EVERY year on May 5th, Guyana celebrates the arrival of East Indians to this country. Guyana, a former colony in which the British sugar plantations dominated the economy, recruited East Indians from India to have a reliable, sustained labour force. Between the years 1838-1917, two hundred and thirty-nine thousand, nine hundred and nine Indian workers arrived in the then British Guiana.Even a casual look into history reveals the inhuman conditions, oppression and indignity suffered by our forebears. Life for them under the plantocracy was full of oppressive actions breaching every norm of human rights and replete with experiences of miseries which were not their expectations when they boarded the HESPERUS AND WITHBY on January 13, 1838. The fact that they surmounted must be attributed to their unflinching faith in their religion.

With the arrival of East Indians to the Crown Colony, the sugar industry progressed by leaps and bounds and, instead of importing, Guyana began exporting sugar. With the passage of time, the indentured labourers as they were designated, entered the field of business and as time passed, were qualified in the major professions of law, medicine, engineering and indeed almost every other field.

Indentureship opened a new chapter for Guyana, unfolding the brilliant Indian culture, which was maintained, sustained and practiced. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has been integral in the promotion and sustenance of numerous facets of that glorious culture. Over, the years, our annual arrival celebrations have reflected on the traditions of the past while celebrating our achievements.

Indentureship is an integral part of our history and the occasion ought to be celebrated with a national outlook. The arrival of Indians to Guyana brought with it a culture, a way of life and religion. These have contributed to the cultural richness of this land and must be guarded and zealously preserved and should never be seen as divisive. As we celebrate the 177th anniversary of our forebears, it is mandatory for us to reflect and contemplate on the significance of this historic occasion. On the 5th of May, we shall remember them and applaud their unparalleled contributions to this land and the legacy they bequeathed to us.

The Sabha held beautiful and successful celebrations across the country organised by its Praants in Essequibo, Upper, Central and East Berbice and West Berbice characterised by spectacular cultural presentations, impressive exhibitions, traditional foods and large supportive audiences. The Sabha would like to congratulate all its Praants and the performers and thank the extremely supportive audiences.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s West Coast Demerara Praant takes great pleasure in inviting you and your family to join them today, 5th May, at 6:00pm at the Oceanview Mandir Compound, WCD for a grand Arrival Day celebration featuring performances by Dharmic Ntitya Sangh, Vishalie Sukram – winner of E-networks Emerging Voices competition, Aamir Khan, Mona Gowkarran, Rekha Singh, Sookrane Boodhoo and other talented singers, musicians and dance groups. Admission is free and there will be lots of tasty dishes, 7 curry and sweets, exhibits, mehendi and more. No alcohol is allowed.
Happy Arrival Day!

By Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud
President, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha