returning to their homeland, which was abolished in 1914 after the Smuts-Gandhi settlement of 1914. Gandhiji's Satyagraha against indentured labour Mahatma Gandhi was a vocal critic of indentured labour. In his autobiography 'My Experiments with Truth', Gandhi recalled how Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya sought permission to introduce a bill for the immediate abolition of the indentured labour system at the Imperial Legislative Council in February 1917, which was rejected. He then organised an all-India agitation against the system and met Lord Chelmsford, the then Viceroy of Colonial India. On July 31, 1971, the system was officially abolished. Root search Former indentured labourers and their decendants are still referred as Girmitiyas. In the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas held in Bhubaneswar in January this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the need for study and research on Girmitiyas' history. 'Why cannot comprehensive database of Girmitiyas be created? This could document the villages and States they originated from, the destinations they settled in, and the journeys that shaped their lives,' he had remarked. Trinidad Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar herself met her bloodlines in Bhelpur village in Bihar's Buxar district, when she was on a state visit to India in 2012. The government of Trinidad and Tobago maintains records of General Registers which contain details such as name, the name of the estate the Indians worked in, and the ship in which they the arrived. They also maintain records of Emigration Certificates, Estate Registers, Registers of Remittance to India, Marriages among others to help with root search. The Ministry of External Affairs runs Tracing the Roots programme to facilitate Indian origin people to find their bloodline in India. While addressing Indian community members in Port of Spain Mr. 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. The government is also actively engaging with the community with Girmitiya conferences and root search. '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,' Mr. Modi added. Not just stories, the Indo-Trinidadian community has a rich history too to share.
News18
04-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
In Trinidad & Tobago, PM Modi's Subtle Bihar Message Ahead Of Elections
PM Modi, who is in Trinidad & Tobago, said people of India consider Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as a daughter of Bihar The Bihar assembly election may still be four months away, but the political campaign is already heating up—not just within the state, but thousands of miles away as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a foreign tour, appears to be making subtle yet pointed remarks aimed at the Bihar electorate, signalling that the battle for the state has unofficially begun. PM Modi, who is in Trinidad & Tobago, said people of India consider Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as a daughter of Bihar. The Prime Minister also witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The connect between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar, is noteworthy, he wrote in a post on X. This is his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. Citing eminent Indian-origin figures in the country, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo, he said the descendants of Girmitiyas are no longer defined by struggle, but by their 'success, service, and values". Girmitiyas were indentured labourers from British India transported to work on plantations in Fiji, South Africa, Eastern Africa (namely Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda), Malaysia, Singapore, and the Caribbean as part of the Indian indenture system. At the dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, PM Modi presented a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and holy water from the Saryu river as well as from the Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. They symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Trinidad & Tobago, the Prime Minister said. First Published: July 04, 2025, 14:01 IST
NDTV
04-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Indian Community's Journey In Trinidad And Tobago "One Of Courage": PM Modi
Port of Spain: The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is one of courage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, emphasising that the hardships their ancestors endured could have "broken even the strongest spirits". PM Modi made the comments at a community event at the National Cycling Velodrome, Couva, on Thursday. He arrived in Trinidad and Tobago earlier in the day for a two-day visit. The prime minister, whose first engagement in the Caribbean nation was with the Indian community, said that it felt completely natural, as "we are part of one family". Trinidad and Tobago has a population of approximately 13 lakh, 45 per cent of whom are of Indian origin. "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," he said. "They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayana in their hearts," he said, calling them messengers of a "timeless civilisation". "The community programme in Port of Spain was spectacular. The energy and warmth of the people made it truly unforgettable. Evidently, our cultural bonds shine brightly!" he said in an X post. In his address, the prime minister stressed that the Indian community members' contribution has benefited Trinidad and Tobago "culturally, economically and spiritually". Citing eminent Indian-origin figures in the country including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo, he said the descendants of Girmitiyas are no longer defined by struggle, but by their "success, service, and values". Girmitiyas were indentured labourers from British India transported to work on plantations in Fiji, South Africa, Eastern Africa (namely Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda), Malaysia, Singapore, and the Caribbean as part of the Indian indenture system. He added that work is ongoing to create a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community across the world. PM Modi said that between the past and the present, the friendship between the two nations has "grown even stronger". "Our bonds go well beyond geography and generations," Prime Minister Modi said. "The Indian community is our pride. As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot -- an Ambassador of India's values, culture and heritage," he said. PM Modi said that India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. "Soon we will be among the top three economies of the world." "As we grow, we are ensuring that it is of mutual benefit to the world. Today's India is a land of opportunities," he said, adding that "India has a lot to offer". Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, who addressed the community before PM Modi, said that the Indian leader will be conferred on Friday with 'The Order of Trinidad and Tobago', the Caribbean nation's highest honour. PM Modi, who is here as part of his five-nation tour, will hold talks with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen bilateral relations. Earlier, he was received by his counterpart Persad-Bissessar at Piarco International Airport, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour. This is his first visit to the country as prime minister and the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. Prime Minister Modi is also expected to address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. His visit will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Indian community's journey in Trinidad and Tobago one of courage: PM Modi
The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is one of courage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, emphasising that the hardships their ancestors endured could have "broken even the strongest spirits". Modi made the comments at a community event at the National Cycling Velodrome, Couva, on Thursday. He arrived in Trinidad and Tobago earlier in the day for a two-day visit. The prime minister, whose first engagement in the Caribbean nation was with the Indian community, said that it felt completely natural, as "we are part of one family" Trinidad and Tobago has a population of approximately 13 lakh, 45 per cent of whom are of Indian origin. Live Events "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," he said. "They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayana in their hearts," he said, calling them messengers of a "timeless civilisation". "The community programme in Port of Spain was spectacular. The energy and warmth of the people made it truly unforgettable. Evidently, our cultural bonds shine brightly!" he said in an X post. In his address, the prime minister stressed that the Indian community members' contribution has benefited Trinidad and Tobago "culturally, economically and spiritually". Citing eminent Indian-origin figures in the country including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo, he said the descendants of Girmitiyas are no longer defined by struggle, but by their "success, service, and values". Girmitiyas were indentured labourers from British India transported to work on plantations in Fiji, South Africa, Eastern Africa (namely Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda), Malaysia, Singapore, and the Caribbean as part of the Indian indenture system. He added that work is ongoing to create a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community across the world. Modi said that between the past and the present, the friendship between the two nations has "grown even stronger". "Our bonds go well beyond geography and generations," Prime Minister Modi said. "The Indian diaspora is our pride. As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot -- an Ambassador of India's values, culture and heritage," he said. Modi said that India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. "Soon we will be among the top three economies of the world." "As we grow, we are ensuring that it is of mutual benefit to the world. Today's India is a land of opportunities," he said, adding that "India has a lot to offer". Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, who addressed the community before Modi, said that the Indian leader will be conferred on Friday with 'The Order of Trinidad and Tobago', the Caribbean nation's highest honour. Modi, who is here as part of his five-nation tour, will hold talks with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen bilateral relations . Earlier, he was received by his counterpart Persad-Bissessar at Piarco International Airport, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour. This is his first visit to the country as prime minister and the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. Prime Minister Modi is also expected to address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. His visit will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
IOL News
29-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
The Global Girmitiya Centre of SA hosting a workshop to connect Girmitiyas from across the diaspora
The Global Girmitiya Centre of South Africa is inviting the public to attend a 'The Girmitiya Diaspora in 2025: Identity, challenges and shaping our future' workshop set to take place on July 12 at L'Aperitivo - The Auroras, 9 Aurora Dr, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban. Image: Supplied The time is nearing for South African Girmitiyas to reflect on their commonalities, shared experiences, challenges and solutions with fellow Girmitiyas in the diaspora. The Global Girmitiya Centre of South Africa is inviting the public to attend a 'The Girmitiya Diaspora in 2025: Identity, challenges and shaping our future' workshop 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 centre said that in these globalised times, they appreciate that Girmitiyas, courtesy of imperialist designs, have also dispersed far and wide in the world – in the Caribbean, Fiji, Malaysia, Mauritius. "They are our kin and kith, from the same civilisation, also mercilessly wrenched from their homelands." The centre said that between 1860 to 1911, a total of 152,184 Girmitiyas were othered almost exclusively in the erstwhile province of Natal by imperial Britain. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ "The historiography of this Girmit to SA surpasses the imperial excesses described in the rest of the Girmitiya diaspora. 'While not slaves, Girmitiyas were most certainly not free persons - incarcerated in the maelstrom of human despoilation - of our culture, our traditions, our dignity, our religion and language - in a distant land. 'With Africans and Coloureds, Girmitiyas were subjected to legislated racism and other ravages of apartheid,' the centre said. 'Ordinarily, the relaying of the Girmitiya history to the wider population would contribute immensely to social cohesion and the entrenchment of nation-building. 'Since their arrival in Natal in 1860, Girmitiyas have made a stellar contribution to the economy and development of the province and South Africa - initially the sugar industry, then coal mining, railway construction and latterly to healthcare, education and social support structures.
