IAC hosting Grand International Mela to mark 174th anniversary of Indian Arrival
– calls for cricket superstar Shivnarine Chanderpaul to be further recognised
THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) has indicated that, as part of its annual activities to commemorate the arrival of Indians in Guyana, and to mark the 174th anniversary of the occasion this year, a Grand International Mela will be held tomorrow at the Albion Community Centre ground. IAC said the event will feature Kris Ramkellawan, the leading Indian Folk singer from Suriname, and troupe. The cultural programme will commence at 16:30 hrs and will include the participation of members of the Shakti Strings orchestra and local Guyanese artistes.
On Sunday, May 6, 2012, a ‘Cultural Parade’ will be held on the Essequibo Coast starting at 16:00 hrs from Affiance. The parade, which showcases aspects of Indian heritage, will be used to heighten awareness of societal ills including domestic, child and alcohol abuses. It will culminate with a cultural programme at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground from 17:00 hrs. The Sangeet Rhythm band and its members, which are based in Essequibo, will provide entertainment. Haresh Singh, the 2012 Chutney Monarch, is expected to make a guest appearance. According to the IAC, admission is free to both the Berbice and Essequibo events.
For the first time, the IAC said it will be holding a ‘Food Fair’ as part of its activities to commemorate Indian Arrival. It will be held on Saturday, May 19th, 2012, from 16:00 hrs on the lawns of the Indian Cultural Centre. Cuisines from a number of local restaurants will be on sale and patrons will be treated to a rich cultural evening featuring members of the Shakti Strings orchestra, students of the Indian Cultural Centre and other leading dance troupes.
The IAC said tickets with redeemable chits will soon be on sale. The IAC also took the opportunity to extend its profound gratitude to all those who would have supported its activities in the past and looks forward to their continued patronage.
In addition, the IAC said it would like to congratulate Guyanese and West Indies Cricketer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, for reaching 10,000 runs in Test Cricket, and who has once again been named as the World’s Number One batsman in this format of the game. The IAC said, like all Guyanese, it is aware of the magnitude of Chanderpaul’s recent achievements as being the only Guyanese to have reached these landmarks. The IAC said it would like to express the great sense of pride it feels which basically echoes the sentiments of all Guyanese.
The IAC therefore, calls on the government, the Opposition and other organisations to “honour this Guyanese son who has made us all proud”.
“While he is already the recipient of a National Award, the IAC believes that in the light of his additional achievements, more can be done. This call is made especially seeing that activities to commemorate Indian Arrival will commence in a few days,” the IAC stated.