– in celebration of 171st anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana

THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) yesterday announced its revised itinerary for this year’s grand melas (fair) in celebration of the 171st anniversary of Indian Arrival in Guyana.

The new dates for the three grand melas were disclosed at a press conference hosted by the IAC at the Zoom Inn Hotel, Croal and Albert Streets, Georgetown.

President Bharrat Jagdeo makes a point to IAC Executive member Raymond Azeez and other members Mr. Neaz Subhan and Evan Radhay Persaud during a courtesy call on the Guyanese Head of State at the Office of the President yesterday.

According to the IAC’s revised itinerary, the first grand international mela will now be held at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, Essequibo Coast on Sunday May 3, 2009; followed by the second mela at the Albion Sports Complex Ground, Berbice on Tuesday May 5, 2009 (Arrival Day) and the final mela on Sunday May 10 at the National Park in the city.

This year’s celebration will be graced by renowned Kathak (one of the classical dance styles of India) dancer, Mahua Shankar and Banaras Thumri Diva, Kumud Diwan with supporting artistes in a ten member troupe.

“This new schedule will facilitate the timely departure of the Indian artistes who are expected to perform at all three IAC melas,” Executive Member, Mr. Evan Radhay Persaud disclosed.

He said based on information available to the organisation, the troupe is scheduled to depart Guyana on May 11. However, the actual time of departure is currently unknown.

“The IAC wishes to apologise profusely for any inconvenience that this may have caused…,” he offered.

Persaud said the organisation also wishes to express profound appreciation for the effort of President Bharrat Jagdeo and his government, in signing an agreement with his counterpart in India in 2004 for cultural exchanges between the two countries.

“This agreement has led to the facilitation of the various India troupes which have graced our melas,” Persaud said.

Turning to the troupe expected, he said the talented Mahua Shankar, who has travelled and performed extensively in India and aboard, has to her credit dance sequences in two major Hindi films, ‘Gaddar’ and ‘Devdas’.

Persaud said the artistes from India will be accompanied by leading local artistes drawn from the three counties including Apex Academy, Shelita’s Dance Troupe, Abhinaya Natya Troupe, solo dancer Tamika, among others.

He also pointed out that for the first time, these artistes will be backed by two different bands – the Shakti Strings Orchestra and the Clarity International.

The IAC member also assured that the organisation will continue to honour outstanding Guyanese of Indian origin who have contributed to the country’s development in various fields.

To date, some 20 persons have been honoured with the IAC award including Sattaur Gafoor, Shri Prakash Gossai, Dr. Bobby Ramroop, Patrick Dyal, Pita Pyaree, Harry Ramsaroop, Imam Shaheed Mohamed, Shafiran Bhajan and the late Ayube Hamid.

Posthumously, Satyadeow Sawh, Paul O’Hara, Gobin Ram and Laxhmie Kalicharran were honoured.

Another Executive Member, Mr. Neaz Subhan is very optimistic the melas will continue to grow as it has done progressively over the years.

“We have seen much more people coming forward and wanting to be a part of what we have been doing over the years,” he noted.

Like all the previous melas, Subhan said no alcohol or gambling will be allowed

“We have been very strong in ensuring that we do not tolerate the use of alcohol, as well as gambling, at our melas,” he reminded.

Admission is $200 per person and children under 12 years free. Gates open at 14:00 hrs while the cultural programme begins at 16:30 h and is expected to be a packed programme for the entire family. The Organisers also said a variety of Indian dishes and sweetmeats will be on sale, as well as various booths showcasing Indian wears, books and other things, and games for children.

Persons desirous of having a booth at the event can contact or visit the IAC office at Maraj Building in Georgetown or contact the IAC on telephone numbers: 657-1945 or 627-1856.

The IAC, a non-profit, non-governmental organisaiton (NGO), was established in January 2003 to focus on cultural, educational and social issues and concerns of mainly Indo-Guyanese.