GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago

UPDATES NOW IN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

2010-01-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

Please see our GOPIO facebook page for more recent updates --

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95276888363

BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF TOLERANCE

2009-08-30T18:18:00.001-07:00

BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF TOLERANCE

By Deosaran Bisnath,
President, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago

GopioTT@gmail.com
http://gopiott.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95276888363
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000062834937
http://hindustt.blogspot.com/

"I have given to the nation as its watch words DISCIPLINE, PRODUCTION, TOLERANCE; they apply as much as to you the young people as to your parents.….You learn to live together in peace or you fight it out and destroy one another. The second alternative makes no sense and is sheer barbarism. The first alternative is civilised and is simple common sense.…"
Dr Eric Williams, First Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, on the occasion of the Independence Youth Rally at the Queen's Park Oval on August 30th, 1962

What is tolerance? UNESCO's Declaration of Principles on Tolerance defines tolerance as "respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference."

Tolerance refers to an attitude of openness and respect for the differences that exist among people. Although originally used to refer to ethnic and religious differences, the concepts of diversity, tolerance, and acceptance can also be applied to gender, people with physical and intellectual disabilities, and other differences, too. Tolerance means respecting and learning from others, valuing differences, bridging cultural gaps, rejecting unfair stereotypes, discovering common ground, and creating new bonds, so that we belong to a people "living together in peace", as Dr. Williams said in 1962. Tolerance, in many ways, is the opposite of prejudice.

But does tolerance mean that all behaviors have to be accepted? No. Behaviors that disrespect or hurt others or behaviors that break social rules should not be tolerated. Tolerance is about accepting people for who they are — not about accepting bad behavior. Tolerance also means treating others the way you would like to be treated. Tolerance not only includes gritting one's teeth and putting up with other people and their opinions, but rather demands the acceptance if not of the opinion itself, then at least of the other person. Tolerance requires, as a further prize for the renunciation of the unconditional implementation of one's own claims to well-being and happiness, a guarantee of participation, of the unswerving chance to be able to contribute to the community according to one's own beliefs

Tolerance and Acceptance are used interchangeably, and in many cases, erroneously. True acceptance means possessing both tolerance and social comfort for a particular group of people. The social aspect of acceptance is just as crucial as tolerance. Even with in the midst of unbounded tolerance, social isolation is painful for those who are not truly accepted. Acceptance, requires true understanding, recognition that the obvious difference - the race, religion, color of skin, lifestyle - are mere decoration on the person beneath. It is a meeting of peoples that delves under the surface to knowledge of the full humanity of the other. Acceptance is one of our greatest sources of Power.

Building tolerance, acceptance, and trust in diverse communities takes time and commitment. Social, community, business, political, and religious leaders bear a heavy responsibility for promoting tolerance and acceptance of all people of diverse faiths, cultures, and countries. They must teach this generation that unity and tolerance cannot be promoted simply by treaties and diplomatic understandings, by symposiums and debates. We must learn to love each other in our social and individual lives. The cost of intolerance is too heavy to ignore. Pastors and Priests, Pandits and Swamis, Imams and monks, and religious leaders of all faiths must emphatically put forward before the public that love and compassion are the basic bonds of humanity.

Hatred is conquered by love, ignorance by knowledge, and superstition by right thinking. Each one of us is called upon to promote these values not only for our social and community welfare, but also for our individual peace, happiness, and prosperity. It is by transforming ourselves that we transform the world. The key to transformation is the transformation of the soul. When we work together, we can certainly create a better world by understanding the purpose of the universe and identifying ourselves with it.

Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. The call for unity and love and tolerance is the voice of the prophets, saints, and seers of all traditions. If we fail to heed this call, our civilization is doomed to destruction. This is the merciless law of history. Dr. Williams asked to "learn to live together in peace"; President Kennedy urged us to "live together with mutual tolerance":

"World peace, like community peace, does not require that each man love his neighbor -- it requires only that they live together with mutual tolerance, submitting their disputes to a just and peaceful settlement."
~ John F. Kennedy

The human family is very diverse, with many different beliefs and cultures and ways of life. Many conflicts in our world are caused when people are intolerant of the ways that others see the world. Learning tolerance is an important cornerstone to creating a better world. Teaching tolerance is important not just because it is part of our heritage, but because the person who learns to be open to differences will have more opportunities in education, business, and many other aspects of life. Success in today's world — and tomorrow's — depends on being able to understand, appreciate, and work with others.

Like all attitudes, tolerance is often taught in subtle ways. Even before they can speak, children closely watch — and imitate — their parents. Children of all ages develop their own values, in great part, by mirroring the values and attitudes of those they care about. Parents can teach tolerance by example — and in other ways, too. Talking together about tolerance and respect helps children learn more about the values you want them to have. Giving them opportunities to play and work with others is important as well. We should be aware of the way we talk about people who are different from ourselves: avoid jokes that perpetuate stereotypes. Although some of these may seem to be harmless fun, they can undo attitudes of tolerance and respect.

Educators can no longer assume that children will learn tolerance, empathy, and responsibility in the home. Some educators might argue that they are being asked to fix a problem that is beyond the scope of what they teach in school. Although schools are a microcosm of the larger society and teachers alone cannot eliminate intolerance, educators certainly can make significant contributions to decreasing racism, religious bigotry, and gender inequalities. Within the classroom, a teacher's attitude toward diversity is the most significant factor in a student's development of sensitivity toward cultural and ethnic concerns.

As we celebrate the 47th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago, we need to move beyond just celebrating diversity to acknowledging, and then in time celebrating, our commonality. We need to identify the core values that bind us - things that are part of the foundation we want for our society: democracy, freedom of speech, equality of opportunity, rights for individuals, decency, and fairness.

We need a society that moves beyond tolerance. We need to move to a society that is not just about acceptance, but mutual acceptance. This is based on interacting, on interfacing, on creating a common understanding, and on truly becoming a society at ease with its diversity. This is something much more meaningful, much deeper and much more sustainable.

BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF TOLERANCE

2009-08-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

PM Manmohan Singh praises GOPIO

2009-08-22T05:24:00.001-07:00

Subject: Fwd: PM Manmohan Singh praises GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) for promoting the interests of the overseas Indian community

Bonds between diaspora and motherland precious

GOPIO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95276888363

GOPIO T&T BLOG
http://gopiott.blogspot.com

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has lauded the role of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) for promoting the interests of the overseas Indian community.

"GOPIO has emerged as a leading organisation providing a unique platform to the vast Indian overseas community for promoting their interests and realising their aspirations," Manmohan Singh said in a message on the 20th anniversary celebrations of GOPIO being held in New York Aug 20-23.

"It has contributed significantly in the process of engagement between the government of India and the Indian diaspora. The bonds between the motherland and people of Indian origin across the globe are valuable and precious. It is my hope that through such events, they will continue to flourish," the prime minister added.

GOPIO International was founded at the Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York in 1989. It is now a global organisation engaged in promoting the interests of people of Indian origin (PIOs).

As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, GOPIO is organising a convention on the theme - People of Indian Origin: Strengthening Global Connections - Aug 21.

A GOPIO statement issued from New York said, among those who will attend the conference, are leader of the opposition and former prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Basdeo Pandey, Sri Lanka's Minister of Community Development and Social Inequity Eradication P. Chandrasegaran, speaker of the Karnataka assembly Jagdish Shetter, joint secretary in the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) D.N. Srivastava, GOPIO executive vice-president and member of Briain's House of Lords Diljit Rana, deputy speaker of the New Jersey state assembly Upendra Chivukula and other Indian American political leaders.

Former US ambassador to India Frank Wisner will be the keynote speaker at the conference. Deputy consul general of India in New York Ajay Gondane will also be a speaker.

The three-day celebrations will start with a reception Aug 20 at the World Fair Marina venue followed by an interactive session with some of the diaspora community's political leaders.

Apart from the convention, GOPIO is also organising a pre-convention conference Aug 21 titled - India and the Indian Diaspora in the Context of Global Economic Challenges and Development.

Another full-day diaspora conference will be held Aug 22 on the theme The Indian Diaspora: Challenges and Opportunities in the New Millennium.

There will also be a session on The Living Pioneers - Global Perspective of Indian Elders Aug 22 morning. A networking session titled The Next Generation will also be held the same day in the afternoon.

GOPIO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95276888363

GOPIO T&T BLOG
http://gopiott.blogspot.com

Launching of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010 in T&T

2009-08-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
Gaston Court, Gaston Street, Chaguanas PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas
687-7529 GopioTT@gmail.com

Deosaran Bisnath, President Ena Maraj, PRO Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer

Directors: Niranjan Bhaggan Robert Ramsamooj Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj Ackbar Khan
____________________________________________________________________________________

The media and members of the public are invited to this event. RSVP 687-7529, 662-7159

August 3rd, 2009
Launching of

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010

in Trinidad and Tobago

Gaston Court, Gaston Street, Lange Park, Chaguanas.

August 17th, 2009, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm

PROGRAMME

12:30 – 12:35 Welcome and Opening remarks by Mr. Deosaran Bisnath,
President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago.

12:35 – 12:45 Presentation by His Excellency Shri Malay Mishra,
High Commissioner of India

12:45 – 13:00 Multimedia presentation

13:00 – 13:45 Presentation by His Excellency Shri K. Mohandas,
Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, India.

13:45 – 14:00 Open session for Questions/discussions

___________________________________________________________________________________
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is a registered Non-Profit, secular, non-partisan, civic and community service organization. GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is not associated with any political party or religious group.

--
Gopio Trinidad & Tobago GopioTT@gmail.com 868 687-7529

GOPIO PICS JUNE 2009

2009-07-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

Mr. Deosaran Bisnath,
President,
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago

Professor Vijay Naraynsingh; Ms. Ena Maraj, GOPIO T&T PRO; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIO T&T; at reception for the Indian Business Delegation, held by H.E. Manideo Persad, High Commissioner of T&T To India, on June 25th 2009, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Mrs. Madan Sharma; r. Madan Sharma, Director, Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation, Trinidad; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIo T&T; Mr. Oscar Ramoutar, GOPIO T&T Treasurer; at reception for the Indian Business Delegation, held by H.E. Manideo Persad, High Commissioner of T&T To India, on June 25th 2009, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Ms. Ena Maraj, GOPIO T&T PRO; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, GOPIO T&T President; Mr. Madan Sharma, Director, Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation, Trinidad at reception for the Indian Business Delegation, held by H.E. Manideo Persad, High Commissioner of T&T To India, on June 25th 2009, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIO T&T; Ena Maraj, PRO GOPIO T&T; H.E. Manideo Persad, High Commissioner of T&T to India, June 25th, 2009 reception for Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Ms. Ena Maraj, GOPIO T&T PRO; H.E. Manideo Persad High Commissioner of T&T to India

H.E. Manideo Persad, Mrs. Persad, and Oscar Ramoutar, GOPIO T&T Treasurer

Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer, GOPIo T&T; H.E. Malay Mishra, HIgh Commissioner of India; Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIO T&T

Anthony Maharaj, Indar Kanhai, Deosaran Bisnath, Ena Maraj at reception for
Indian Business Delegation, June 25th, 2009, held by H.E. Manideo Persad T&T High Commissioner to India

GOPIO attends YesTT reception @ Obama Terrace, Hilton Trinidad

2009-06-30T19:41:00.001-07:00

Left to Right: Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Ena Maraj, PRO GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Stephen Cadiz, President of YesTT, at a cocktail reception for Professor Mads Qvortrup, University of London, world-renowned expert on Referendum & Recall; Obama Terrace, Hilton Trinidad, June 29th 2009

Left to Right: Deosaran Bisnath, President GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Professor Tomothy M. Shaw, UWI; Ena Maraj, PRO GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; at a cocktail reception for Professor Mads Qvortrup, University of London, world-renowned expert on Referendum & Recall; Obama Terrace, Hilton Trinidad, June 29th 2009

GOPIO PICS JUNE 2009

2009-06-28T17:39:00.001-07:00

Dinner/Cultural Programme for the Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27th, 2009

Mrs. Sharma; Mr. Sharma, Director of Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Mr. Oscar
Ramoutar, Treasurer, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago

Left to Right: Oscar Ramoutar, GOPIO T&T Treasurer; H.E. Manideo Persad, T&T High Commissioner to India; Deosaran Bisnath, GOPIO T&T President, Dinner/Cultural Programme for the Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27th, 2009

Eating Indian Food on Sohari Leaf: Left to Right - Pundit Mukram Sirjoo; Deosaran Bisnath; Dr. Dev Ramoutar, at Dinner/Cultural Programme for the Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27th, 2009

Professor Vijay Naraynsingh; Ena Maraj, GOPIO T&T PRO; Deosaran Bisnath, GOPIO T&T President, at Dinner/Cultural Programme for the Indian Business Delegation, Port of Spain, Trinidad, June 27th, 2009

GOPIO at India-Caribbean Conclave at Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain, June 25, 2009

2009-06-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

Left to Right: Sayantan Chakravarty, Editor of India Empire magazine; Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Dr. Yesu Persaud, Chairman of GOPIO Guyana; Ashook Ramsaran, Secretary-General of GOPIO International at India-Caribbean Conclave at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain, June 25, 2009. The conference was hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Left to Right: Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Dr. Yesu Persaud, Chairman of GOPIO Guyana; Ashook Ramsaran, Secretary-General of GOPIO International at India-Caribbean Conclave at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain, June 25, 2009. The conference was hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

GOPIO knocks Govt over $5,000 Arrival 'pittance'

2009-06-01T15:14:00.001-07:00

GOPIO knocks Govt over $5,000 Arrival 'pittance'
Kim Boodram
Monday, June 1st 2009

SPECIAL AWARD: Makandal Daaga, left, congratulates Sri Ravindra Nath Maharaj after he received an award for his contribution to Indian culture during GOPIO's Indian Arrival Day observance and National Chutney Awards ceremony at Gaston Courts, Chaguanas, last Thursday. -Photo: TREVOR WATSON

The local chapter of the Global Organisation for Indian People (GOPIO) announced on Thursday that it intended to "follow up" on what it considers poor funding from the Government to those celebrating Indian Arrival Day this year.

The announcement was made by GOPIO head, Deosaran Bisnath, in the presence of President George Maxwell Richards, the patron of this year's GOPIO Indian Arrival Day Observance and Awards Ceremony and National Chutney Awards 2009.

The joint venture was held at Gaston Courts in Chaguanas and was attended by the cream of the chutney industry, as well as former prime minister and United National Congress (UNC) political leader Basdeo Panday.

Richards was initially scheduled to deliver the feature address but declined to speak, in light of an address to the nation that was planned for Friday night.

In his opening address, Bisnath revealed that GOPIO had received $5,000 from the Government to aid in Indian Arrival Day celebrations, the sum of which was then placed in an envelope for return to the sender.

"It reeks of tokenism," said Bisnath of the "paltry amount".

Though he did not call names, Bisnath remarked on statements by Chaguanas West MP and UNC Deputy Political Leader, Jack Warner, that Indian groups should stop begging for a pittance from the Government.

"I want to make it clear that we are not begging for a pittance, we are simply asking for what is due to us as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago," Bisnath said, adding later on that Indian culture was still not being treated as part of national culture.

He also listed several other issues that GOPIO wants to see resolved immediately, among them the firing of columnist Kevin Baldeosingh by Newsday, shortly after Baldeosingh publicly levelled charges of plagiarism against Fr Henry Charles, who used to have a column in the Guardian newspaper.

It was after this accusation that Fr Charles stepped down from his appointment as head of the Integrity Commission - an appointment that was made by Richards. Charles, however, resigned because the appointment was against the Catholic Church's laws.

On Thursday night, the Head of State remained passive during Bisnath's statements. Bisnath also called for the installation of the Equal Opportunities Tribunal and for ex-workers of Caroni (1975) Ltd to be given their lands.

Chutney awards were also given to a 41 local artistes. A presentation was also made by the Sundar Popo Monument Committee.

A spokesman for the committee said that a statue of Popo has been completed and will soon be erected in Barrackpore. The monument will honour the memory of the late singer, who pioneered chutney soca music locally and abroad.

A GOPIO award was also presented to Chayman Ramlagan Sawh, better known as "Prabhu". Sawh, a sculptor by profession, built the statue of Siewdass Sadhoo which stands near the Temple in the Sea at Waterloo, Carapichaima. He has also carved the statue of Popo.

-Reporting by

Ariti Jankie

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161484758

GOPIO TT Indian Arrival Day Observance and Awards Ceremony

2009-05-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad & Tobago; Shri Malay Mishra, High Commissioner of India, and Mrs. Mishra, at GOPIO's Indian Arrival Observance and Awards Ceremony on Thursday May 28th at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, TRINIDAD

Left to Right: Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobgao; Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad & Tobago; and Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, President of the National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad & Tobago, at GOPIO's Indian Arrival Observance and Awards Ceremony on Thursday May 28th at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, TRINIDAD

Ms. Shoba Bedasie, GOPIO awardee, and guests at GOPIO's Indian Arrival Observance and Awards Ceremony on Thursday May 28th at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, TRINIDAD

Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary & Youth Officer of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
at GOPIO's Indian Arrival Observance and Awards Ceremony on Thursday May 28th
at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, TRINIDAD

Left to Right: Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobgao; Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad & Tobago; and Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, President of the National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad & Tobago

GOPIO's Indian Arrival Observance and Awards Ceremony on Thursday May 28th
at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, TRINIDAD

Left to Right: Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobgao; Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad & Tobago; and Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, President of the National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad & Tobago

Mr. Prakash Ramadhar, Political Leader, Congress of the People, with
GOPIO member Ms. Sandy Mahabal

Mr. Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition with
GOPIO member, Ms. Sandy Mahabal

Children at the Jaya Lakshmni Home, Longdenville, Chaguanas

Children at the entrance of the Jaya Lakshmi Home, Longdenville Trinidad

On May 30th, 2009, on the 164th Anniversary of Indian Arrival Day in Trinidad, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago's President Mr. Deosaran Bisnath and Assistant Secretary, Ms. Sacha Mahabal, visited the JAYA LAKSHMI CHILDREN HOME in Longdenville, Trinidad to donate food, sweets, and drinks
to the children. The GOPIO executive officers presented the items to Ms. Routie
Sonnylal at the Home. GOPIO encourages all to help these disadvantaged children at this and other Children Homes, as well as Senior Citizens' Institutions throughout the country.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago's President Mr. Deosaran Bisnath with Ms. Routie
Sonnylal of the JAYA LAKSHMI Children home.

GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE INDIAN ARRIVAL GRANTS

2009-05-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago

a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL

PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas 687-7529 Fax: 665-5984 GopioTT@gmail. com

Deosaran Bisnath, President Ena Maraj, PRO Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer
Directors: Niranjan Bhaggan, Robert Ramsamooj, Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 22nd, 2009

GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE INDIAN ARRIVAL GRANTS

&nbs p; GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago wishes to express our disappointment with the grants allocated by the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, earlier today (May 22nd, 2009), for the observance and celebration of Indian Arrival Day, 2009..

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a national organization, was allocated a mere $5,000 to defray expenses for activities to mark the 164th Anniversary of the Arrival of East Indians in Trinidad and Tobago. This sum can’t even cover the cost of a PA system and venue preparation; surely, the Ministry is aware that this is a mere token amount compared with the expenses incurred in staging events in this country. GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago has requested an additional grant or else we shall return the $5,000 cheque to the Ministry.

At the cheque distribution event this morning, GOPIO Trinidad and Trinidad and others were informed that a TOTAL amount of approximately $750,000 was distributed to 56 organizations throughout Trinidad and Tobago. GOPIO contends that a total grant of ¾ million dollars of Indian Arrival Day events is grossly inadequate, as well as embarrassingly unrealistic and unfair.

GOPIO is requesting the following: a larger total grant should be distributed to more organizations throughout the country; these groups throughout the country are in dire need of financial assistance to cover expenses incurred in activities marking this important occasion - important not only for Indo-Trinidadians, but for all citizens, as was enunciated by some speakers at the Ministry’s function this morning.

GOPIO looks forward to a favorable response from the Ministry in regard to our request for additional funds to cover the expenses for our activities for Indian Arrival Day 2009, and the allocation of a larger grant to be distributed to more organizations for other events during 2009, and in the future.

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non-partisan, registered non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization that is not associated with any political party or religious organization

Deosaran Bisnath, President,
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International.

GOPIO CONDEMNS RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE AND HATE SPEECH

2009-05-19T15:46:00.001-07:00

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago

a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL

PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas, 687-7529 Fax: 665-5984 GopioTT@gmail.com

Deosaran Bisnath, President Ena Maraj, PRO Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer

Directors: Niranjan Bhaggan Robert Ramsamooj Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 19, 2009

GOPIO CONDEMNS RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE AND HATE SPEECH

_____________________________________________________________________________

Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Trinidad and Tobago strongly condemns what we regard as religious intolerance and hate speech contained in the article by Kenneth Assee, titled “Weak Criticisms by Baldeosingh”, in the Guardian newspaper, on Sunday May 10, 2009.
Specifically, reference is made to Assee’s statement:
“This is why religions like Hinduism and Islam continue to exist despite rational criticism of the cruelties they sanction. Their followers choose to believe.”

http://guardian.co.tt/commentary/columnist/2009/05/09/weak-criticisms-baldeosingh

GOPIO categorically rejects Assee’s claim that Hinduism and Islam sanction “cruelties”, and the characterization that Hindus and Muslims “choose to believe.”

While Hindus and Muslims may be tempted to respond with the long list of cruelties perpetrated in the name of religion throughout the past two millenniums, we caution against descending to such low levels of behavior; instead, we urge everyone in our multi-religious rainbow nation to practise tolerance of all religious communities, acceptance of every citizen, and inclusion of all, as we seek to develop a peaceful and harmonious society.

GOPIO notes that this is not the first time a letter writer with the name “Kenneth Assee” has attempted to cast aspersions on Hinduism and Islam.

In the Guardian on Friday July 29th, 2005, a column titled “Towards a True Emancipation,” by “Kenneth Assee, a Reader from Port of Spain”, included the following”

“Our aspirations for the future must recognise that Hindutva and Islamic fundamentalism will present themselves in beguiling guises with seductive arguments. But their overall objective, explicit or implicit, is the same, to derail our society.”

http://library2.nalis.gov.tt/infofiles/collect/news3/index/assoc/HASH011a/8b62dcfb.dir/5662.jpg

GOPIO cautions against dangerous and harmful generalizations that may portray Hindus, Muslims, and Christians as extremists and enemies of our nation who seek to destroy our society.

In the Guardian on Sunday 12th October, 2008, one “Kenneth Assee“ writes as follows:

“Would Balkissoon consider paying some form of compensation to the victim’s relatives as an appropriate moral act for his crime? Or is this kind of morality beyond the doctrinal tenets of his Hinduism? ….The victim is now but a bunch of bones in his grave, but Balkissoon, his killer, will be able to enjoy the company of his relatives, celebrate and dance at Hindu festivals, and eat his roti and doubles while bemoaning how bad prison life was. Did he expect it to be a Hindu retreat?
Kenneth Assee Port-of-Spain “
http://legacy.guardian.co.tt/archives/2008-10-12/letters.html

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago exhorts all to heed the advice of Pope Benedict XVI, who during a visit to Nazareth on May 13th, 2009, urged all to “work to build bridges and find the way to a peaceful coexistence. Let everyone reject the destructive power of hatred and prejudice, which kills men's souls before it kills their bodies!"

In addition, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago exhorts all to heed the advice of President Obama, contained in his National Day of Prayer proclamation, on May 7, 2009:
”Let us also use this day to come together in a moment of peace and goodwill. Our world grows smaller by the day, and our varied beliefs can bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife; and to lift up those who have fallen on hard times. As we observe this day of prayer, we remember the one law that binds all great religions together: the Golden Rule, and its call to love one another; to understand one another; and to treat with dignity and respect those with whom we share a brief moment on this Earth.”

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago reminds all that bigotry, intolerance, sectarianism, and fanaticism have resulted in nothing but violence, death, despair, and destruction. GOPIO believes we must develop a society that moves beyond tolerance, to mutual acceptance, with the core values of community and individual responsibility; equality of opportunity; and respect for freedom of rights, including freedom of speech but refraining from hate speech that discredits and denigrates fellow citizens.

GOPIO Trinidad has requested, and is requesting the Guardian to publish this response.

Deosaran Bisnath

……………………….
Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago

________________________________________________________________________________________________

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non-partisan, registered non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization that is not associated with any political party or religious organization.

GOPIO TnT WELCOMES SRI MALAY MISHRA, INDIA's NEW HC TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

2009-05-04T05:16:00.000-07:00

GOPIO TnT WELCOMES SRI MALAY MISHRA, INDIA's NEW HC TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

GOPIO TnT WELCOMES SRI MALAY MISHRA, INDIA's NEW HC TO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago held a gala welcome reception for the new High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Malay Mishra. Prominent members of the PIO community in Trinidad were present at Gaston Court, Chaguanas, on Tuesday March 24th, 2009 to greet and welcome Hich Commissioner Mishra and members of the Indian High Commission.

A traditional welcome with garland and Tassa music, which was then followed by an address by GOPIO T&T President Deosaran Bisnath and poetry recitation by Dr. Rajandaye Ramkissoon-Chen, author of four volumes of poetry. Mr. Bisnath described the special relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago and reminded all of the contributions of People of Indian Origin, and the important role of the High Commissioner and the Indian High Commission, as well as the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Culture and Cooperation (MGICC), in developing and nurturing that relationship. Mr. Bisnath also welcomed the new Director of the MGICC, Shri Madan Mohan Sharma.

Also greeting and welcoming Shri Mishra were Swami Prakashanandaji, Spiritual Leader of Chinmaya Mission, Trinidad & Tobago; Haji Kamal Hosein, Vice-President of ASJA Trinidad & Tobago; and Mr. Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament.

In his response, Shri Mishra extended greetings to the PIO community in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean, and described his recent visit to Tobago and plans by the Indian High Commission to assist the Tobago PIOs in development of culture in the sister isle. Shri Mishra spoke glowingly of the PIOs in Trinidad and Tobago with special reference on his observations during a recent tour of several villages and towns in Trinidad and Tobago. He was extremely impressed with the progress, achievements, and lifestyle of PIOs in Trinidad and Tobago, and their ways of worship in temples and he praised them for treasuring and practicing their cultural and religious heritage.

The new High Commissioner gave a detailed description of the cultural diversity of his homeland and emphasized that India had high regards for the people of Indian origin and Indians living throughout the International Indian Diaspora. Shri Mishra pointed out that overseas Indians contribute $27 billion to the Indian economy by way of remittances and noted that some states in India are heavily dependent on these funds. He added: "You can take an Indian out of India but you cannot take India out of an Indian," and then elaborated on the love and appreciation of Indian culture and heritage that has followed 25 million Indians who now form part of the global Indian diaspora.

Shri Mishra's speech was followed by Indian dance; Chutney music from Mr. Ramdeen Falco Maharaj; and Poetry from Ms. Madeline Coopsammy, author of Prairie Journey.

The reception concluded with gift presentations to Shri Malay Mishra from Mr. Ramdeen Falco Maharaj from the National Chutney Foundation; Mr. Lenny Kumar from the Tassa Association of Trinidad and Tobago; and Mr. Deosaran Bisnath from GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago. Guests were served Indo-Trinidadian cuisine while also enjoying pulsating Tassa and Chutney music in the background.

EARTH DAY, APRIL 22: GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND TO IMPLEMENT EFFICIENT ENERGY USAGE

2009-04-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE MORE INDO-TRINIDADIAN CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS CEREMONIES

2009-04-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 15, 2009
GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE MORE INDO-TRINIDADIAN CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS CEREMONIES
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286 , Chaguanas. 687-7529 Fax: 665-5984 GopioTT@gmail.com

Deosaran Bisnath, President Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Ena Maraj, PRO Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer
Directors: Niranjan Bhaggan, Robert Ramsamooj, Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6th, 2009

GOPIO CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE MORE INDO-TRINIDADIAN CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS CEREMONIES

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago is calling on the Government of Trinidad & Tobago to modify the opening, closing, and cultural programmes at the Fifth Summit of the Americas to include more facets of our Indo-Trinidadian culture and heritage.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago is extremely concerned with the disproportionate quantity of items pertaining to Indo-Trinidadian song, music, dance, and other art forms in the opening and closing ceremonies, the Summit Village, and the Prime Minister's Official Summit Dinner and Cultural Show. It appears to us that no one in the Indo-Trinidadian community was consulted about the showcasing of Indo-Trinidadian Culture. Furthermore, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is disappointed about the lack of consultation between the organizers of the Summit and the Indo-Trinidadian community.

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago reminds the Government and the national community that Indo-Trinidadian culture is also National culture; thus it should be recognized and treated as an important component of the culture of Trinidad & Tobago, and not as a token inclusion in programmes and events that are touted as National. One Tassa and one Indian dance item is not a true reflection of the Indo-Trinidadian contribution to our National Culture.

GOPIO suggests to the Government that it is not too late to include other artistes and cultural items that would demonstrate an appreciation and recognition of the totality of Indo-Trinidadian culture, e.g. harmonium, sitar, tabla, chowtal, Indian and folk classical singing, chutney, Hindu and Islamic items at the Village, and artistes such as Mungal Patasar, The Mohipps, Rooplal G, Felicity Chowtal group, Lily Ramcharan, The Yankarans, and many others.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago suggests that the dignitaries should also visit notable areas and sites that represent important components of our multicultural and multi-religious rainbow nation, e.g. Temple on the Sea, Dattareya Mandir, Felicity, Charlieville, Divali Nagar, Debe, Chinmaya Mission, Lion House in Chaguanas, and Paschim Kaashi Mandir in St. James. GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago can provide more information, if necessary.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non-partisan, registered non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO).

Deosaran Bisnath

…………………………………
Deosaran Bisnath, President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International.

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago Alcoholism Essay Prize Giving function NOV 2008

2008-11-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago held a prize-giving function for winners of the
ALCHOLISM ESSAY COMPETITION
on Sunday November 2nd, 2008
at GASTON COURTS, CHAGUANAS.

Thanks to all who particiapted and all our sponsors especially
Mr. Robert Ramsamooj, owner of Gaston Courts Auditorium.

Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago presents a Laptop computer and certificate to Ms. Anura Bodoe, winner of the 18 to 25 age group. At left is Ms. Ena Maraj, Public Relations Officer of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago.

Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago with Ms. Shameza Karim, winner in hthe Age Group 17 and under.

All Prize winners, with Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago (center, back row), and Ms. Ena Maraj, Public Relations Officer of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago (front, left).

BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF TOLERANCE

2008-08-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

August 31st 2008
46th Anniversary of Independence of Trinidad and Tobago

BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF TOLERANCE

By Deosaran Bisnath,

President, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago

GopioTT@gmail.com

"I have given to the nation as its watch words DISCIPLINE, PRODUCTION, TOLERANCE; they apply as much as to you the young people as to your parents.….You learn to live together in peace or you fight it out and destroy one another. The second alternative makes no sense and is sheer barbarism. The first alternative is civilised and is simple common sense.…"

Dr Eric Williams, First Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, on the occasion of the Independence Youth Rally at the Queen's Park Oval on August 30th, 1962

What is tolerance? UNESCO's Declaration of Principles on Tolerance defines tolerance as "respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference."

Tolerance refers to an attitude of openness and respect for the differences that exist among people. Although originally used to refer to ethnic and religious differences, the concepts of diversity, tolerance, and acceptance can also be applied to gender, people with physical and intellectual disabilities, and other differences, too. Tolerance means respecting and learning from others, valuing differences, bridging cultural gaps, rejecting unfair stereotypes, discovering common ground, and creating new bonds, so that we belong to a people "living together in peace", as Dr. Williams said in 1962. Tolerance, in many ways, is the opposite of prejudice.

But does tolerance mean that all behaviors have to be accepted? No. Behaviors that disrespect or hurt others or behaviors that break social rules should not be tolerated. Tolerance is about accepting people for who they are — not about accepting bad behavior. Tolerance also means treating others the way you would like to be treated. Tolerance not only includes gritting one's teeth and putting up with other people and their opinions, but rather demands the acceptance if not of the opinion itself, then at least of the other person. Tolerance requires, as a further prize for the renunciation of the unconditional implementation of one's own claims to well-being and happiness, a guarantee of participation, of the unswerving chance to be able to contribute to the community according to one's own beliefs

Tolerance and Acceptance are used interchangeably, and in many cases, erroneously. True acceptance means possessing both tolerance and social comfort for a particular group of people. The social aspect of acceptance is just as crucial as tolerance. Even with in the midst of unbounded tolerance, social isolation is painful for those who are not truly accepted. Acceptance, requires true understanding, recognition that the obvious difference - the race, religion, color of skin, lifestyle - are mere decoration on the person beneath. It is a meeting of peoples that delves under the surface to knowledge of the full humanity of the other. Acceptance is one of our greatest sources of Power.

Building tolerance, acceptance, and trust in diverse communities takes time and commitment. Social, community, business, political, and religious leaders bear a heavy responsibility for promoting tolerance and acceptance of all people of diverse faiths, cultures, and countries. They must teach this generation that unity and tolerance cannot be promoted simply by treaties and diplomatic understandings, by symposiums and debates. We must learn to love each other in our social and individual lives. The cost of intolerance is too heavy to ignore. Pastors and Priests, Pandits and Swamis, Imams and monks, and religious leaders of all faiths must emphatically put forward before the public that love and compassion are the basic bonds of humanity.

Hatred is conquered by love, ignorance by knowledge, and superstition by right thinking. Each one of us is called upon to promote these values not only for our social and community welfare, but also for our individual peace, happiness, and prosperity. It is by transforming ourselves that we transform the world. The key to transformation is the transformation of the soul. When we work together, we can certainly create a better world by understanding the purpose of the universe and identifying ourselves with it.

Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. The call for unity and love and tolerance is the voice of the prophets, saints, and seers of all traditions. If we fail to heed this call, our civilization is doomed to destruction. This is the merciless law of history. Dr. Williams asked to "learn to live together in peace"; President Kennedy urged us to "live together with mutual tolerance":

"World peace, like community peace, does not require that each man love his neighbor -- it requires only that they live together with mutual tolerance, submitting their disputes to a just and peaceful settlement."
~ John F. Kennedy

The human family is very diverse, with many different beliefs and cultures and ways of life. Many conflicts in our world are caused when people are intolerant of the ways that others see the world. Learning tolerance is an important cornerstone to creating a better world. Teaching tolerance is important not just because it is part of our heritage, but because the person who learns to be open to differences will have more opportunities in education, business, and many other aspects of life. Success in today's world — and tomorrow's — depends on being able to understand, appreciate, and work with others.

Like all attitudes, tolerance is often taught in subtle ways. Even before they can speak, children closely watch — and imitate — their parents. Children of all ages develop their own values, in great part, by mirroring the values and attitudes of those they care about. Parents can teach tolerance by example — and in other ways, too. Talking together about tolerance and respect helps children learn more about the values you want them to have. Giving them opportunities to play and work with others is important as well. We should be aware of the way we talk about people who are different from ourselves: avoid jokes that perpetuate stereotypes. Although some of these may seem to be harmless fun, they can undo attitudes of tolerance and respect.

Educators can no longer assume that children will learn tolerance, empathy, and responsibility in the home. Some educators might argue that they are being asked to fix a problem that is beyond the scope of what they teach in school. Although schools are a microcosm of the larger society and teachers alone cannot eliminate intolerance, educators certainly can make significant contributions to decreasing racism, religious bigotry, and gender inequalities. Within the classroom, a teacher's attitude toward diversity is the most significant factor in a student's development of sensitivity toward cultural and ethnic concerns.

As we celebrate the 46th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago, we need to move beyond just celebrating diversity to acknowledging, and then in time celebrating, our commonality. We need to identify the core values that bind us - things that are part of the foundation we want for our society: democracy, freedom of speech, equality of opportunity, rights for individuals, decency, and fairness.

We need a society that moves beyond tolerance. We need to move to a society that is not just about acceptance, but mutual acceptance. This is based on interacting, on interfacing, on creating a common understanding, and on truly becoming a society at ease with its diversity. This is something much more meaningful, much deeper and much more sustainable.

http://deosaranbisnath.blogspot.com/2008/08/beyond-boundaries-of-tolerance.html

Indians in America Before and after Attaining Citizenship Rights

2008-08-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Indians in America
Before and after Attaining Citizenship Rights
By Inder Singh
Immigrants from India started coming to the United States of America at the beginning of the twentieth century. Most of them worked at menial jobs, lived in appalling conditions and in crumbling structures. Except a few, all were single, could not bring a spouse from India nor allowed to marry an American. For forty five years they lived in the shadows of American society. After a long struggle, in 1946 they got the right to US citizenship. Thereafter, they could buy property, get a job commensurate with their qualifications, marry a person of their choice, and were free to travel and visit India, the country of their birth. Indian nationals had lived for years in a free country without freedom. However, after Indian nationals obtained political rights, there has been a dramatic change in Indian community’s contributions to the country they have adopted as their home.

The first part of this article describes the hardships, hostility, humiliation and bigotry the early settlers encountered and their sacrifices, perseverance and tenacity that defied all odds, while they managed a sustained campaign for political rights in the country of their domicile and hope, the United States of America. The second part describes those immigrants who came after the grant of citizenship rights and the liberalization of US Immigration laws. They comprised of professionals, high-tech workers, students and sponsored relatives. Several made laudable contributions in various ways to the country they have adopted as their home and also contributed significantly to the resurgence of India.

Beginning of Indian Immigration
In 1897, Queen Victoria of England and the Empress of India, included a Sikh regiment from the Indian Army in her diamond jubilee celebrations. On the return journey, the soldiers were sent back to India via Canada. Most of these soldiers were originally farmers and were fascinated with the potential for farming opportunities. They dreamed of returning to Canada after retirement. And some of them did return. India and Canada were both part of the British Empire and Canada became the destination of choice for many emigrants from India. Emigration from India to the USA started as a trickle while many came from Canada from the porous borders with America.

On April 5, 1899, four Punjabis who had worked in the British Royal Artillery in Hong Kong, landed in San Francisco and were allowed to stay in the United States by the US Immigration Service. The grant of permission for them was an encouraging signal for others to follow those four pioneers.

There was an abundance of jobs in the lumber industry in Pacific states of Washington and Oregon and ample available land to farm throughout the Sacramento, San Joaquin and Imperial valleys of California. On hearing about the economic opportunities in America, many more Punjabis headed towards this far away land. The new immigrants found jobs which the white workers would not do, usually menial jobs in factories, lumber mills, railroad construction, farms, etc. They were needy workers who accepted low wages, poor working conditions and very often traveled from place to place in search of work. The employers preferred Indians to the whites for their willingness to do any and all kinds of work. As the number of Indian workers increased within a span of few years, they started facing discrimination and hostility, in the same manner as the other Asians who had come before.

The Indians in the United States and Canada, for lack of US or Canadian citizens’ understanding of religious or ethnic diversity, were commonly called “Hindus” (“Hindus”) irrespective of the faith of those Indians. The overwhelming majority of the arrivals from India were Sikhs who preserved their religious beliefs and practices by keeping their beard, long hair on their head and wore turban to cover them. They were easily distinguishable from other immigrant groups, but unfortunately, they were called “Rag heads”, a derogatory term used for the “Hindus” at that time.

Indian workers were either unmarried or had come without spouses, hoping to save some money and return. They were paid low wages and could afford to live only in the poor squalid part of the town or in shanty structures provided by the lumber mills or farm owners. They lived frugally, subsisted on income that was prohibitive for locals to survive on and many shared crowded lodging to save money to pay off their debt or meet family obligations back in India. Their lifestyle and living evoked hatred and contempt from the Americans.

Indians legally admitted to the United States from 1899-1907 numbered only 1967. The total number of Indians in the country, however, was larger as many Indians had come directly from Canada through the porous border between the US and Canada. But, concentration of Indians in a few small communities in the Pacific Coast states, particularly those with turbans, drew high level of visibility of their presence and provoked hostility from the Asiatic Exclusion League which carried propaganda against the “The Tide of Turbans” and “Hindu Invasion of America”.

Indians Expelled from Bellingham
Bellingham is located 85 miles north of Seattle in the state of Washington, 20 miles south of the Canadian border and had lumber and shingle mills. The owners needed a reliable supply of cheap manual labor and the new immigrants – the unskilled “Hindu” workers – met that demand. In 1907, the mills employed about 250 Indian contract workers who accepted jobs which white laborers had refused to do. They even performed work which could be in violation of labor laws but would not complain for fear of employer retaliation.

The unskilled white laboring men feared that competition from Hindu workers would displace them from their jobs and bring wages down. The union leaders wanted to maintain higher wage levels for their members and agitated bitterly against the employment of Indians. The union leaders approached the mill owners but failed to convince them to fire the Indian workers and discontinue their hiring. Some politicians perpetually starved for campaign money and union endorsement, willingly and openly backed the union demand.

The festering hostility of the union leaders and pent-up frustrations of the white laborers manifested in violence against Indians who had the least social or political power or protection in the city of Bellingham or even in the country. On Labor Day, September 2nd, 1907, more than a thousand union members and others paraded through the town to demonstrate their unity and show their strength. There was a beating of several Hindus which nearly resulted in a general disturbance. The union warned the mill owners that no Indians should be employed in the lumber mills or anywhere in Bellingham after Labor Day.

On the evening of September 4, 1907, a mob of 400-500 white men, predominantly members of the Asian Exclusion League, attacked Hindu dwellings, smashed windows and pulled the Indians from their beds. The rioters went on a rampage from mill to mill, finding as many Indian workers as they could while others ransacked the homes of the Hindus, stole their money, jewelry, bank passbooks and other valuables. They eventually rounded up about two hundred Indian workers, brandishing clubs triumphantly, and herded them to the City Hall basement where the Hindus stayed during the night for their alleged safety. The purpose of the racial attack was to “scare them so badly that they will not crowd white labor out of the mills.”

The nightmares of fright, brutality and vindictiveness forced majority of the traumatized Indian workers to leave Bellingham in search of safe haven. Some Hindu workers stayed nervously for one extra day in deadly fear of their lives just to draw their pay and get their checks cashed. Several departing Hindus expressed their disappointment for they had heard of America as a good place for laboring men, yet they were paid no better wages and became victims of violence and lawlessness in the presence of law enforcement officials.

Indians were British subjects but the British ambassador did not care to ask the American government for compensation for injuries or loss of property of the Indian workers. Since the media reported about the riots worldwide, the British Consul in Seattle visited Bellingham but did not care to meet or sympathize with the Indian nationals who suffered at the worst racial attack against them in America.

Some of the Indian mill workers went to Everett which is another town located sixty miles south of Bellingham, to work in the sawmills there. Two months later, on November 5th, 1907, over five hundred armed men attacked and beat the Indians, robbed them and destroyed their belongings. The result was similar to the incidents that occurred in Bellingham.

Similar assaults also took place in some cities in California, such as Marysville, Live Oak, and other communities where the immigrants had settled. The Asiatic Exclusion League and the labor unions used violence and riots, apparently as an effective method of excluding the “Hindu” workers from jobs and residential communities.

The race riots had a devastating impact on the Indian community in the Pacific Coast. Indians had come in search of a chance for a better life for themselves and their families and worked even at menial jobs. They could never have anticipated that America – considered the best among civil societies – had people full of meanness, malice and ill-will against different looking people.

Efforts to End British Colonial Rule in India
Higher education in American universities was a powerful magnet for young people even during that time. America provided them opportunity to “earn and learn” and so Indian students were attracted to seek admission in the US universities. However, several students upon graduation were not able to get jobs commensurate with their qualifications. The unfair and discriminatory practices were against the very ideals of liberty and freedom they had experienced in their university environment. The Indian students attributed the racial prejudice and discrimination to their being nationals of a subjugated country and thus wanted India to be free from the British slavery. They started fostering feelings of patriotism and nationalism among their fellow Indian immigrants.

Many Indians, students in particular, articulated nationalist feelings and started advocating freedom for their motherland, India from the British serfdom. They formed organizations to collectively assert their birthright to independence for India and explored ways and means to attain self-rule. Taraknath Das, a student, started publishing a magazine Free Hindustan in 1907 in Seattle, advocating armed rebellion against the British rule as a means for achieving independence. He also established the East India Association in 1911; G. D. Kumar started a Punjabi paper Swadesh Sewak in Vancouver. Har Dyal started Bande Mataram in 1909 for communicating his revolutionary ideas to the students and the Punjabi settlers who were already facing racial prejudice and discrimination.

Har Dyal who had come from England after relinquishing his scholarship and studies at Oxford University was identified with nationalist activities in the United States. He had been a faculty member at Stanford University for about two years. He inspired many students studying at the University of California at Berkeley and channelized the pro-Indian, anti-British sentiment of the students for independence of India. Two of his many student followers, Katar Singh Sarabha and Vishnu Govind Pingle later on played very prominent roles in the Gadar movement. Dyal’s fervor for India’s freedom spread beyond the university campuses to Punjabi farmers and laborers who had already been victim of racial attacks, discrimination and repression from the host community. A meeting of some patriotic and enlightened Indians was called on April 23, 1913, in Astoria, Oregon, where Har Dyal, Bhai Parmanand and others passionately spoke for throwing the British out of India and securing liberation by all means at their disposal. It was at this meeting that Hindustan Association of the Pacific Coast was formed with a major objective to liberate India with the force of arms from British colonialism, just as Americans had done more than a century ago, and help establish a free and independent India with equal rights for all. Sohan Singh Bhakna, a lumber mill worker in Oregon, was elected President, Har Dayal, as General Secretary. Har Dayal provided leadership for the newly formed association and was the central figure and the force behind the new organization.

Punjabis had come to the United States with the highest of expectations but they were disillusioned when they faced hostility, humiliation and racial prejudice from the American people. When the Hindustan Association of the Pacific Coast was formed, they whole-heartedly supported its objectives of ridding India of the colonial rule, enthusiastically became its members and willingly and liberally helped financially.

The association, headquartered in San Francisco, launched a magazine appropriately titled as Gadar for free distribution to promote the aims, objectives and activities of the organization. Gadar literally means revolt or mutiny and its contents were aimed at exposing the British imperialism. It carried articles on the conditions of the people of India under British rule and also on problems of racial attacks and discrimination against Indians in the United States. Through the magazine, the Indian people were called upon to unite and rise up against the British rule and throw them out of India. The activities of the association were intense and incessant. The Gadar magazine became very popular and over a short period of time, the association itself became known as the Gadar Party.

Gadar was published in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, and in some other languages. The magazine contents expressed community’s pent-up anger and suppressed feelings and exhorted like minded people to join the association for the overthrow of the British monarchy. Within a short period of time, the magazine became sought-after periodical for revolutionary and patriotic ideas. The magazine and similar publications were sent to the Indian revolutionaries in India, Europe, Canada, Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Burma, Egypt, Turkey, and Afghanistan. Even if one copy reached India or a fellow revolutionary anywhere, multiple copies were reproduced for circulation. The visible effects of the Gadar publications started to manifest in India and abroad.

The Gadar movement became the symbol of political consciousness of the overseas Indians. Many committed volunteers opened branches of the Gadar party in other countries and worked tirelessly to promote the objectives of the party. They had imbibed the fire and zeal of revolutionaries and were motivated to fight for freedom for their motherland. The influence of the movement was so powerful that when called upon, over 6000 overseas Indians returned to India to fight for India’s freedom.

The British government got alarmed at the popularity of the Gadar movement and free accessibility and availability of the ‘seditious’ literature. They used every means to stop its circulation, particularly in India. They also tried to suppress the Gadar movement and had hired agents to penetrate the Gadar party and watch their activities. The British were convinced that removal of Har Dyal would bring an end to the revolutionary movement. At the behest of the British, the American government arrested Har Dyal in March, 1914, but later released him on bail. Har Dyal jumped the bail and left for Switzerland and from there he went to Germany.

Soon after the formation of the Gadar party, World War I broke out in August, 1914, in which Germany fought against England. The Germans offered the Indian Nationalists (Gadarites) financial aid to buy arms and ammunitions to expel the British from India while the British Indian troops would be busy fighting war at the front. The Gadarites started an energetic campaign to mobilize the overseas Indians in Singapore, Burma, Egypt, Turkey and Afghanistan and particularly Punjabis in Canada and the United States, and to inspire them to go to India to launch a revolution. They drew plans to infiltrate the Indian army and excite the soldiers to fight -- not for the British but against the British Empire -- and free India from the shackles of British imperialism.

The German government had great sympathy with the Gadar movement because the German government and the Gadarites had the British as their common enemy. In September 1914, Indians formed Berlin Indian Committee (also known as the Indian Revolutionary Society) members of which were Har Dyal, Virendra Nath Chattopadhyay (younger brother of politician-poetess Sarojani Naidu), Maulvi Barkatullah (after his death, he was buried near Sacramento), Bhupendra Nath Datta (brother of Swami Vivekananda), Ajit Singh (uncle of Shaid-i-Azam Bhagat Sigh), Champak Raman Pillai, Tarak Nath Das (a foundation is named after him in Columbia University), and Bhai Bhagwan Singh (he was the most wanted rebel by the British Government; his grandson S.P Singh lives in Atlanta). The objectives of the society were to arrange financial assistance from German government for revolutionary activities and propaganda work in different countries of the world, training of volunteer force of Indian fighters and transportation of arms and ammunitions to reach the Gadarites for a revolt against the British Government in India.

The Indian Revolutionary Society in Berlin successfully arranged substantial financial aid for the Gadarites from Germany. The German Embassy in the United States engaged a German national to liaison with the Gadar leadership in San Francisco. The society also commissioned several ships to carry arms and ammunitions and batches of about 6000 Indian revolutionaries to India.

The Gadarites also sought help from anti-British governments in other countries. In December 1915, they established a Free Hindustan government-in-exile in Kabul, Afghanistan, with Raja Mohinder Pratap as President, Maulavi Barkatullah as Prime Minister and Champakaran Pillai as Foreign Minister. The government-in-exile tried to establish diplomatic relationships with countries opposed to the British in World War l such as Turkey, Germany, Japan, and others. The Gadarites established contact with the Indian troops at Hong Kong, Singapore, and in some other countries and hoped for their participation in the uprising against the British.

Before leaving for India, the Gadarites had hoped that the embers of freedom had caught fire in India too and Indians were ready for a revolution. So when the World War l provided a golden opportunity for them to attain their goal, they hurried homeward for rebellion and overthrow of the British Government. The irony of that valiant effort was that while the Gadarites had gone to India to fight readily for the freedom of their motherland, the Indian leadership openly and willingly co-operated with the British, thereby prolonging India’s serfdom.

The traitors of the Gadar movement leaked out the secret plans to British spies. As a result, the ships carrying arms and ammunitions never reached India. Many Gadarites were taken captives upon reaching India. They were prosecuted and several were imprisoned, many for life, and some were hanged. In the United States too, several Gadarites and their German supporters, were prosecuted in the San Francisco Hindu German Conspiracy Trial (1917-18) and twenty-nine “Hindus” and Germans were convicted for varying terms of imprisonment for violating the American Neutrality Laws. [www.sikhpioneers.org]

The Gadar Movement was the saga of courage, valor and determination of overseas Indians to free India from the shackles of British slavery. The Gadarites had a flame of liberty lit in their hearts, and did not hesitate to make any sacrifice for the cause of freedom, dignity and honor of their motherland.

Struggle for US Citizenship
The United States citizenship conferred many rights and privileges but only “free white men” were eligible to apply. In the United States, many anthropologists used “Caucasian” as a general term for "white” in absence of any precise definition of word “white.” Indian nationals from the north of the Indian Sub-Continent and people from some Middle East countries were also considered Caucasian. Thus, several Indians were granted US citizenship in different states. Bhagat Singh Thind who had joined US army, also applied for citizenship in the state of Washington in July 1918. He received his citizenship certificate on December 9, 1918 wearing military uniform. However, the INS did not agree with the district court granting the citizenship. Thind’s citizenship was revoked in four days, on December 13, 1918, on the grounds that he was not a “free white man.”

Thind applied for citizenship again from the neighboring state of Oregon on May 6, 1919. The same Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) official who got Thind’s citizenship revoked first time, tried to convince the judge to refuse citizenship to a “Hindoo” from India. He even brought up the issue of Thind’s involvement in the Gadar Movement, members of which campaigned for the independence of India from Britain. But Thind contested this charge and Judge Wolverton believed him. The judge observed, “He (Thind) stoutly denies that he was in any way connected with the alleged propaganda of the Gadar Press to violate the neutrality laws of this country, or that he was in sympathy with such a course. He frankly admits, nevertheless, that he is an advocate of the principle of India for the Indians, and would like to see India rid of British rule, but not that he favors an armed revolution for the accomplishment of this purpose.” The judge took all arguments as also Thind’s military record into consideration and did not support the INS argument. Thus, Thind received US citizenship for the second time on November 18, 1920. The INS, however, appealed to the next higher court – the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals which sent the case to the US Supreme Court for ruling.

Supreme Court Justice George Sutherland delivered the unanimous opinion of the court on February 19, 1923, in which he argued that since the "common man's" definition of “white” did not correspond to "Caucasian", Indians could not be naturalized. Shockingly, the very same Judge Sutherland who had equated Whites as Caucasians in US vs. Ozawa, now pronounced that Thind though Caucasian, was not “White” and thus was ineligible for US citizenship. He apparently decided the case under pressure from the forces of prejudice, racial hatred and bigotry, not on the basis of precedent that he had established in a previous case.

The Supreme Court verdict shook the faith and trust of Indians in the American justice system. The economic impact for land and property owning Indians was devastating as they again came under the jurisdiction of the California Alien Land Law of 1913 which barred ownership of land by persons ineligible for citizenship. Some Indians had to liquidate their land holdings at dramatically lower prices. America, the dreamland, did not fulfill the dream they had envisioned.

The INS issued a notification in 1926 canceling Thind’s citizenship for a second time. The INS also initiated proceedings to rescind American citizenship of other Indians. From 1923 to 1926, the citizenship of fifty Indians was revoked. The continued shadow of insecurity and instability compelled some to go back to India. The Supreme Court decision further led to the decline in the number of Indians to 3130 by 1930. [From India to America; Garry Hess, p 31]

Legal Immigration from India Barred
The continuing pressure of exclusionary forces and various American labor organizations against the importation of labor from Asian countries resulted in the imposition of further restrictions. In 1917, a very restrictive and discriminatory Immigration Act was passed by the US Congress over the veto of President Woodrow Wilson. The new law virtually barred all Asians from entering the US legally. It also imposed English literacy restrictions, allowing only those to immigrate who could read and write English. After the passage of the law, some Indians left the US in disgust while the new legal immigration from India was completely stopped.

US Congress Approves Citizenship for Indian Nationals
For years, Indian nationals continued to suffer many hardships, partially because they were not allowed to obtain citizenship of the United States. Punjabi Sikhs endured maximum hardships as they could not legally buy farm land, their only hope for economic emancipation. There were about 3,000 Indians who could benefit by becoming citizens of USA. But they had no legal avenue left after the historic decision of the US Supreme Court in Bhagat Singh Thind’s case. In 1943, Chinese obtained right of naturalization, so there was a possibility for a legislative solution for Indians too. But most of the Indians were skeptical as they had been knocked about so much that it was very difficult for them to believe that there was a chance of their winning. Joan M. Jensen, historian and author, described the plight of Indians as follows:

“Excluded from immigration, persecuted for their political activities, threatened with deportation, excluded from citizenship, denaturalized, excluded from land ownership, and regulated even in their choice of a mate in the States, these Indians now formed a small band of people set apart from Americans by what truly seemed to be a great white wall.”

Indian Community activists, J. J. Singh, Dr. Anup Singh, Syud Hossain, Krishanalal Shridharani, Haridas Muzumdar, Mubarak Ali Khan, Taraknath Das, and a few others relentlessly lobbied with the elected representatives of the American people for granting of civil rights to the nationals of India who were already in the US. Dalip Singh Saund helped with funds raised from the California Sikh farming community for the lobbying effort at the Capitol Hill. J. J. Singh, president of India League of America, had developed personal relationship with Congresswoman Clare Booth Luce of Connecticut. He persuaded the Republican Congresswoman Luce and Democrat Congressman Emanuel Cellar of New York to jointly introduce a bill for US citizenship for Indian nationals. The bill was backed by some major newspapers as also some prominent Americans including well known author and Noble Laureate Pearl S. Buck.

However, selling this concept to the majority of the members in the U.S. Congress was an uphill task, more so, as the passage of the bill could open the door for other Asians who were similarly deprived of citizenship rights. Indians continued running into roadblocks in finding a powerful ally to push the bill through the Halls of Congress. Fortunately in 1946, President Truman took special interest in the passage of Luce-Cellar bill which was finally approved by both Houses of Congress restoring rights of citizenship of Indian nationals in the United States. It was a great triumph for the Indian community leadership when on July 2, 1946, President Truman signed the bill in the presence of Sardar J. J. Singh and Anup Singh allowing Indians to become naturalized citizens and 100 Indians to immigrate every year. Truly 2nd July is the Independence Day for all Indians in the United States.

Between 1948 and 1965, many Indians who had been living in America for decades acquired U.S. citizenship. Dalip Singh Saund also benefited from the new law and became naturalized citizen of the United States. He had been active in the Democratic Party and in 1956 got elected to the U.S. Congress. Saund was the first Indian in the entire western world to get elected to a major political office. In the USA, he will be remembered as the first Asian to attain that distinct honor. J. J. Singh, Dr. Anup Singh, Syud Hossain and some others who actively lobbied for equal rights for Indians never applied for US Citizenship. They went back to live in free India.

Supporting India’s Independence Movement
After the unsuccessful attempt to free India from the British, there were still many Indians in the United States, who wanted to see India liberated. However, the Indian activists in the US, abandoned the power of sword of the Gadarites and adopted the power of pen to educate the opinion makers in America and decision makers in the Halls of Congress.

One of the prominent leaders of India’s Freedom Movement, Lala Lajpat Rai, came to the US in 1914 to elicit American support for the Freedom movement. He founded the Indian Home Rule League in 1917 in New York and in 1918, started publishing Young India as his organization’s magazine. He started publishing articles in the American media, cultivated contacts with intellectuals and gained the support of wide audience of Americans sympathetic towards the cause of India’s freedom. Unfortunately, he left for India in 1920 and neither the League nor the magazine Young India survived after his departure.

Dalip Singh Saund, who had started working as a farm laborer after obtaining Ph. D. in Mathematics from University of California at Berkley, was an ardent nationalist and used the platform of his position as the national president of the student body, Hindustan Association of America, to expound on India’s right to self-government. After he moved to the Imperial Valley of California, he continued to take advantage of every opportunity to speak about India’s right for self-rule. He also started India Association of America and raised funds from the California Sikh farmers for the lobbying efforts in the United States Congress in Washington, DC for India and Indian causes.

Anup Singh obtained his Ph.D in Political Science from Harvard University. He became very active in New York based India League of America, and later moved to Washington D.C and started The National Committee for India’s Freedom. He also published a monthly magazine Voice of India to disseminate the message of India’s nationalist movement.

J. J. Singh was a member of the Indian National Congress before coming to the United States in 1926. He was an importer of Indian goods and had established himself as a successful merchant in New York. In 1940, he became president of India League of America. He started the League’s mouthpiece, India Today which was well-edited informative monthly bulletin. He also expanded its membership base to include Americans, including Nobel Prize winner author Pearl Buck who was Honorary President in 1944. For all practical purposes, J. J. Singh had become an unofficial lobbyist for India and Indians. He convinced significant sections of the American public, including members of the United States Congress, that the time had come for India to be liberated.

J. J. Singh, Dr. Anup Singh, Syed Hoosain, Dalip Singh Saund, Haridas T. Muzumdar, Taraknath Das, Mubarak Ali Khan, and some other community activists had tremendous enthusiasm and abundant energy and used it all for the cause of India's freedom. They used their writings, speeches and connections with elected officials and people of influence to gain sympathy, support and endorsement of the American people, majority of the United States Congress and the President of America for the independence of India. For many years, these community activists provided dedicated and committed service for the cause of India and Indians and thus played the role of Indian community emancipators in the United States.

Second Phase of Indian Immigration
The contemporary phase of the history of Indian migration to the United States began with the passage of Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 which liberalized immigration, increasing per country quota to 20,000 people per year. That new law opened the floodgate of immigrants from India and brought thousands of professionals in search of educational and employment opportunities. The increased quota has resulted in the exponential growth in the number of Indian immigrants and the wave of new arrivals still continues unabated.

In 1980, the U.S. Census Bureau counted 361,544 Indian Americans and in 1990 Census, the count had doubled to 815,447. In 2000, the Census count was 1.8 million, again more than double the previous number in the 1990 Census. In 2008, the number has soared to 2.6 million and if those who are twice migrants (people of Indian origin from Fiji, Guyana, Trinidad and from other islands in the Caribbean) are included, the count would exceed 3 million. The immigrants from India have not only been growing in numbers but they have been significantly contributing to the fabric and economic progress of the US society. They continue to attain remarkable success in various fields of endeavors and several of them occupy positions of power in key American organizations, establishments and political parties.

During the past 40 years, large growth in the Indian American community has spread across many parts of the United States, in particular the New York tri-state area, greater Los Angeles, Silicon Valley in Northern California and Chicago. During the first several years, it was a time when immigrants from India met socially as Indians and made friendships as Indians; religion did not divide them; language was not a barrier; regionalism did not separate them. They were Indians by nationality, Indians at heart and viewed as a single entity.

Indian Americans are perceived as a very successful immigrant community in the United States. As their numbers kept growing, political and religious leaders from India found the Indian American community offering them a red carpet welcome. These Indian leaders started making frequent visits to their new found “colonies” and made every effort to rope in the money, knowledge and skills as well as the political clout of Indians settled in the United States. Interestingly, they also brought the divisive problems of religion and regionalism to their followers and supporters in the United States. Today the internal politics of India is echoed in the politics of the Indian community in the United States. Many Indian Americans appear to be more agitated and consumed by developments in India than the politics in their newly adopted country.

Indian Americans in the beginning were busy getting established, raising their family and relatively content with the material success they had attained in their new country. The community was marginalized, political involvement was non-existent and political activism was negligible. In some places, Indian Americans’ lifestyle attracted racial discrimination such as the “dot-buster” issue of the early 1990s (reference to the bindi adorned by many Indian women on their forehead). Their superior qualifications and meritorious work performance did not stop the artificial barrier of “glass ceiling" which prevented their ascent to managerial and executive positions. The courts did not deliver justice to them and the appeal process did not guarantee them the desired upward mobility.

The 1965 Immigration Act provided a “Family preference” quota under which immigrants and citizens could sponsor their close relatives. As a result, many Indians began migrating to the United States in steady stream with sponsorship from their family members. With the arrival of relatives from 1980s onward, the demographics of Indian community began to change from professionals to semi-skilled and less qualified immigrants, who found jobs in department stores, hotels, became taxi drivers, started as insurance or travel agents, or similar type of work servicing their own community. Some of the new immigrants with limited English language skills found jobs at Indian owned businesses which needed cheap labor for their restaurants, clothing or jewelry stores. There were some who, with the financial backing of their relatives, ventured to open small businesses such as gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, motels, etc.

The age of information technology in 1990s brought an upsurge of high-tech people from India. Some came as immigrants while others came on temporary visas which many subsequently converted into permanent visa with sponsorship from their employers. The explosive growth of Indians in the United States created vistas of opportunities. Some high energy, creative and entrepreneurial individuals launched their high tech companies, particularly in the Silicon Valley and a number of them became very successful, wealthy and famous for their innovations and entrepreneurial ventures.

Gujaratis outnumber any other single ethnic group from India and many have flourished in the hospitality business. They control over 40 per cent of the motels and mid-sized hotels all over the US. Several Gujaratis who started with low-budget motels, now own and manage multiple properties, motel franchise operations, and hotel construction firms. Some of them are the owners of leading franchises such as Radisson and Hilton. The Asian American Hotel Owners' Association (AAHOA), dominated by Gujratis, has become a powerful organization in the United States.

There are many business owners who have multiplied their operations. Uka Solanki owns many Big Saver Food stores with an annual turnover of $100 million in Southern California. Gurbax Marwah of Los Angeles owns a dozen of Denny’s restaurants while Ramesh Goyal of Chicago owns over a dozen Dunkin Donuts stores. Sudesh Sood of Los Angeles has over 50 Jack-in-the-Box franchise restaurants. In the Indian grocery business, Patel Brothers from the East Coast and Kumar Jawa from the West Coast of the USA lead the pack.

The 1984 army attack on the Golden Temple in Amritsar spurred an exodus of young Sikhs from India, some legally, others without legal documents. Several young Sikh men, particularly from villages in Punjab, came to the USA to escape arbitrary arrests, torture and possible death. A large majority of them were unskilled and non-professionals. Those who did not have sponsors sought shelters in Gurdwaras, applied for political asylum or found other ways to obtain legal status. After overcoming the initial settlement problems in the United States, many have settled in jobs or occupations and some of them have prospered far beyond their own expectations.

Indian immigrants -- whether they were skilled or unskilled, operated restaurants, grocery or liquor stores, 7-11 franchise or motels, came as professionals, or under family reunification preferential categories -- they all worked very hard. Over a period of time, several have worked their way up the ladder and occupy positions of power and influence in the universities, hospitals, corporations and political parties. Many business people expanded their businesses, generated vast fortunes, contributed to the economy of their adopted land, helped in the growth of trade and industry and created economic opportunities through investment and innovation. Indian Americans make up less than one percent of the US population, but they have opened many doors of possibilities, far beyond their numbers, and have made an indelible impression on the professional and business landscape of America.

Not all Indian Americans are wealthy, professional or highly educated. There are several who make living by driving taxis or are engaged in similar activity for their livelihood.

Taxi driving is probably the most dangerous occupation in the United States and not necessarily the first choice for making a living and raising a family. Although taxi drivers serve an extremely important function in the transportation business, yet they do not get respectable treatment.

Thousands of Indians have no choice except to become taxi drivers to make living, in particular before becoming fully settled in the USA. A large majority among them are Sikhs and several of them maintain their religious symbols – keep uncut hair covered with turban and beard. Some companies do not even hire people with turbans, particularly since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 as many Americans frequently mistake them or associate them with Osama Bin Laden. That unfortunate attack provoked a backlash that included hundred of hate crimes, even the killing of a turban-wearing Sikh, Balbir Singh Sodhi of Mesa, Arizona. Sodhi was not a cab driver but many victims of hate crimes were in this occupation.

The Sikh taxi drivers often hear derogatory racial remarks, suffer harassment and are targeted for racial attacks, sometimes even from their passengers. Whether the motive is bigotry, hate, or robbery, some Sikh taxi drivers have been frequent victims of hate crimes. A few have met with violent, horrific and senseless death. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have repeatedly failed to tackle assaults on them.

Taxi drivers, however, are a reasonably good source of local news and if they are first generation immigrants, they can give latest news and happenings of the countries they have come from. They generally are the first ones to get inquiries from passengers seeking information about restaurants and cafes. Thus, they can become among the best marketers, but businessmen have not used them to promote their businesses. If their marketing capabilities are utilized, they could play a key role in promoting Indian cuisine and direct traffic to certain selective restaurants and other facilities which contract to use their services.

Community Mobilization
With the increase in population of Indian immigrants, cultural, religious and regional organizations mushroomed at a rapid speed; some organizing themselves into national bodies. Indian professionals, particularly physicians who had problems of recognition of their professional degrees and attainments formed their own associations at local and national levels.

In large cities, regional umbrella groups such as Federation of Indian American Associations(FIA) were formed, predominantly to celebrate India Independence day, India Republic day, etc.

During the 1970s and 1980s, there were three dominant country-wide organizations, namely, National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), Indian American Forum for Political Education (IAFPE) and Association of Indians in America(AIA), which promoted the interests and aspirations of the people of Indian origin. During the 1980s, there were immigration reform bills proposing drastic reduction in the quota for family reunification. These three national organizations went all out to fight against any reduction in the family reunification quota. They reached out to the Indian community in the US, joined hands with the other immigrant communities, collected thousands of petitions opposing the new bill, and worked with many members of the Congress sympathetic to the cause. After a long struggle, the US Congress yielded to the combined strength of the immigrant communities, accommodated the new realities and kept the family reunification numbers intact in the new bill which was enacted into law.

In 1987, the US aid package to Pakistan included supply of AWACS and other highly sophisticated arms to Pakistan. The leadership of these organizations again mobilized the community for the security of their motherland, brought busloads of Indian Americans to Washington D.C. from the neighboring states including New York & New Jersey, paraded the halls and corridors of world power center, the US Congress and the White House. They waged an impressive and vigorous campaign of opposing the supply of highly sophisticated military equipment to Pakistan, educated the members of the US Congress about the potential dangers of such supplies, and testified before the senate sub-committee, a rare honor. History is a witness, Pakistan did not get sophisticated military hardware.

During the civilian nuclear cooperation deal between India and the United States, initiated during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the US in May 2005 and re-affirmed during President George Bush’s visit to India in March 2006, the Indian American community played a proactive role in ensuring the passage of the bills introduced in the Congress.

Some Congressmen, such as Gary Ackerman, Frank Pallone, Joe Wilson and Joe Crowley – former co-chairs of India Caucus – openly supported the deal while many prominent lawmakers such as Democrat Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, co-chair of the Friends of India Caucus in the U.S. Senate, Republican Congressman Ed Royce, former co-chair of the India Caucus and the dozens of members of the Caucus on both the House and the Senate side, who never missed fundraising opportunities within the community, conspicuously stayed silent on the issue.

Besides NFIA, IAFPE and AIA, a few new Indian American organizations which have come up during the last few years, and some leading Indian American activists launched a massive campaign to push through the deal on Capitol Hill. The bills in both the House and the Senate were passed by a large majority of the lawmakers including those who initially were fence-sitters. The Henry J. Hyde United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of 2006 enabled the U.S. to have India sign an agreement for cooperation as a prerequisite for nuclear deal between the two countries.

Another Indian American organization which has become a high profile organization is the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) which was founded in 1984 with a goal to fight restrictions against recognition of Foreign Medical graduates. It is an umbrella organization for more than 130 member associations nationwide and serves the interests of over 42,000 Indian American physicians. Since its formation, AAPI has steadily expanded its role and responsibilities. According to AAPI President, Hemant Patel, “We are making a difference in improving the quality of medical education and patient care by working closely with public bodies and governments of both USA and India.” AAPI has also established high level partnership with the government and policymakers in India. (Indian Express, April 11, 2008)

Political Activism
In 1987, an Indian community activist, Dr. Joy Cherian was chosen for presidential appointment as US Commissioner of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. It was the first high ranking appointment of an Asian by the president of the United States. Dr. Cherian’s appointment to sub-cabinet level position by President Ronald Reagan received swift approval from the Senate. The Asian media extolled it as a major milestone and Indian Americans were elated that their community received such high recognition. The successive administrations made several high ranking appointments of Indian Americans including those of Dr. Rajen Anand as Executive Director of Center for Nutrition Policy, Bobby Jindal as Assistant Secretary of Health, Gopal Khanna and Karan Bhatia. There are many more who have been appointed to various committees/councils at city, county and state levels in various parts of the United States.

Indian Americans do not form a significant “voting bloc” but do want political empowerment which would not come by seeking appointments only. They began organizing fund raising events for political candidates at city, county, state and federal levels. However, their campaign contributions translated into limited political clout. Some ambitious Indian Americans proactively engaged themselves in the political process of their adopted country. They had no constituency in any part of the United States where Indians could elect one of their own. But they had a role model in Dalip Singh Saund who in 1956 was elected to the U.S. Congress from a congressional district with a negligible number of Indian American votes. Saund was a trailblazer and many tried to follow his pioneering trail and some succeeded at city, county and state level. In 2004, Oxford-educated Bobby Jindal who was born of immigrant parents in the USA, was elected United States Congressman from Louisiana. Just 3 years later in 2007, Jindal at 36, was elected as Governor of Louisiana and became the first Indian-American chief executive of a state in the United States, a major milestone accomplishment.

Since the late 1980s, Indian Americans have started taking a more active role in both Democrat and Republican political parties. They also ventured to learn the rules of political empowerment and their political activism has shown results in seven Indian Americans getting elected as legislators at the state level. Kumar Barve is the majority leader in the state of Maryland while Satveer Choudhary is state senator in Minnesota. Raj Goyal at the young age of 26 was elected as state legislator in Ohio. Nikki Randhawa Haley, a Sikh Business woman, was elected in 2004 to South Carolina State Assembly. David Dhillon, a third generation Indian American, was mayor of El Centro from 1985 to 2001. David Dhillon’s grandfather came from India and settled in El Centro, Imperial Valley in California where many Indians during the earlier part of the last century had settled. Dalip Singh Saund had spent most of his life in the Imperial Valley which was part of his congressional district. Harry Sidhu was elected as Council member in 2004 of Anaheim City, home for Disneyland while Harvinder Anand got elected as mayor of a small, affluent community in New York State in 2007. Gurpal Samra is the mayor of Livingston (population over 10,000), near Sacramento, California. In Yuba City where Indian Americans constitute 10% of the population, two city council members, Kash (Kashmir Singh) Gill and Tej (Tejinder Singh) Mann were elected in 2006. This is the first time since the settlement of the first batch of Sikhs in the beginning of twentieth century in the area that two Sikhs with farming background have been elected. They are educated and have deep civic roots in the city. Kash Gill is Vice President of the local Butte Community Bank while Tej Mann is the Environment Health Director of Yuba County.

These Indian Americans have dared to turn to politics to achieve their vision and to raise the profile of their marginalized ethnic community. The voters who elected the Indian American law makers are mainstream Americans and not just Indian Americans who form a negligible percentage of the electorate. Indian Americans may not have any constituency with majority of Indian electorate but some political campaigns revolve around them for their fund raising capabilities.

Indians who came in 1960’s and 1970s are, by and large, rooted in the United States. They have worked their way up the ranks of American companies and have also moved with astonishing speed into politics. The Indian American lobby on the Capitol Hill is increasingly becoming important and showed measurable result at the passage of Indo-US Nuclear Deal by the US Congress.

Marriage & Family
The early Punjabi immigrants consisted of males who came as sojourners to make money and return to live a life of comfort back in India. They lived together to save money, worked in groups and moved from place to place in search of work. Many of them were young and unmarried while others had left their wives behind. They could not go back for a visit nor could they sponsor their spouses from India as changes in the Immigration laws enacted in 1917 barred legal immigration from India. Several of them married Mexican women while those with college or university education, generally married American girls despite the law in California which prohibited marriage between different races.

In the beginning, marriages between Punjabis and Mexican women aroused concern, some leading to controversies. But over a period of time, the relationship with Hispanic women became acceptable. Many marriages were successful but several experienced conflicts regarding raising of children, supporting issues and causes pertaining to the immigrants such as donation to temple, Gadar Movement, and sending money back home. Some marriages ended in divorce for various reasons and in a few cases, marital conflicts ended in the murder of the spouse. Prof. Karen Leonard of U.C. Irvine has written extensively about Punjabi-Mexican families in her book “Making Ethnic Choices”.

After the passage of Luce-Cellar bill, a few Indians went back to marry while some others sponsored their wives and children whom they had left behind years ago.

After India became an independent nation in 1947, the number of students seeking admission in American universities rapidly increased. With the liberalization of immigration laws, a large influx of Indian professionals started migrating to America, only a few with their spouses. The vast majority of students and immigrants went back to marry while a few found brides in the USA. “Desi” children as they were called, born in America, have faced duality between their parents' culture and the host culture and are torn between being Indian and being American. When the time came for marriage, the children were pressured or persuaded to get spouses from India, many with disastrous results. Now the community has become large, about 3 million, the preference is to find a suitable mate in the US.

Senior Citizens
The American system guarantees public pension benefit for those who have paid social security taxes for a minimum period of 10 years during their working lives. However, the social security pension is not enough for a comfortable retirement living. Americans who are not entitled to social security benefits but are over 65 and destitute, are eligible to obtain the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Americans as well as eligible immigrants also get affordable health care after age 65. The Indian Americans who are entitled to Social Security benefits, are a part of a generation of savers and a vast majority of them have planned for financial security in their retirement years.

Indian parents made sacrifices to provide the best education to their children, particularly sons, hoping for a bright future for them. Many children who came as students or in search of opportunities at a younger age are generally well settled in the United States. They feel obligated to take care of their older parents in the autumn of their parents’ lives. For parents, too, America is a great attraction, ostensibly to be closer to their progeny and grand children. Whether motivated by family ties or compelled by other circumstances, older parents are encouraged to migrate. Sense of obligation takes over the problems of living in a joint family system such as parents’ uncomfortable level of dependence on the offspring or his financial and emotional stress to house the parents under the same roof. Nevertheless, the tradition of extended family of sharing the house by three generations, parents, offspring and his/her spouse and grand children is continued.

The older parents come to the land of opportunity, yet face many challenges in adapting to the new societal framework. They leave behind their longtime surroundings and familiar social networks and they now have to find a different comfort level of dependence on their offspring. Many times, the elder parents are sponsored to help with raising their grand children. They are also given the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning and maintaining the house while both their sons/daughters and respective spouses are at work. Although the children feel that they keep their parents occupied to avoid boredom, many parents lack the physical stamina to maintain the new way of life. Many have health concerns that often go unattended. They came to join their adult children, have never been in the United States workforce and thus never had the opportunity to develop their own social network. They have little or no social life of their own, and are entirely dependent on their children for transportation even to go to the temple.

In India, respect for the elders is traditionally woven into Indian life’s cultural fabric. But in America, where adult children can address their own parents by first name, elders from India and particularly those who have held an office of status feel slighted when much younger Indians do not show any deference towards them. They end up missing their network of friends and acquaintances, and find a huge social vacuum living in the new country. Leaving their longtime old friends and lifelong home exploding with memories, they have to live in neighborhoods where there is hardly anybody from their own ethnicity with whom they can communicate. Socializing with those of the same age and culture is, at best, a weekend opportunity when visiting a temple or attending a party. Several people find it hard to cope with the loneliness, isolation and sometimes exploitation by their own children. Some parents by habit intrude in their children’s life resulting in undesirable conflicts. Those who cannot adapt to the new situation go back if they have that option, while many others suffer from frustration and depression.

Indian Americans who have lived and worked in the United States for a number of years, have adapted to the lifestyle of their adopted land, and have become, somewhat if not completely, part of the mainstream. They have developed their social network and are not dependent on others for their communication or transportation needs. No doubt, old age is a vulnerable time of life for everybody and Indian Americans, even those who are in denial of aging, will not escape the problems relating to growing old. Although people in America are living longer and healthier than ever before, sooner or later, they will become an integral part of the swelling ranks of the elderly and endure trials and tribulations of the golden years.

Culture, Religion, Meditation and Yoga
Culture is an all inclusive term. Customs, traditions, performing arts, cuisine, religion and belief systems are varied and different, yet they are integral part of composite culture of India. In almost all parts of the globe where Indians have gone and settled, there is awareness of India’s culture, be it in the form of yoga, meditation, music, fashion, or food, it is widely known and accepted.

At the beginning of twentieth century, when Indians started coming to the United States, there was a low tolerance for the Indian immigrants. The Bellingham Riots in the state of Washington on September 5, 1907 epitomized the racial prejudice of the American people against Indians at that time. However, the majority of the immigrants from India kept faithful to their religious roots, some with a keen passion and continued to practice their faith by doing meditation, or holding prayers privately at their homes.
Since the 1970s, the United States has increasingly become a religiously diverse nation and with the steady growth of the Indian American community, the building of temples became a desirable focus of the Hindu and Sikh groups. The temples help preserve and sustain religion and culture and also provide an opportunity to practice religious rituals and to socialize with the new immigrants. The adherents considered their responsibility to establish places of worship not only for themselves but for the future generations. In 1976, the first Hindu temple, Sri Venkateswara temple, was built in Pittsburgh. Since then, millions have been spent on building Hindu temples and meditation centers in virtually every city in the United States. These institutions have helped maintain and promote Hindu religion, Indian philosophy and culture.
In 1893, more than a century ago, Swami Vivekananda introduced Hinduism to Americans when he came to address the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. He made a lasting impact on the delegates and for the next four years, he lectured at major universities and retreats. This generated a significant interest in Vedantic philosophy. He also started the Vedantic centre in New York City. After Vivekananda left the USA, other religious leaders came to spread Hindu religion and philosophy. In 1920, Paramahansa Yogananda came as India’s delegate to the International Congress of Religious Leaders in Boston. He traveled widely and lectured to large audiences in the US and in 1925, made Los Angeles as his base of operations by establishing an international headquarter for Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF). Today, there are seven SRF centers in California where Yogananda's meditation and yoga techniques are taught on regular basis. Bhagat Singh Thind who came in 1913 as a student started delivering lectures on Indian philosophy and metaphysics. His teaching included the philosophy of many religions and in particular that contained in Sikh Scriptures. During his lectures, discourses and classes to Christian audiences, he frequently quoted Guru Nanak, Kabir, and others. He wrote many books, had thousands of American followers but did not convert any of them to Sikhism.

Yogi Bhajan who came to California in 1969, started teaching yoga and propagating the philosophy of Guru Nanak and a form of Sikhism among Americans. The hippie movement was at its zenith then and a large number of American young people were using illegal drugs, particularly marijuana. He established Guru Ram Das Ashram in Los Angeles where his followers have been congregating regularly. He was an inspiring teacher and taught “Kundalini Yoga, the Yoga of Awareness.” Prior to his death in 2005, he had thousands of his followers embrace Sikhism. He was recognized with the title of “Siri Singh Sahib” by Shrimonai Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar. Yogi Bhajan made a “huge difference to the profile of the Sikh community in the US. He was also recognized by the US Congress for his services to the American society. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi started teaching Transcendental Meditation (TM) in America in the mid-1960's, through which he claimed to provide “a way for the conscious mind.” Bhagwan Rajneesh, known as Osho, too had a very large following in the US. He spoke of harmony, wholeness and love that lie at the core of all religious and spiritual traditions. He died in January 1990 but many of his followers still meet at various centers as also in Pune, the headquarters of Osho organization. Jiddu Krishnamurti was adopted at an early age by Theosophical Society president Annie Besant who took him to England to have him educated privately. Jidu Krishnamurthi wrote many books. But The Book of Life, which carried extraction from his speeches and publications, became very famous. The Krishnamurti Foundation, headquartered at Ojai near Los Angeles, California, promotes his philosophy through his books, CDs and tapes. Many more mystics and yogis from India brought ancient Indian philosophy and yoga to America and found fertile ground for spreading their message. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the `new age' guru and has many centers all over the world.

Several faith-based movements such as, Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), Chinmaya Mission, Sathya Sai Baba organization, Ramakrishna Mission, and ISKCON have also large following. Some target the Indian Diaspora while others spread their message to the general American population.

Once an elusive practice, Yoga has now surged in popularity and its impact is everywhere: in movies, television, advertising, and schools. Several studies have shown that Yoga reduces back pain, relieves stress and improves overall health and has become as mainstream of an exercise as walking. Many Americans have incorporated yoga routines as an essential part of their work out routine. America is now dotted with Yoga studios providing easy access to everyone, including business executives and Hollywood celebrities who practice this ancient Indian art form. Bikram Choudhary has earned fame and fortune by teaching Yoga to Americans by opening hundreds of heated yoga studios all over the world. There are many more Yoga experts and teachers who have gained prominence in this multi-billion dollar industry. Swami Ramdev is currently the most celebrated Yoga teacher. There are entrepreneurs who publish Yoga magazines and yoga books, produce TV shows and make DVDs, manufacture Yoga clothes, Yoga artifacts, Yoga furniture and furnishings, Yoga foods, Yoga tea, Yoga energy bars, and hundreds of products and services.

There are many religious festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm by different ethnic groups from India. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by one and all, with great fervor throughout the United States. The annual observance demonstrates the rich history and traditions of the Hindu faith and provides an occasion for Hindus to remember their many blessings and celebrate their hope for a brighter future.

In 2007, Diwali Mela at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas was a celebration of epic proportion. Hosted by the Dallas Indian Cultural Society, over 50,000 people from Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New York, came to see performance of a professional Ram Lila group, hear Bollywood singers and witness the burning of Ravana’s effigy. It was a mammoth event, unique with no parallel to it in the United States.

In 2003, the President of the United States agreed to the long-standing demand by the Indian community and celebrated Diwali at the White House in the presence of several invited Indian community leaders. Since then, Diwali festivities at the White House have become an annual tradition which also shows the growing clout of the Indian American community in the United States. The US Senate and the House of Representatives in October 2007 unanimously passed Resolutions 299 and 747 respectively, recognizing the “religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali.” The passage of the resolutions may be symbolic for some, but it is a testament to the increased awareness of Hinduism and Hindus in America.

For Sikhs, religious beliefs are an integral part of their lives. In the beginning, they practiced their culture, religion, and traditions privately in absence of a common place like a Gurudwara. But in 1912, they established Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society and purchased land with a small frame house in Stockton, California, which was used as a temporary Gurudwara (http://www.sikhpioneers.org/articles.html). Three years later, they built the first Sikh temple in the United States. The new temple was dedicated on November 21, 1915, coinciding with the 426th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh faith. Many Sikhs would travel hundreds of miles on important occasions to attend the gatherings which not only served a reassuring link with their religion but also provided welcome opportunities to meet and socialize with other Punjabi immigrants.

The Stockton Temple became the center of religious life for the Sikhs and social and political life for all Indians in California, particularly for activities relating to the Gadar Movement. Many years later, in 1948, a second Gurudwara was established 500 miles away in El Centro, California. Today, Sikhs have built Gurudwaras in almost every part of the US and hold congregations on regular basis.

Baisakhi, like Diwali, is celebrated with equal fervor both as a religious function and as a harvest festival. One of the largest Baisakhi celebrations is organized at the Los Angeles convention center to accommodate over 15,000 people. The religious celebration included Sikh devotional music and a colorful parade.

Classical Indian dance and music are taught in private schools and academies which offer training in Karnatic, Hindustani, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, bhangra, bhajans, devotional songs & semi-classical songs and several other forms. Among the different classical dance styles, Bharatanatyam has gained the most popularity among the Indian students. Out of the folk dances, Bhangra with all its different variations has been attaining new highs as a medium of entertainment.

Punjabis have a vibrant culture and the Bhangra, the harvest folk dance and music is integral part of celebrations – weddings, anniversaries, parties. In the U.K, Bhangra bands are engaged for weddings and parties. Some night clubs in the US routinely play Bhangra music or have exclusive Bhangra music once a week. The Bhangra music has also found its way into the recording studios of some mainstream artists, such as Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and others. Intercollegiate bhangra competitions where the teams compete for money and trophies, continue to give a new surge of popularity among the youth. Bhangra, although rooted in tradition, constantly evolves with several hip-hop moves with the changing times.

There are many different offshoots from traditional Bhangra. Bally Sagoo promoted an offshoot of Bhangra music and his signing up with Sony, showed Bhangra's growing mainstream presence. Daler Mehndi has made the sound of Bhangra-pop a craze among many non-Punjabis, selling many millions of albums. Popular Guyanese born Terry Gajraj has also composed many of his hits in the USA and the Caribbean with variations of Bhagra. Pepsi commercial featuring Bhangra music was a true sign of the emergence of Bhangra into popular culture.

Sarina Jain has made this folk dance into an exercise regimen. Masala Bhangra Aerobics Workout classes are taught in some fitness centers and she also has directed and produced a series of MASALA BHANGRA WORKOUT videos.

The Smithsonian institution in Washington DC is the most visited natural history museum in the world. A few Sikh Americans jointly started a very ambitious Sikh Heritage Project in 2000, to find, protect and display cultural and historical artifacts of the Sikhs at the prestigious Smithsonian institution. “Sikhs: Legacy of the Punjab” was inaugurated on July 24, 2004 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. The permanent exhibition presents more than 100 pieces of Sikh artwork and artifacts, including miniature paintings, arms and armor, traditional textiles and dress, coins, musical instruments, jewelry, sacred texts, and modern works of art, highlighting the culture and history of the Sikhs. The Sikh Heritage Foundation, West Virginia, has been instrumental in the establishment of Sikh Heritage Gallery.

Yuba City – the Mini Punjab in USA
Yuba City, the headquarters of Sutter County, California, is about 125 miles from San Francisco. Punjabis came to Yuba City as migrant laborers in search of work over 100 years ago and faced enormous social and economic hurdles. They were peasant proprietors in India and their farming skills and willingness to work hard helped them find work. Some of them even leased or purchased their own farms and a few became successful and prosperous farmers.

From 1917 to 1946, legal immigration from India was barred and the growth of the Punjabi population in the Yuba-Sutter Area dwindled to a trickle. The post 1946 period when Indian nationals got the right of citizenship, 100 immigrants were allowed to come from India and slow growth of Punjabis started again. However, after the passage of 1965 Immigration Act, the Punjabi population in Yuba-Sutter Area started growing steadily and today, Punjabi community population is probably the largest over any other similar city in the United States. Punjabis now comprise over 10% of the total population of about 80,000 in Yuba-Sutter area. Several of them are engaged in agricultural or horticultural activities. In Yuba-Sutter County, Punjabi farmers grow about 95% of the peach crop, 60% of prunes and 20% almonds & walnuts.

With the sizeable increase in their population, the community has diversified from the core business of farming into various occupations, businesses and professions. Many Punjabis have become successful entrepreneurs, venturing into trucking, commercial property, and various other businesses and contribute significantly to their local economy. Several acquired university degrees and have gone into various professions — medicine, teaching, banking, engineering, etc. A number of prosperous Punjabis in the city own palatial houses and drive expensive cars. They endured tremendous hardships and worked very hard to realize their American Dream.

Yuba City is literally a mini Punjab in the USA with three Gurudwaras and a temple. “Sat Sri Akal” is the preferred form of greeting; speaking in Punjabi is not considered “foreign” and Punjabi is officially taught in public schools. A radio program in Punjabi is regularly on the air. The Punjabi American Festival (Baisakhi) is organized every year in May by the Punjabi American Heritage Society which was founded by Dr. Jasbir Singh Kang in 1993 to help the younger generation get connected to their roots. The annual event features some internationally acclaimed artists and hundreds of local artists, including students from California schools, colleges and universities, who perform traditional Punjabi dances such as Bhangra, Giddha, Jhumar, and other ethnic dances. The ticketed event attracts over 12,000 people and is aimed at promoting a better understanding of the Punjabi community, its culture, and the many contributions they make to the region. Many business owners rent display booths to put themselves in front of the prospective customers.

Yuba City is well known for its annual Sikh parade which draws a large number of Sikhs from the United States, Canada, India, the United Kingdom and throughout the world. In 1969, the first Gurudwara in Yuba City was started on the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. Since then, on first Sunday of November, Gur Gadi Divas (Coronation Day) of Guru Granth Sahib (Sacred Sikh Scriptures) is celebrated by organizing a huge parade featuring many floats. The 28th annual parade in November 2007, attracted an estimated 80,000 people. The parade provides major economic benefits to the community as all kinds of goods imported from India are sold in the Punjab Bazar, a temporary mini shopping mall. Yuba City looks like a typical city in Punjab on that occasion.
Two days preceding the event, the 48 hour non-stop recital of Sikh scriptures (Akhand Path) is started on Friday. After the concluding ceremony (Bhog) on Sunday, the sacred Guru Granth is ceremoniously carried onto a lavishly decorated float. As the main float leaves the Sikh Temple to lead the procession, rain of flower petals comes down from a helicopter hovering above the parade. A band of dedicated volunteers continuously sweeps the street in front of its path. Many Sikh groups from different parts of the United States put up their own floats which follow the lead float. Many floats have Raagi Jathas (bands of religious singers) singing hymns. All along the route, enthusiastic devotees put up stalls to serve refreshments to the participants. Thousands of participants join the procession, many follow the floats while several thousand stand along the route and watch. The annual parade is a good source of economic benefit to the city. It is also a homecoming weekend for many younger Sikhs who have left Yuba City for other parts of the US.
Langar (free food) is prepared for the participants gathered for this momentous occasion. Feeding of over 50,000 people is a major undertaking and it is done with the help of volunteers who have the spirit of Seva uppermost in their minds. As many as 200,000 meals are served during the Guru Gadi Divas weekend. There is no parallel to the event in the United States.

Didar Singh Bains started the parade tradition in Yuba City. He came to the US in 1958 from Nangal in Hoshiarpur and worked as a farm laborer. He and his father bought their first farm in 1962. At one time, he was one of the biggest peach growers in California and was called “Peach King of California.” He is probably the wealthiest farmer among Indians in the United States.

There are also large Punjabi farming communities in other cities in California such as Fresno, Bakersfield, El Centro and the areas surrounding these cities. Some of the farmers have earned name, fame and fortune. A Sikh farmer from Fresno has earned the title of “Raisin King of California.” The New York Times calls Harbhajan Singh Samra “the okra king of the USA”. Samra specializes in growing Indian vegetables such as okra, mooli, tinda, bitter melon, Indian eggplant, methi, etc. near Palm Springs, California.

Punjabis have maintained their culture, religion and heritage and many Sikhs have also retained the distinguishing marks of their faith. They have invariably added to the ethnic and cultural diversity of America and have become part of the unique and distinctive multicultural character of the new society. They have contributed to the development of the country’s economy at all levels and reshaped the landscape of the cities and towns where they have their homes. At the same time, they have established themselves as a vibrant part of the society that has come to depend on their contributions in the local and national economies.

Indian Philanthropy
Philanthropy is an act of contributing personal wealth, goods, time, and/or effort to charitable or similar causes to promote the common good. Among Indian Americans, there are some socially conscious individuals who have donated liberally for various causes. One such person was Jawala Singh who in 1912 was motivated to fund the Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Educational Scholarships, which were given to students through a competition held in India for higher studies at an American university. Singh had started as an unskilled farm laborer in America and within a short span of a few years, he worked his way up to become a successful California potato farmer. He also contributed for the purchase of a hostel in Berkley by the Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan, where Indian students could stay rent-free. Singh’s scholarships helped some Indian students including Gobind Behari Lal who came for graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley in 1912. He later became the science editor of San Francisco Examiner from 1925 to 1982 and in 1937 was the first Indian to win the coveted Pulitzer Prize.

After the liberalization of US immigration laws in 1965, Indians who migrated to the United States were educated and qualified as doctors, engineers, accountants and high-tech professionals. A majority of the students from India also adopted America as their new home after acquiring higher education from American universities. Thus, higher education and professional qualifications helped them secure high level jobs providing a gateway to middle-class life. Over a period of time, several became successful professionals and entrepreneurs and some of them became generous with their wealth. These affluent Indian Americans have been transforming the Indian philanthropic landscape by funding educational projects, establishing hospitals, and supporting medical research that benefit the public at large. Some have gifted part of their wealth for local causes in the US where they have earned their wealth while others reached back to their roots and gave for India-centric projects. There are some who have directed their contributions at both India and America. These donors first used their energy, ability and time to earn wealth and then they walked away from part of it if not all, to give back to the society that had given them. Almost all the philanthropists who have given large donations, gifted to established institutions benefitting the society at large. But, whether the beneficiary is Indian society or American, Indian American philanthropists are making a difference with their increasing level of generosity.

Rajendra Vattikuti made his fortune resolving computer software problems connected with Y2K and donated $40 million in 2001 to support cancer research. The gift created the Vattikuti Urology Institute at the Henry Ford Health System and the Vattikuti Cancer Institute at William Beaumont Hospitals in Detroit. Monte Ahuja, like most of the students who came in the 1950s and 1960, brought barely enough money to buy food for a day, donated $30 million to University Hospital in Cleveland to build the Ahuja Medical Center. Monte and Usha Ahuja’s donation was the largest single donation in the 140-year history of the university. Monte founded Transtar Industries and built it into the most successful after-market transmission parts distributor in the world. Gururaj Deshpande, co-founder and chairman of Sycamore Networks in Boston, Massachusetts, and his wife Jaishree Deshpande, established the Deshpande Center for Technology Innovation at the MIT School of Engineering with a $20 million gift in 2002. The Deshpande Foundation funds over 50 NGOs in India in the areas of agriculture, microfinance, livelihood, education and health. Dr Kiran Patel and his wife Dr Pallavi Patel gave $18.5 million in 2005 to the University of South Florida to build the Kiran C Patel Center for Global Solutions on the university campus. The large donation entitled the university to get state matching funds of $16 million totaling the donation worth $34.5-million. Both the Patels have contributed generously to several other philanthropic projects in Tampa such as a performing arts conservatory and a research center at Pepin Heart Hospital. In India they have set up a rural village restoration project in Gujarat while in Zambia they have set up Patel Hospice Center in Lusaka, Zambia and a heart hospital in Dar-e-Salaam, Tanzania.

Vinod Gupta, founder and CEO of InfoUSA, has set up Vinod Gupta Charitable Foundation and established the Vinod Gupta School of Management and the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur and at his birth place Rampur, Shrimati Ram Rati Gupta Women's College, William Jefferson Clinton Science and Technology Center, and Hillary Rodham Clinton Mass Communication Center for Journalism and Media Management. Raj Soin, chairman of MTC Technologies in Dayton, Ohio, donated $20 million to establish a business school at Wright State University. He also supports the Soin Scholar Program, which funds the MBA education at Wright State University for three graduates every year from Delhi College of Engineering, his alma mater. He has established a non-profit 55-bed Sukh Dev Raj Soin Hospital in rural Haryana. Krishan Joshi, founder and chairman of UES, Inc, a high-technology research company in Dayton, Ohio established the Krishan and Vicky Joshi Research Center in 2006 at the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science with his donation of $10 million. John P. Kapoor, a native of Amritsar, who came to the USA for graduate studies with a fellowship from the University of Buffalo, in Buffalo, New York, gave $11 million towards the construction of new building for the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2008. Romesh Wadhwani, a Silicone Valley entrepreneur donated $5 million for bioscience center to his alma mater Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay in 2008.

In the past few years, the number of India related chairs or programs in the universities have increased several folds. Today, such programs are in existence at Columbia, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, University of Texas, Austin, and University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Los Angeles, University of Chicago, Indiana University and State University of New York at Stony Brook.

The primary goal of funding a chair or program at a university is to create awareness and understanding of some aspect of India’s culture such as arts, music, literature, drama, philosophy, religion, languages, social and political system. The income from the grant is used in a variety of ways such as hosting of lectures, seminars, research conferences, publication of books, offering courses to students, encouraging study abroad, etc. to achieve the objectives outlined by the endowment. In 1992, the Indian community made contributions for an India chair at University of California, Berkeley. At the same time, Prof. Thomas Kailath established Sara Kailath Chair in India Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Narpat Bhandari, a co-founder of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TIE) in Santa Clara, California, endowed the Chandra Bhandari Chair in India Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1997. The Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Talat and Kamil Hasan established the Kamil and Talat Hasan Endowed Chair in Classical Indian Music with their donation at University of California, Santa Clara. Navin Doshi donated funds to create Doshi chair of Indian History in University of California, Los Angeles, and an annual Bridge Builder Award of $10,000 at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. Uka Solanki funded the Yadunandan India Center at California State University, Long Beach. Dr. Prem Sagar Reddy, a cardiologist in Victorville donated $1 million to Victor Valley Community College District Foundation to support School of Allied Health and Nursing in 2003. He has also donated about $8 million to various health care causes. Bhupesh Parikh and his wife Kumud contributed $1 million for the Bhupesh Parikh Health Sciences and Technology building at Glendale Community College, California.
Dr. Mohinder Sambhi, Professor Emeritus at David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California donated $2 million in 2007 to John Hopkins University in Washington for setting up the Centre of India Studies in memory of his wife Minno. Dr. Sambhi who was born in Ludhiana, had donated $1 million for a chair in Indian classical music in UCLA in memory of his late wife. Drs. Amrik Singh Chattha and Jaswinder Kaur Chattha of West Virginia endowed a chair of Sikh Studies at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in the memory of their parents. Dr. Awtar Singh established a fully funded annual fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley for a top student from Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh for graduate studies. He also established a fully endowed fellowship with the University of Colorado, Boulder that pays $5000 annually to a graduate or an undergraduate student with a parent or grandparent of Indian Origin. Lajpat Rai Munger of California donated a computer institute and land worth Rs 20 crores to the Punjab University in 2006 for setting up law and nursing institutes. Jagdish Khangura, an electrical engineer turned businessman, started “Baba Kartar Singh Dukki Higher Secondary School in village Larata, district Ludhiana, Punjab. He created “Baba Kartar Singh Dukki Educational Trust with endowment of Rs. 30 lakhs to meet the needs of students for books, bikes, clothes, scholarships, etc.
Darshan Singh Dhaliwal who operates over 1000 gas stations has donated $2.5 million to Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, $1 million for a chair at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, $200,000 for Modern Language Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin, Parkside, $100,000 for a soccer park and the list of his beneficiaries runs long. Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany established the Kundan Kaur Kapany Chair of Sikh Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1998. He also has established Satinder Kaur Kapany Gallery of Sikh Art at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. University of California, Riverside has Dr. Jasbir Singh Saini Endowed Chair in Sikh and Punjabi Studies. California native Hardit Singh Aurora has gifted an endowed chair in Sikh and Punjabi studies at the History Department of the University of California, Santa Cruz in memory of his son Sarabjit Singh Aurora. Ishar Singh Bindra and family have established the Sardarni Kuljit Bindra Chair at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, to promote the study of Sikh religion, culture and history. In the same university, Dr. Hakam Singh of Los Angeles, a scientist and a scholar, has established the Sardarni Harbans Kaur Chair in Sikh Musicology (Gurmat Sangeet).

There are many more Indian Americans who continue to give their charitable donations to support various causes undertaken by nonprofit organizations. They want to make a difference if their donation is used effectively. According to Navneet Chugh (India Journal, Nov 30, 2007), India “centric” charities raised $30 million in the US in 2006. Some of the leading non-profit organizations which have been regularly raising funds in the United States, include America India Foundation (AIF), Share & Care, Asha for Education, Pratham and Sankara Eye Foundation. AIF whose honorary chair is President Bill Clinton, has raised $45 million since its inception in 2001. AIF’s initiatives center around education, livelihood, and public health projects in India – with emphases on elementary education, women’s empowerment, and HIV/AIDS, respectively. (www.aifoundation.org). Share & Care raises funds for a variety of projects in India and the US, Asha for Education collects donations for education of underprivileged children in India, Pratham focuses on primary education, and Sankara Eye Foundation supports eye-care programs in three eye hospitals in India. There are a number of other similar but smaller outfits which are engaged in doing an equally good work serving the people.

Conclusion
There are over 3 million Americans of Indian origin including those who are twice migrants and their number keeps growing rapidly. The pioneering generation of Indian immigrants suffered prejudice, bigotry and humiliation when India was herself a slave nation and was haven of poverty and disease. India obtained political independence in 1947 but economic emancipation came in the 1990s. Since then, India has been steadily gaining new respect in the comity of nations. Indian Americans have been contributing their due share in India’s emergence as an economic power and have added a special glitter to the resurgence of India.

The Indian community in the United States, considered as an affluent community, has become an integral part of the American landscape. Indian Americans have higher levels of education, large majority of them are professionals, several are well-to-do businessmen, and their average income is among the highest in America. They are also involved in the political process of their new country. In short, they have become a viable and contributing constituent of the American mainstream society and contribute significantly to the country of their adoption – the United States of America.

Inder Singh regularly writes and speaks on Indian diaspora. He is President of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and chairman of Indian American Heritage Foundation. He was president of National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) from 1988-92 and chairman from 1992-96. He was founding president of Federation of Indian Associations in Southern California. He can be reached at indersingh-usa@hotmail.com

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago participates in Consultation on a Broadcasting Code

2008-08-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas. 687-7529 GopioTT@gmail.com

Deosaran Bisnath, President Varsha Maharaj, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer Ena Maharaj, PRO

August 20th, 2008

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago participates in Consultation on a Broadcasting Code

The President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, participated in a Public Consultation on a Broadcasting Code for Trinidad & Tobago, hosted by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), on August 20th, 2008, at the Auditorium, Centre Point Mall, Chaguanas, Trinidad.

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago expressed concern and inquired about several issues, including the following:

- possibility of extending the August 29th deadline for the receipt of written comments on the Code and the Guidelines; TATT indicated they may consider requests for an extension.

- usage of language that is at times ambiguous and highly subjective, e.g. words in italics below:
"material that is likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder"; "citizens receive a sufficient range of information, views, and opinions, as well as facts, so that they can make well-informed political decisions"
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago suggests more specificity and possible use of quantifiable criteria that can be measured and computed. e.g. a list of items and an explanation on how they are likely to encourage or incite; what constitutes a 'sufficient range'?; how will one determine what are 'well-informed decisions'?; fairness to all political parties may be determined by allocation of equal broadcast time?

- possibility of the Broadcast Code being used to restrict or limit freedom of the media and freedom of speech of the individual

- possibility of the Broadcast Code being used to victimize political parties, and to create an unfair advantage for one or more participants in the political process.

- online radio and TV (new media) are not included in the Broadcast Code

- Ban or reduction of Alcohol Advertisements that are misleading and target the vulnerable and young; the harmful effect of alcoholic consumption, especially on youth.

- disproportionate (real or perceived) amount of media content in terms of race and religion, and measures that can rectify this situation; role, if any, of TATT in influencing broadcasters to present content that reflects a multicultural, multiracial, multi-religious Trinidad and Tobago.

- criteria in awarding broadcast licences, with suggestions that will result in a fair and more balanced allocation of licences in the future.

- the risk of polarizing the society as a result of increasingly racist and prejudiced comments, by participants of all races, especially in talk-shows and discussions.

- children and minors being exposed to increasing amounts of sexually explicit, obscene, and vulgar content; and programming with more violence, and physical and emotional abuse.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago will be submitting a document with the above and other comments to the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad & Tobago within the prescribed August 29th, 2008 deadline. We invite you to submit your comments and suggestions that will be included in our presentation - send mail to gopiott@gmail.com

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago extends our thanks to TATT for permitting us to contribute towards formulation of a Broadcast Code for Trinidad and Tobago.

Regards,

Deosaran Bisnath,
President,
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago,
a Chapter of GOPIO International
http://gopiott.blogspot.com
http://www.gopio.com

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, the only authorized chapter of GOPIO International in Trinidad and Tobago, is a secular, non-partisan, civic and community service organization with the objectives of strengthening national unity and loyalty, and developing a peaceful and harmonious society. GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is not associated with any political party or religious organization.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago pays a Courtesy call on President George Maxwell Richards

2008-07-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Left to right: Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President; Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago; Ms. Ena Maraj, PRO; Ms. Shivanie Ramcharitar, Youth Officer; Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, Head of Culture Committee

Left to right: Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President; Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago; Ms. Ena Maraj, PRO; Ms. Shivanie Ramcharitar, Youth Officer; Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, Head of Culture Committee

Right to Left: Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago; President George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago; Ms. Ena Maharaj, PRO; Ms. Shivanie Ramcharitar, Youth Officer; Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, Head of Cultural Committee.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago paid a Courtesy call on
the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,
His Eexcellency Professor George Maxwell Richards on
Tuesday July 15th 2008 at
Office of the President,
Port of Spain, Trinidad

Right to Left: Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago; President George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago; Ms. Ena Maharaj, PRO; Ms. Shivanie Ramcharitar, Youth Officer; Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, Head of Cultural Committee.

In recognition of distinguished service to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, a plaque was presented to President Richards by Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad.

Right to Left: Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer; Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago; President George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago; Ms. Ena Maharaj, PRO; Ms. Shivanie Ramcharitar, Youth Officer; Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, Head of Cultural Committee.

Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago presents an honourary award to His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago

Public Relations Officer of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Ena Maharaj, informed President Richards of the history, formation, and objectives of GOPIO international and Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago discussed the policies, objectives, and plans of the New Executive and members of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago.

His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago and Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago

Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, Head of the Cultural Committee of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago; Mr. Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago; Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago; and Ms. Shivanie Ramcharitar, Youth Officer of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago presented a brief overview of the activities and projects that will be implemented during the next two years.

Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago;Public Relations Officer of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Ena Maharaj; His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago; Mr. Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer; Ms. Shivanie Ramcharitar, Youth Officer

His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago
and Dr. Vijay Ramlal Rai, Head of the Cultural Committee of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago

Left to Right: Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago and His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago extends our thanks to His Excellency President George Maxwell Richards and the staff at the Office of the President for their courtesy and assistance in facilitating this visit.

Right to Left: Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary; Ms. Ena Maharaj, PRO; President Richards; Mr. Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer; Ms. Shivanie Ramcharitar, Youth Officer

From Right to Left: President George Maxwell Richards and President of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Deosaran Bisnath

From Right to Left: President George Maxwell Richards; Ms. Ena Maharaj, PRO; and President of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Deosaran Bisnath

From Right to Left: President George Maxwell Richards;Ms. Sacha Mahabal, Assistant Secretary

From Right to Left: President George Maxwell Richards; Ms. Shivanie Ramcharitar, Youth Officer

Deosaran Bisnath
July 16th 2008

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is the Only Authorized GOPIO Chapter in Trinidad and Tobago

2008-06-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

GLOBAL ORGANIZATION

of PEOPLE of INDIAN ORIGIN

GOPIO International

P.O. Box 1413, Stamford, CT 06904, USA

Web: www.gopio.net Tel: 818 708-3885, Fax 610-629-7541

E-mail: gopio-intl@sbcglobal.net

June 29, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is the Only Authorized GOPIO Chapter in Trinidad and Tobago

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) unequivocally and categorically reiterates that there is only one authorized GOPIO Chapter in Trinidad and Tobago, namely GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, with its leadership team that was installed on February 29, 2008 in Freeport, Trinidad, at a very prominent event attended by executives of GOPIO International; Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Shri Jagjit Singh Sapra; Honourable Lenny Saith, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office; Honourable Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition; members of the Diplomatic Corps; other dignitaries, and citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

The executives of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago include Deosaran Bisnath (President); Varsha Maharaj (Secretary); Oscar Ramoutar (Treasurer); Directors (Niranjan Bhaggan, Jaganath Seeram-Maharaj); and Youth Officers (Shivanie Ramcharitar, Sacha Mahabal and Avinash Sanu).

GOPIO International emphasizes that former GOPIO of Trinidad and Tobago chapter president Devant Maharaj does not function in any capacity in GOPIO International, any of its councils or chapters, and is not authorized to make any such representations on behalf of GOPIO Int'l or GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago.

GOPIO is a secular, non-partisan, not-for-profit, international organization based in USA with chapters in various parts of the globe, representing the interests and aspirations of People of Indian Origin (PIOs), and promoting awareness and understanding of issues of concern -- social, cultural, educational, economic, or political, to global NRI/PIO community.

GOPIO can be contacted:
Inder Singh (President, GOPIO Int'l) at gopio-intl@sbcglobal.net or by tel +1-818-708-3885, Ashook Ramsaran (Sec General, GOPIO Int'l) at ramsaran@aol.com or by tel +1-718-939-8194, Deosaran Bisnath (President, GOPIO of Trinidad & Tobago) at deobisnath@yahoo.com or by tel +1-868-687-7529

________
Deosaran Bisnath
June 29, 2008

Indian Arrival Day Seminar and Awards Ceremony, 2008

2008-05-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago's Indian Arrival Day Seminar
and Awards Ceremony on Saturday May 10th 2008 at
Divali Nagar, Chaguanas, Trinidad.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago honours: Rajukumar Krishna Persad (on behalf of Kamaluddin Mohammed), Professor Kenneth Ramchand, Indian High Commissioner Shri Jagjit Singh Sapra, Ajeet Praimsingh, Professor Prakash Pesad (on behalf of Pandit Hari Prasad ji - posthumously)

Rajnie Ramlakhan, Secretary of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago; Shivanie Ramcharitar, Youth Officer of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, and Hulsie Bhaggan, Presenter at Indian Arrival Day Seminar, May 10th, 2008.

Ajeet Praimsingh receiving award from Shri Jagjit Singh Sapra, High Commisioner of India

Professor Kenneth Ramchand receives award from Shri Jagjit Singh Sapra, High Commisioner of India

Indian Arrival Day Seminar and Awards Ceremony, May 10th, Divali Nagar, Chaguanas, Trinidad

Deosaran Bisnath May 16th 2008

GOPIO INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY SEMINAR May 10th, 2008, DIVALI NAGAR, CHAGUANAS, 3 to 7 pm

2008-05-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

The President of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Trinidad & Tobago Deosaran Bisnath, right, presents Ajeet Praimsingh, with the GOPIO award for distinguished and meritorious service in culture, religion, business and social and community activism in T&T.
Photo: Tony Howell

BY RADHICA SOOKRAJ
University of the West Indies lecturer Dr Jerome Teelucksingh calls for a total ban on alcohol advertising saying alcohol abuse is destroying T&T.
Teelucksingh, the son of Presbyterian Reverend Dr Daniel Teelucksingh, was speaking at Indian Arrival Day celebrations hosted by the Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin on Saturday.
Delivering a presentation on alcoholism, Teelucksingh said that much of T&T’s road carnage is linked to alcohol consumption.
“It is a fact that the risk of crashes and road carnage increases significantly with alcohol consumption,” Teelucksingh said.
He added that while the new drunk driving laws are easier on drivers since the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act was amended seven years ago, there was still a great problem regarding the non-enforcement of laws.
“My advice to the police is don’t stop cars to remove the tint from their glasses or to check for expired drivers’ licences. Check the trunks of vehicles for alcohol,” Teelucksingh said.
He said that the T&T National Council on Alcohol found that 68 per cent of car crashes are because of alcohol use. He also called for more counsellors to be hired to treat people for alcoholism.
“In our primary and secondary schools, some children bring alcohol in soft drink bottles. Some are caught but others managed to slip through. Where are they getting it from? Home? Who has influenced them? Television and cable?
“Often during lunchtime or after school some teachers might visit bars and rum shops. What message is this sending to our nation’s students?” Teelucksingh asked.
He added: “Every school should have a counsellor to help children and teachers who might be developing alcohol problems. Tertiary institutions such as the University of T&T, the University of the West Indies and the College of Science Technology and Applied Arts of T&T, must also ensure our young alcoholics receive counselling.”
Teelucksingh said the Breathalyser legislation should have been passed a long time ago.
“I don’t understand how parliamentarians could find the time to increase their salaries and ignore this crucial piece of legislation which will save hundreds of lives,” he said.
Teelucksingh also quoted a Guardian article which cited alcoholism as the main problem among policemen. He said that the Government must enforce a total ban on alcohol advertising to deal with the problem.
Also speaking at the event were UWI Professor Ronald Marshall, lecturer at the Arthur Lok Jack School of Business Hulsie Bhaggan and author Dr Raymond Ramcharitar.

Deosaran Bisnath
May 11 2008

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago’s INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY SEMINAR & AWARDS CEREMONY,, TRINIDAD

2008-05-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas, Phone: 687-7529 314-1456 Fax:665-5984 GopioTT@gmail.com

Deosaran Bisnath, President Rajnie Ramlakhan, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer Pandit J. Seeram-Maharaj, Director Niranjan Bhagan, Director
May 10th, 2008

INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY SEMINAR AND AWARDS CEREMONY

May 10th 2008

DIVALI NAGAR, Chaguanas, 3 to 7 pm

Between February 1845, when the FATH AL RAZACK departed the Port of Calcutta, India, and April 1917, when the SS GANGES made the final journey, there was continuous annual importation of Indentured Immigrants from India, totaling 145,000 to Trinidad; 239,000 to Guyana; 50,000 to Jamaica; 40,000 to Surinam; and smaller numbers to St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and the French West Indies.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International, will be commemorating the 163rd Anniversary of the arrival of Indentured Indian Immigrants to Trinidad & Tobago with the Indian Arrival Day Seminar and Awards Ceremony on Saturday May 10th, from 3 to 7pm, at Divali Nagar, Chaguanas. GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago extends a cordial invitation to you and your family and friends to attend the Seminar and Awards ceremony which are Free and open to all. Refreshments will be served.

Four hours of LIVE COVERAGE on RADIO SHAKTI 97.5fm, from 3 to 7pm

Our friends abroad can tune in to four hours of INTERNET STREAMING AUDIO on

http://www.hotlikepepperradio.com/cms

Click on SHAKTI on the right of the screen

PROGRAMME

3:00 pm National Anthem

3:03 pm Prayer

3:08 pm Opening Address by High Commissioner of India, Shri Jagjit Singh Sapra

3:18 pm Welcome Remarks by President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago

3:20 pm ALCOHOLISM IN A MULTI-ETHNIC SETTING, by Professor Ronald Marshall

3:40 pm ALCOHOLISM, THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION, by Ms, Hulsie Bhaggan

4:00 pm ALCOHOLISM – MEDIUM FOR THE MESSAGE, by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh

4:20 pm INDIANS & DEMOCRACY by Dr. Raymond Ramcharitar

4:45 pm GUYANA - Diaspora TRADE & BUSINESS, MR. GEOFFREY DA SILVA,
Chief Executive Officer, of the GUYANA Office for Investment (GO-INVEST)

5:05 pm INDIA - Diaspora TRADE & BUSINESS, by Mr. YASH PAL MOTWANI,
Second Secretary (Commerce), High Commission of India.

5:25 pm MAURITIUS – Diaspora TRADE & BUSINESS, by Mr. VINOD MOONERAM,
Honorary Consul of Mauritius

5:45 pm SURINAME – Diaspora TRADE & BUSINESS, Her Excellency FIDELIA GRAANDE-GALON, Ambassador of Suriname;
and MS. SACHA GABBAR, economist, SURINAME

6:05 Poetry: Children of India

By Kavita Vidya Ganness

6:10 pm AWARDS presented to

- Mr. Kamaluddin Mohammed

- Mr. Ajeet Praimsingh

- Professor Kenneth Ramchand

- Pandit Hari Prasad (posthumous)

6:40 pm Refreshment - Doubles, Sweets, non-alcoholic beverages, water

SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS

INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY SEMINAR AND AWARDS CEREMONY

Between February 1845, when the FATH AL RAZACK departed the Port of Calcutta, India, and April 1917, when the SS GANGES made the final journey, there was continuous annual importation of Indentured Immigrants from India, totaling 145,000 to Trinidad; 239,000 to Guyana; 50,000 to Jamaica; 40,000 to Surinam; and smaller numbers to St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and the French West Indies.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International, will be commemorating the 163rd Anniversary of the arrival of Indentured Indian Immigrants to Trinidad & Tobago with the Indian Arrival Day Seminar and Awards Ceremony on Saturday May 10th, from 3 to 7pm, at Divali Nagar, Chaguanas. GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago extends a cordial invitation to you and your family and friends to attend the Seminar and Awards ceremony which are Free and open to all. Refreshments will be served.

His Excellency Shri Jagjit Singh Sapra, the High Commissioner of India, will deliver the opening address. GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago will honour four nationals who have made sterling contributions towards the development and progress of our nation:
~ PROFESSOR KENNETH RAMCHAND, for distinguished and meritorious service in Literature, Education, and Culture.

~ MR. KAMALUDDIN MOHAMMED, for distinguished and meritorious service in Politics, Culture, and Religion.
~ MR. AJEET PRAIMSINGH, for distinguished and meritorious service in Culture, Business, Religion, and Social and Community work.
~ SHANKARACHARYA PANDIT HARI PRASHAD JI (posthumous), founder of SWAHA, for distinguished and meritorious service in Religion, Education, Culture, and Social and Community work.

The two major themes at the Seminar are:
~ The ALCOHOLISM problem in Trinidad & Tobago
~ establishing and strengthening TRADE, INVESTMENT, and BUSINESS relationships between Trinidad & Tobago and the International Indian Diaspora.

Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago described ALCOHOLISM as one of the most critical problems facing our nation, with increasing alcoholic consumption amongst youths, resulting in serious health, family, and social problems. Mr. Bisnath was critical of the glorification and celebration of a 'rum culture' in this country, with alcoholic beverages consumed at almost every event in Trinidad & Tobago.

Three Papers will be presented in the ALCOHOLISM forum:

1. ALCOHOLISM IN A MULTI-ETHNIC SETTING, by Professor Ronald Marshall, Department of Sociology, UWI, St. Augustine.

2. ALCOHOLISM- THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION, by Ms. Hulsie Bhaggan, lecturer at the Arthur Lok Graduate School of Business and Administrator/Clinical Coordinator of the New Life Ministries Drug Rehabilitation Center).

This presentation will place alcoholism in the context of addiction, an obsessive compulsive disorder. It will examine the root causes and attempt to recommend some strategies in prevention and treating the disease.

3. MEDIUM FOR THE MESSAGE, by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, lecturer in the History Department, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.
Dr. Teelucksingh will discuss methods to spread the message of the dangers of alcoholism.

In Part II of the Seminar, Dr. Raymond Ramcharitar (author of The Armour of the Ridiculous; Breaking the News: Media & Culture in Trinidad; American Fall; and a collection of short fiction, The Island Quintet, expected in 2009) will deliver a paper on INDIANS & DEMOCRACY. This paper examines the way Indians have interpreted democracy using contemporary politics and history as illustrative texts. Dr. Ramcharitar examines the evolution of IndoTrinidadian politics, from Cola Rienzi to Panday, isolates its active principles, and evaluates them against the idea of Western democracy (which putatively obtain in Trinidad). The main question of the paper is: How have IndoTrinidadians interpreted democracy and how has it been informed by the ontology of caste and hierarchy and political knowledge they brought with them from India and reproduced in Trinidad.

In Part III of the Seminar, presenters will explore the second major theme of the Seminar: Establishing relationships in Trade and Business between Trinidad & Tobago and the International Indian Diaspora. Representative from the Governments of India, Guyana, Mauritius, and Suriname will deliver presentations, with particular emphasis on trade and investment opportunities, and incentives available for potential investors and business entities.

Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago described this topic as most timely, in the context of higher prices and increased demand for food, and the plan by the Government of resource-rich Guyana to invite investors from the Caribbean to participate in Agricultural, Manufacturing, and Tourism projects. GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago invites members of the business community and individual investors to take advantage of this opportunity to be informed about trade and business opportunities in India, Suriname, Guyana, and Mauritius.

Presenters are:

Mr. YASH PAL MOTWANI, Second Secretary (Commerce) & HOC, High Commission of India.

Mr. GEOFFREY DA SILVA, Chief Executive Officer, of the GUYANA Office for Investment, will inform seminar participants on investment and business opportunities, focusing on the agricultural, manufacturing, tourism, and forestry sectors.

Mr. VINOD MOONERAM, Honorary Consul of Mauritius

MS. SACHA GABBAR, economist, Suriname.

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non-partisan, civic and community service organization that seeks to build partnerships with, and foster an ongoing dialogue with fellow citizens of Trinidad & Tobago, with the objective of strengthening national unity and loyalty. Our mission is to promote the well-being of People of Indian Origin, as well as all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, and to enhance cooperation and communication amongst all communities.

Sincerely,

Deosaran Bisnath,

President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago,

A Chapter of GOPIO International

HONOUREES

Professor Kenneth Ramchand

Professor Emeritus of West Indian Literature, University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Emeritus of English (Colgate University), and currently, Associate Provost, The Academy at the University of Trinidad and Tobago for Arts, Letters, Culture and Public Affairs is honoured for distinguished and meritorious service in Literature, Education, and Culture.

He is one of the Caribbean's most influential literary critics and a foremost cultural commentator. He was awarded a Senior Fulbright Fellowship and seems to be one of the very few West Indian scholars to have earned a Fellowship of the Guggenheim Foundation.

Kenneth Ramchand, obtained a first Class honours degree in English at Edinburgh University, Scotland, and stayed on to complete his PhD in West Indian Literature.

In 1964 he was appointed lecturer in English at Edinburgh, the first non-White from a colony to teach English at a British University. He then moved to the new University of Kent at Canterbury in England.

He was a key figure in establishing courses in West Indian Literature at these Universities but his eye was always on the islands. In 1966 he produced West Indian Narrative, an anthology with photographs of the authors that played a major part in introducing West Indian Literature into our secondary schools.

He returned to the region in 1969 where he introduced and established West Indian Literature and made it possible for it to be taught at all the campuses of the University of the West Indies. He is credited with persuading UWI to begin acquiring manuscripts of West Indian writers for research purposes and with helping to make the UWI the place for doing advanced study and research in West Indian Literature.

For his pioneering role he was appointed the first Professor of West Indian Literature at the University of the West Indies.

In 1970, Professor Ramchand published The West Indian Novel and its Background, which has never been allowed to go out of print and is still widely regarded as the seminal text in West Indian literary studies. His books and articles on West Indian writers have been instrumental in spreading the word in North America, Europe, Australia, Africa and India, and he has delivered courses and lectures in many countries. He was Distinguished Professor of English at Colgate University, New York where he worked to give Caribbean Studies a permanent place.

Professor Ramchand has written extensively on a wide range of West Indian authors including writers of Indian origin like Lakshmi Persaud, V.S. Naipaul, Shiva Naipaul, Clyde Hosein, and Sam Selvon, He has edited with Brinsley Samaroo two books of huge importance to Indian Studies: In Celebration of 100 Years of the Indian Contribution to Trinidad and Tobago; and The Clipper Ship Sheila ( a valuable account of an indenture journey). Professor Ramchand has also edited with an introduction Mr. Speaker, Sir: The Autobiography of Lionel F. Suekeran;Teaching Words: Essays and Addresses of President Noor Hassanali; and The West Indies in India 1948-1949: Jeffrey Stollmeyer's Diary (2004).

Professor Ramchand has immersed himself in the life of his society serving for eleven years as an Independent Senator and writing for many years a lively newspaper column called 'Matters Arising' for which he received a BWIA Excellence in Journalism Award. In 1996 he was honoured by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago with the Chaconia Medal Gold for service to Literature Education and Culture.

As Director of the Academy at UTT for Arts, Letters, Culture and Public Affairs he has been fostering research into the cultures of Trinidad and Tobago and encouraging a mutually enriching relationship between university and community.

Mr. Ajeet Praimsingh is honoured for distinguished and meritorious service in culture, religion, business, and social and community activism.

Mr. Ajeet Praimsingh, businessman, cultural and religious activist, music producer, book publisher, promoter, social and community worker, and President of the Mere Desh Committee, is an extremely popular and well-known servant of the people who has rendered long, meritorious, and distinguished service to Trinidad & Tobago.

Mr. Praimsingh's grandfather, Babu Praimsingh, who migrated from Bihar, opened the first Hindu 'pooja' store, selling books, religious material and pictures, music, pooja materials, and any and everything necessary for Poojas and religious events. This was a forerunner to Mr. Praimsingh's Pooja Bhavan stores in Chaguanas and Couva.

In addition to the popular Mere Desh activities, Mr. Ajeet Praimsingh, popularly know as the 'Indian Connection', has been involved in various facets of Indian culture- event promoter, National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago, competitions for biraha, tassarama, mike-o-rama, and PRO of the television show, Tarana.

Mr. Praimsingh also documents cultural history, with an impressive photographic collection of Local and foreign Indian artistes. He has produced over 25 artistes – ranging from devotional songs to the chutney genre - under the Praimsingh recording label, including performers such as Rasika Dindial, Devanand Gatoo, and Kenneth Supersad.

Mr. Praimsingh, a strong advocate for Indian culture, believes there is not enough national recognition for some of our indigenous creations such as the dhantal - created out of the horseshoe and iron. He believes that we must look towards the proper education of our singers and musicians by setting up workshops for Hindi classes and vocal control; develop music and lyrics for nation-building songs with positive messages; and employ successful artistes as teachers.

Mr. Kamaluddin Mohammed is honoured for distinguished and meritorious service in the fields of Politics, Culture, and Community work.

Mr. Kamaludin Mohammed is a former Government Minister and deputy leader of the People's Naitonal Movement who was a pioneer in West Indian and Caribbean integration and the development of the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM). Mr. Mohammed, a former Minister of Health, served as President of the World Health Organization.

In September 1947, Radio Trinidad was launched and Kamal was was invited to host the programme 'Indian Talent on Parade' every Sunday from 1 to 2p.m. In the Trinidad of the 1940s there were not so many radios and so large crowds would gather at the few homes with radios to listen to this programme. Kamal's ability to speak oriental languages (Hindi and Urdu) with such ease and fluency was a definite asset. This was interspersed with English which made for a really interesting and enervating broadcast in which the announcer would wend his way through a linguistic mosaic that conveyed an atmosphere of East meeting West.

His broadcasts featured the local musicians and artistes of that era. Among them were the renowned Naya Zamana Orchestra of Ostad Nazear Mohammed, Narsaloo Ramaya and Isaac Mohammed; Jit Seesahai and his Melody Makers and the S.M. Aziz Orchestra famous singers included Jhagroo Kawal, Tarran Persad, Noor Jehan, Jang Bahadoor, Sayeed Mohammed, Zora Seesahai, Champa Devi, Tooloom Dindial, Isaac Yankaran and Sonny Chandee to name a few.

Pandit Hari Prasad ji, the Shankaracharya of SWAHA, is honoured, posthumously, for distinguished, and meritorious service in the fields of Religion, Education, Leadership, Culture, and Social and Community work.

Pandit Hari Prasad, Shankaracharya of SWAHA, was respected and revered worldwide for his spirituality, devotion, and foresight. Shankaracharyaji was Guru and guide to thousands – an iconic pillar of Sanatan Dharma. He was 80 years of age at the time of passing (Maha-Samaadhi) on April 15th 2008.

Shankaracharyaji, born in Aranguez in 1927, was initiated at age 15 by his guru Tiwari Baba, and excelled at Hindi and Sanskrit. He trained and developed as Pandits his six sons, son-in-law, ten grandsons, and many other Pandits in Trinidad & Tobago.

Shankaracharyaji was involved in the Sanatan Maha Sabha, where he was a senior Pandit and a Dharma Ratna. In 1993, fulfilling the role of a true visionary, he founded SWAHA International, which in fifteen years has grown into an international non-profit organization involved in religious, cultural, educational, and social work.

Shankaracharyaji was bestowed the title Ramayana Bhushan by the world authority on Ramayana, Professor Laxshmi Narayan Sharma. In addition, he was honoured by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the International Meditation Society.

Pandit Prasad influenced countless lives; he lived and worked for others all through his blessed life, being the embodiment of self-sacrifice and the ideal husband, father, and Guru.

…………..

PRESENTERS

MR. GEOFFREY DA SILVA, Chief Executive Officer, of the GUYANA Office for Investment (GO-INVEST), will inform seminar participants on investment and business opportunities, focusing on the agricultural, manufacturing, tourism, and forestry sectors.

GO-INVEST serves as a primary contact for investors and liaising with government agencies throughout the investment process; provide investors with a comprehensive summary of steps necessary to commence business operations in Guyana and assisting throughout the process; provide information on incentives available to investors and regulations relevant to the sectors of interest; Develop profiles on investment opportunities in Guyana; Assist with obtaining factory space or land for investment purposes; Assist with coordination of joint venture efforts between local and overseas interests; Assist exporters in promoting their products through participation in national and international exhibitions and trade missions; and work closely with exporting organisations to ensure that problems affecting exporters are expeditiously addressed.

Mr. YASH PAL MOTWANI, Second Secretary (Commerce) & HOC, High Commission of India, Port of Spain

Mr. VINOD MOONERAM, Honorary Consul of Mauritius

Her Excellency FIDELIA GRAANDE-GALON, Ambassador of Suriname; and MS. SACHA
GABBAR, economist, Suriname

MS. HULSIE BHAGGAN

ALCOHOLISM- THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION

SUMMARY

This presentation will place alcoholism in the context of addiction, an obsessive compulsive disorder. It will examine the root causes and attempt to recommend some strategies in prevention and treating the disease.

BIO-HULSIE BHAGGAN

Hulsie Bhaggan is a Management Consultant by profession but has also spent the past twenty-five years in social work. The last fifteen years were spent specifically in treatment and rehabilitation of persons suffering from all forms of addiction including, gambling.

She is a lecturer at the Arthur Lok Graduate School of Business, consultant to Living Water Community and Administrator/Clinical Co-ordinator of the New Life Ministries Drug Rehabilitation Center. She is Deputy Chairperson of the Congress of the People.

PROFESSOR RONALD MARSHALL

ALCOHOL IN A MULTI-ETHNIC SETTING
Professor Ronald Marshall - Department of Sociology, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.

DR. JEROME TEELUCKSINGH

MEDIUM FOR THE MESSAGE

How to spread the message of the dangers of alcoholism.

BIO - Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh is a lecturer in the History Department, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, and also served as a part-time lecturer at the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies, and the University of Trinidad and Tobago.

DR. RAYMOND RAMCHARITAR

Indianism and Democracy in Trinidad in 2008

This paper examines the way Indians have interpreted democracy using contemporary politics and history as illustrative texts. Dr. Ramcharitar examines the evolution of IndoTrinidadian politics, from Cola Rienzi to Panday, isolates its active principles, and evaluates them against the idea of Western democracy (which putatively obtain in Trinidad ). The main question of the paper is: How have IndoTrinidadians interpreted democracy and how has it been informed by the ontology of caste and hierarchy and political knowledge they brought with them from India and reproduced in Trinidad .

BIO-

Dr Raymond Ramcharitar has worked as a journalist at the Trinidad Guardian and Express, and presently lectures in journalism and literature at Costaatt. He has degrees in Economics, Literature and History from University of the West Indies (UWI), Trinidad. He has edited a collection of Trinidadian poets, The Armour of the Ridiculous, published by Lexicon Trinidad, 2006, and is the author of a controversial and provocative study of the deficiencies of the Trinidadian press, Breaking the News: Media & Culture in Trinidad . His new book, American Fall (Peepal Tree Press), was published in June, 2007. A collection of short fiction, The Island Quintet, is expected in 2009.

Poetry:
CHILDREN OF INDIA

By MS. KAVITA VIDYA GANNESS

BIO-

Ms. Kavita Vidya Ganness is the Author of 'Emerald Journey', a Collection of Poems released in July, 2007. Ms. Ganness is currently pursing a BA degree in Communication Studies at University of the West Indies in St. Augustine. She is a social activist and does volunteer work for many non-profit organizations and an active member of the WUTT, Writers Union of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as being an Abstinence Advocate with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health. Ms. Ganness is a Remedial English Teacher at Barataria Junior Secondary School at present has a radio program on Radio Jaagriti 102.7 fm on Sunday nights from 9-10pm.

'Emerald Journey', her first book of Poems, is a collection of over 50 poems in different poetic styles. Kavita Ganness seeks to inspire poetry into the hearts of her readers and to enflame them with the desire to write. She believes that poetry is a powerful tool for self-expression and is the paper-playground for the soul's pen.

GOPIO

What is GOPIO? Firstly, it is an acronym for Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, formed in 1989, and registered in the United States. GOPIO is an international non-partisan, not-for-profit, secular organization, with chapters in several countries where Indians reside in significant numbers. GOPIO is not associated with any political party or religious organization. The Chairman of GOPIO International is a Catholic; the President is a Sikh; the Secretary-General is a Christian; and other executive members are Hindus and Muslims. GOPIO is not an arm or a part of any political party; GOPIO works together with all governments and Opposition parties throughout the world. GOPIO serves as an intermediary and a facilitator.

My friends, GOPIO is not a T&T invention; GOPIO was established 1989 in USA, with a duly registered name and logo. Throughout the world, GOPIO is an extremely well-respected and highly regarded organization. GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is the local chapter of GOPIO International in Trinidad; it is the only duly authorized and approved chapter of GOPIO in our nation. GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago wishes to thank all previous executives and members of the local chapter, and we invite all to join us as we develop and strengthen GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago during the next two years.

What are GOPIO's objectives?

o Monitors and addresses issues of interest and concern of People of Indian Origin (PIOs)

o Seeks redress and remedy when interests of PIO community is jeopardized

o Work with councils and local chapters to advance the interests of the PIO community without compromise to national loyalty and national unity

o Conducts international Seminars, symposia, conferences on topics of international interest

What are GOPIO's Chapter's objectives

o Community service: Seminars, symposia, conferences on health, education, business, charitable work, inter-ethnic collaboration, and issues of interest to the PIO community

o Non political, secular; conducts regular elections of officers per chapter guidelines.

o Promote and maintain national loyalty and unity as primary objectives while addressing PIO issues

o Conduct its affairs under the laws of the land and observing its chapter guidelines by GOPIO International

GOPIO functions by the efforts of volunteers and is supported by well meaning people from all over the world. GOPIO's volunteers are committed to enhancing cooperation and communication between Non-resident Indians and PIOs, and building bonds, friendships, alliances, and the camaraderie of citizens and colleagues alike, from all races and religions. GOPIO's volunteers believe that when they help network the global Indian community, they facilitate making tomorrow a better world for the Indian Diaspora, and everyone else.

Advocacy on behalf of People of Indian Origin remains our primary objective, but we also intend to set up Councils or Committees that will be associated with equivalent GOPIO International councils in the following areas: Business, Cultural, Human Rights, Academic, Philanthropic, Media, Health, Women, Youth. We invite you to join us so that you can participate in projects that will improve and enhance the lifestyle of the citizens of our nation.

Today, in this highly technological world, in this wired world, we must look beyond the geographical and national boundaries, to network and establish relationships with people throughout the Indian Diaspora – in India, Africa, Europe, North America, Mauritius, Fiji, Malaysia, NZ and all across the globe. For the youths, we invite youths to join us – you can gain that extracurricular component of your CV or resume by participating and getting involved in GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago.

During the next few weeks we will tell you more about the projects and initiatives we intend to implement in the 2008/2010 term. GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago will seek your input and support to execute more projects that will contribute towards the advancement and progress of our nation.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY SEMINAR & AWARDS CEREMONY, 2008

2008-05-03T11:24:00.001-07:00

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas, 687-7529 GopioTT@gmail.com

Deosaran Bisnath, President Rajnie Ramlakhan, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer Niranjan Bhaggan, Director

May 6th, 2008
INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY SEMINAR AND AWARDS CEREMONY
Between February 1845, when the FATH AL RAZACK departed the Port of Calcutta, India, and April 1917, when the SS GANGES made the final journey, there was continuous annual importation of Indentured Immigrants from India, totaling 145,000 to Trinidad; 239,000 to Guyana; 50,000 to Jamaica; 40,000 to Surinam; and smaller numbers to St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and the French West Indies.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International, will be commemorating the 163rd Anniversary of the arrival of Indentured Indian Immigrants to Trinidad & Tobago with the Indian Arrival Day Seminar and Awards Ceremony on Saturday May 10th, from 3 to 7pm, at Divali Nagar, Chaguanas. GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago extends a cordial invitation to you and your family and friends to attend the Seminar and Awards ceremony which are Free and open to all. Refreshments will be served.

His Excellency Shri Jagjit Singh Sapra, the High Commissioner of India, will deliver the opening address. GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago will honour four nationals who have made sterling contributions towards the development and progress of our nation:
~ PROFESSOR KENNETH RAMCHAND, for distinguished and meritorious service in Literature, Education, and Culture.
~ MR. KAMALUDDIN MOHAMMED, for distinguished and meritorious service in Politics, Culture, and Religion.
~ MR. AJEET PRAIMSINGH, for distinguished and meritorious service in Culture, Business, Religion, and Social and Community work.
~ SHANKARACHARYA PANDIT HARI PRASHAD JI (posthumous), founder of SWAHA, for distinguished and meritorious service in Religion, Education, Culture, and Social and Community work.

The two major themes at the Seminar are:
~ The ALCOHOLISM problem in Trinidad & Tobago
~ establishing and strengthening TRADE, INVESTMENT, and BUSINESS relationships between Trinidad & Tobago and the International Indian Diaspora.

Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago described ALCOHOLISM as one of the most critical problems facing our nation, with increasing alcoholic consumption amongst youths, resulting in serious health, family, and social problems. Mr. Bisnath was critical of the glorification and celebration of a ‘rum culture’ in this country, with alcoholic beverages consumed at almost every event in Trinidad & Tobago.

Three Papers will be presented in the ALCOHOLISM forum:
1. ALCOHOLISM IN A MULTI-ETHNIC SETTING, by Professor Ronald Marshall, Department of Sociology, UWI, St. Augustine.

2. ALCOHOLISM- THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION, by Ms. Hulsie Bhaggan, lecturer at the Arthur Lok Graduate School of Business and Administrator/Clinical Coordinator of the New Life Ministries Drug Rehabilitation Center).
This presentation will place alcoholism in the context of addiction, an obsessive compulsive disorder. It will examine the root causes and attempt to recommend some strategies in prevention and treating the disease.

3. MEDIUM FOR THE MESSAGE, by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, lecturer in the History Department, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.
Dr. Teelucksingh will discuss methods to spread the message of the dangers of alcoholism.

In Part II of the Seminar, Dr. Raymond Ramcharitar (author of The Armour of the Ridiculous; Breaking the News: Media & Culture in Trinidad; American Fall; and a collection of short fiction, The Island Quintet, expected in 2009) will deliver a paper on INDIANS & DEMOCRACY. This paper examines the way Indians have interpreted democracy using contemporary politics and history as illustrative texts. Dr. Ramcharitar examines the evolution of IndoTrinidadian politics, from Cola Rienzi to Panday, isolates its active principles, and evaluates them against the idea of Western democracy (which putatively obtain in Trinidad). The main question of the paper is: How have IndoTrinidadians interpreted democracy and how has it been informed by the ontology of caste and hierarchy and political knowledge they brought with them from India and reproduced in Trinidad.

In Part III of the Seminar, presenters will explore the second major theme of the Seminar: Establishing relationships in Trade and Business between Trinidad & Tobago and the International Indian Diaspora. Representative from the Governments of India, Guyana, Mauritius, and Suriname will deliver presentations, with particular emphasis on trade and investment opportunities, and incentives available for potential investors and business entities.

Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago described this topic as most timely, in the context of higher prices and increased demand for food, and the plan by the Government of resource-rich Guyana to invite investors from the Caribbean to participate in Agricultural, Manufacturing, and Tourism projects. GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago invites members of the business community and individual investors to take advantage of this opportunity to be informed about trade and business opportunities in India, Suriname, Guyana, and Mauritius.

Presenters are:

Mr. YASH PAL MOTWANI, Second Secretary (Commerce) & HOC, High Commission of India.

Mr. GEOFFREY DA SILVA, Chief Executive Officer, of the GUYANA Office for Investment, will inform seminar participants on investment and business opportunities, focusing on the agricultural, manufacturing, tourism, and forestry sectors.
Mr. VINOD MOONERAM, Honorary Consul of Mauritius

REPRESENTATIVES from the Government of SURINAME

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non-partisan, civic and community service organization that seeks to build partnerships with, and foster an ongoing dialogue with fellow citizens of Trinidad & Tobago, with the objective of strengthening national unity and loyalty. Our mission is to promote the well-being of People of Indian Origin, as well as all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, and to enhance cooperation and communication amongst all communities.

Sincerely,

Deosaran Bisnath,
President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago,
A Chapter of GOPIO International
HONOUREES

Professor Kenneth Ramchand, Associate Provost, The Research Academy, the University of Trinidad & Tobago (UTT), is honoured for distinguished and meritorious service in the fields of Literature, Education, and Culture.

Professor Kenneth Ramchand, Professor Emeritus of West Indian Literature, University of the West Indies (UWI) and Emeritus Professor of English (Colgate University) is one of the Caribbean’s most influential literary critics and a foremost cultural commentator. Professor Ramchand completed his PhD at Edinburgh University, Scotland, where he began his teaching career as Lecturer in English, the first non-white to teach English at a British University. He has been responsible for initiating Caribbean studies and courses at the University of Kent, University of Warwick, UWI, St. Olaf’s University, and Colgate University.

In 1970, Professor Ramchand published The West Indian Novel and its Background, which is still widely regarded as the seminal text in West Indian literary studies; West Indian Narrative: An Introductory Anthology (1976), An Introduction to the Study of West Indian Literature (1976); In Celebration of 100 Years of the Indian Contribution to Trinidad and Tobago (with Brinsley Samaroo); and The Clipper Ship Sheila (account of an indenture journey) edited with Brinsley Samaroo.
Professor Ramchand edited with introduction Mr. Speaker, Sir: The Autobiography of Lionel F. Suekeran; Teaching Words: Essays and Addresses of President Noor Hassanali; Presidential Papers: Essays and Addresses of President A. N. R. Robinson; and The West Indies in India 1948-1949: Jeffrey Stollmeyer’s Diary (2004).

Professor Ramchand has written extensively on West Indian authors including Lakshmi Persaud, Claude McKay, V.S. Naipaul, Jean Rhys, Jamaica Kincaid, Sam Selvon, Derek Walcott, Edward Brathwaite, and on the West Indian short story. He is credited with persuading UWI to begin acquiring manuscripts of West Indian writers such as Wilson Harris, Michael Anthony, Roger Mais, Derek Walcott, Eric Roach, Sam Selvon, and Earl Lovelace.
A former Senior Fulbright Fellow, and the first Caribbean person to be awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, Professor Ramchand received the Chaconia Gold Medal for Literature, Education, and Culture in 1996. He served as an Independent Senator in the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago and was honoured in 1987 with BWIA Excellence in Journalism award.

Mr. Ajeet Praimsingh is honoured for long and meritorious service in the fields of culture, religion, business, and social and community activism.

Mr. Ajeet Praimsingh, businessman, cultural and religious activist, music producer, book publisher, promoter, social and community worker, and President of the Mere Desh Committee, is an extremely popular and well-known servant of the people who has rendered long, meritorious, and distinguished service to Trinidad & Tobago.
Mr. Praimsingh’s grandfather, Babu Praimsingh, who migrated from Bihar, opened the first Hindu ‘pooja’ store, selling books, religious material and pictures, music, pooja materials, and any and everything necessary for Poojas and religious events. This was a forerunner to Mr. Praimsingh’s Pooja Bhavan stores in Chaguanas and Couva.
In addition to the popular Mere Desh activities, Mr. Ajeet Praimsingh, popularly know as the ‘Indian Connection’, has been involved in various facets of Indian culture- event promoter, National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago, competitions for biraha, tassarama, mike-o-rama, and PRO of the television show, Tarana.
Mr. Praimsingh also documents cultural history, with an impressive photographic collection of Local and foreign Indian artistes. He has produced over 25 artistes – ranging from devotional songs to the chutney genre - under the Praimsingh recording label, including performers such as Rasika Dindial, Devanand Gatoo, and Kenneth Supersad.
Mr. Praimsingh, a strong advocate for Indian culture, believes there is not enough national recognition for some of our indigenous creations such as the dhantal - created out of the horseshoe and iron. He believes that we must look towards the proper education of our singers and musicians by setting up workshops for Hindi classes and vocal control; develop music and lyrics for nation-building songs with positive messages; and employ successful artistes as teachers.

Mr. Kamaluddin Mohammed is honoured for long and meritorious service in the fields of Politics, Culture, and Community work.
Mr. Kamaludin Mohammed is a former Government Minister and deputy leader of the People’s Naitonal Movement who was a pioneer in West Indian and Caribbean integration and the development of the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM). Mr. Mohammed, a former Minister of Health, served as President of the World Health Organization.

In September 1947, Radio Trinidad was launched and Kamal was was invited to host the programme ’Indian Talent on Parade’ every Sunday from 1 to 2p.m. In the Trinidad of the 1940s there were not so many radios and so large crowds would gather at the few homes with radios to listen to this programme. Kamal’s ability to speak oriental languages (Hindi and Urdu) with such ease and fluency was a definite asset. This was interspersed with English which made for a really interesting and enervating broadcast in which the announcer would wend his way through a linguistic mosaic that conveyed an atmosphere of East meeting West.

His broadcasts featured the local musicians and artistes of that era. Among them were the renowned Naya Zamana Orchestra of Ostad Nazear Mohammed, Narsaloo Ramaya and Isaac Mohammed; Jit Seesahai and his Melody Makers and the S.M. Aziz Orchestra famous singers included Jhagroo Kawal, Tarran Persad, Noor Jehan, Jang Bahadoor, Sayeed Mohammed, Zora Seesahai, Champa Devi, Tooloom Dindial, Isaac Yankaran and Sonny Chandee to name a few.

Pandit Hari Prasad ji, the Shankaracharya of SWAHA, is honoured, posthumously, for long, distinguished, and meritorious service in the fields of Religion, Education, Leadership, Culture, and Social and Community work.
Pandit Hari Prasad, Shankaracharya of SWAHA, was respected and revered worldwide for his spirituality, devotion, and foresight. Shankaracharyaji was Guru and guide to thousands – an iconic pillar of Sanatan Dharma. He was 80 years of age at the time of passing (Maha-Samaadhi) on April 15th 2008.
Shankaracharyaji, born in Aranguez in 1927, was initiated at age 15 by his guru Tiwari Baba, and excelled at Hindi and Sanskrit. He trained and developed as Pandits his six sons, son-in-law, ten grandsons, and many other Pandits in Trinidad & Tobago.
Shankaracharyaji was involved in the Sanatan Maha Sabha, where he was a senior Pandit and a Dharma Ratna. In 1993, fulfilling the role of a true visionary, he founded SWAHA International, which in fifteen years has grown into an international non-profit organization involved in religious, cultural, educational, and social work.
Shankaracharyaji was bestowed the title Ramayana Bhushan by the world authority on Ramayana, Professor Laxshmi Narayan Sharma. In addition, he was honoured by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the International Meditation Society.
Pandit Prasad influenced countless lives; he lived and worked for others all through his blessed life, being the embodiment of self-sacrifice and the ideal husband, father, and Guru.

…………..
PRESENTERS

MR. GEOFFREY DA SILVA, Chief Executive Officer, of the GUYANA Office for Investment (GO-INVEST), will inform seminar participants on investment and business opportunities, focusing on the agricultural, manufacturing, tourism, and forestry sectors.
GO-INVEST serves as a primary contact for investors and liaising with government agencies throughout the investment process; provide investors with a comprehensive summary of steps necessary to commence business operations in Guyana and assisting throughout the process; provide information on incentives available to investors and regulations relevant to the sectors of interest; Develop profiles on investment opportunities in Guyana; Assist with obtaining factory space or land for investment purposes; Assist with coordination of joint venture efforts between local and overseas interests; Assist exporters in promoting their products through participation in national and international exhibitions and trade missions; and work closely with exporting organisations to ensure that problems affecting exporters are expeditiously addressed.

Mr. YASH PAL MOTWANI, Second Secretary (Commerce) & HOC, High Commission of India, Port of Spain

Mr. VINOD MOONERAM, Honorary Consul of Mauritius

SURINAME : Suriname delegation

MS. HULSIE BHAGGAN

ALCOHOLISM- THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION

SUMMARY

This presentation will place alcoholism in the context of addiction, an obsessive compulsive disorder. It will examine the root causes and attempt to recommend some strategies in prevention and treating the disease.

BIO-HULSIE BHAGGAN

Hulsie Bhaggan is a Management Consultant by profession but has also spent the past twenty-five years in social work. The last fifteen years were spent specifically in treatment and rehabilitation of persons suffering from all forms of addiction including, gambling.

She is a lecturer at the Arthur Lok Graduate School of Business, consultant to Living Water Community and Administrator/Clinical Co-ordinator of the New Life Ministries Drug Rehabilitation Center. She is Deputy Chairperson of the Congress of the People.

PROFESSOR RONALD MARSHALL
ALCOHOL IN A MULTI-ETHNIC SETTING
Professor Ronald Marshall - Department of Sociology, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.

DR. JEROME TEELUCKSINGH

MEDIUM FOR THE MESSAGE

How to spread the message of the dangers of alcoholism.

BIO - Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh is a lecturer in the History Department, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, and also served as a part-time lecturer at the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies, and the University of Trinidad and Tobago.

DR. RAYMOND RAMCHARITAR

Indianism and Democracy in Trinidad in 2007

This paper examines the way Indians have interpreted democracy using contemporary politics and history as illustrative texts. Dr. Ramcharitar examines the evolution of IndoTrinidadian politics, from Cola Rienzi to Panday, isolates its active principles, and evaluates them against the idea of Western democracy (which putatively obtain in Trinidad ). The main question of the paper is: How have IndoTrinidadians interpreted democracy and how has it been informed by the ontology of caste and hierarchy and political knowledge they brought with them from India and reproduced in Trinidad .

BIO-
Dr Raymond Ramcharitar has worked as a journalist at the Trinidad Guardian and Express, and presently lectures in journalism and literature at Costaatt. He has degrees in Economics, Literature and History from University of the West Indies (UWI), Trinidad . He has edited a collection of Trinidadian poets, The Armour of the Ridiculous, published by Lexicon Trinidad, 2006, and is the author of a controversial and provocative study of the deficiencies of the Trinidadian press, Breaking the News: Media & Culture in Trinidad . His new book, American Fall (Peepal Tree Press), was published in June, 2007. A collection of short fiction, The Island Quintet, is expected in 2009.

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas, 687-7529 GopioTT@gmail.com
Deosaran Bisnath, President Rajnie Ramlakhan, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer Niranjan Bhaggan, Director
May 6th, 2008

INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY SEMINAR & AWARDS CEREMONY, 2008
Divali Nagar, Chaguanas, Trinidad
Saturday May 10th, 2008, from 3 to 7pm

PROGRAMME

3:00 pm National Anthem

3:03 pm Prayer

3:08 pm Opening Address by High Commissioner of India

3:18 pm Welcome Remarks by President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago

3:20 pm ALCOHOLISM IN A MULTI-ETHNIC SETTING, by Professor Ronald Marshall

3:40 pm ALCOHOLISM, THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION, by Ms, Hulsie Bhaggan

4:00 pm ALCOHOLISM – MEDIUM FOR THE MESSAGE, by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh

4:20 pm INDIANS & DEMOCRACY by Dr. Raymond Ramcharitar

4:50 pm GUYANA - Diaspora TRADE & BUSINESS, MR. GEOFFREY DA SILVA,
Chief Executive Officer, of the GUYANA Office for Investment (GO-INVEST)

5:10 pm INDIA - Diaspora TRADE & BUSINESS, by Mr. YASH PAL MOTWANI,
Second Secretary (Commerce), High Commission of India.
5:30 pm MAURITIUS – Diaspora TRADE & BUSINESS, by Mr. VINOD MOONERAM,
Honorary Consul of Mauritius

5:50 pm SURINAME – Diaspora TRADE & BUSINESS, by Representative from
SURINAME

6:10 pm AWARDS presented to
- Mr. Kamaluddin Mohammed
- Mr. Ajeet Praimsingh
- Professor Kenneth Ramchand
- Pandit Hari Prasad (posthumous)

6:35 pm Refreshment - Doubles, Sweets, non-alcoholic beverages, water

GOPIO INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY SEMINAR May 10th, 2008, DIVALI NAGAR, CHAGUANAS, 3 to 7 pm

2008-04-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago’s INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY SEMINAR & AWARDS CEREMONY,

Saturday May 10th 2008, from 3 to 7pm,

at DIVALI NAGAR, Chaguanas.

Presenters from Guyana, Suriname, Mauritius, India, and Trinidad. FREE, OPEN TO ALL.

Call 687-7529 or 314-1456. E-mail GOPIOTT@gmail.com

.................................... DEOSARAN BISNATH April 18th, 2008

ESSAY COMPETITION ALCOHOLISM – Causes, Effects, and Solutions

2008-03-21T04:33:00.000-07:00

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas, 687-7529 GopioTT@gmail.com

Deosaran Bisnath, President Rajnie Ramlakhan, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer Niranjan Bhagan, Director
March 17th, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ESSAY COMPETITION ALCOHOLISM – Causes, Effects, and Solutions
and INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY SEMINAR

ALCOHOLISM, the major social, economic, and health problem in our nation, is marked by excessive alcoholic consumption at levels that interfere with physical and mental health, and affects social, family, and occupational responsibilities. Alcohol is involved in crime, accident and traffic deaths, and suicides. Children of alcoholics are exposed to increased risks of alcohol and drug abuse; social and behavioral problems; and anxiety and mood disorders.

Every citizen in our nation should assist in dealing with this serious problem. For its part, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago intends to raise the consciousness of our people, especially the youth; sensitize and increase awareness; and provide solutions that can be implemented throughout Trinidad and Tobago. As a first step, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago has organized a nationwide essay competition, on the topic: ALCOHOLISM in Trinidad & Tobago – Causes, Effects, and Solutions.

Details are as follows:
Participants are required to define the scope of the problem, describe the effect of Alcoholism on our society, and propose practical and pragmatic solutions that can be realistically implemented in Trinidad & Tobago. It is expected that analysis of current data and relevant information will be presented, in both text and graphical formats. Data sources and references should be credited.

Age 17 & under: Winner will receive a desktop computer
Age 18 to 25: Winner will receive a Laptop computer.
Four runner-up prizes will be awarded in each group.
Minimum word length: 2500
Entries should be mailed on, or before, 18th April 2008, to
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
PO BOX 2286,
Chaguanas.

The winners will be announced, and prizes distributed, at the Indian Arrival Day Seminar 2008, on Sunday May 11th, at the Divali Nagar Main Auditorium, Chaguanas, where a Panel of Experts will explore and analyze this topic with the audience. The other major theme at this Seminar is Developing Networks and Relationships in Business, Agriculture, Technology, and Culture, between Trinidad & Tobago and the International Indian Diaspora. More information about the Indian Arrival Day Seminar 2008 will be released at a later date.

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non–political, non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization. You may contact us at 687-7529, 314-1456, or email GOPIOTT@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Deosaran Bisnath
…………………………………
Deosaran Bisnath,
President,
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International.

International Jahajee Jornal march23rd 2008

2008-03-21T04:31:00.000-07:00

International Jahajee Journal (IJJ), March 23, 2008Voice of the International Indian Diaspora http://www.jahajeedesi.com/ Home of the International Jahajee Diaspora

My dear friends,
Aap Sabko Rango ke paavan parv "HOLI" par
"Hardik Shubh kaamnaaye"!
May your life be coloured with the coloures of joy, friendship,fun,love,happiness & harmony on "HOLI" and always.

Let us celebrate Holi in the spirit of friendship, joy, merriment and love “let noble taught and action be your guide and the fragrance of Bassant rejuvenate your life”.
This Phagwah, may the colours within us emanate and the fragrance of the season spread among our people’Deosaran Bisnath,
Editor, International Jahajee Journaldeobisnath@yahoo.com http://www.jahajeedesi.com/forums/index.php?act=idx http://deosaranbisnath.wordpress.com/
http://jahajeedesi.blogspot.com/

Indian Dancers performing at Awards Banquet of National
Council for Indian Culture in JAMAICA

Ah different Style
WHEN YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR WHAT DO YOU SEE
CAN YOU HEAR THE WHISPER OF JAHAAJEE (ancestors)
TUM KOWN HO BETA (who are you son)
TUM KOWN HO BETI (who are you so daughter)
LOOK IN THE MIRROR WELL
WHAT KAHAANI DOES IT TELL (story)
IS OUR LEGACY
DYING JALDI JALDI (quickly)
NOWADAYS LARKIS (girls)
AND ALL THEY SAKHIS (friends)
PATKAY THE GHANGHRI (throw away, long skirt)
FOR THE SLINKY MINI
LONG IS OUT AND SHORT IS IN
THICK IS OUT SO BETTER BE THIN
IT JUST NAHI RIGHT (not)
IF THE JEANS NAHI TIGHT (not)
AND THE MORE PEER PRESURE
IS THE MORE EXPOSURE
BAHUT COMPROMISE (plenty)
FOR MODERN DISGUISE
IN THIS HIGH FASHION WORLD
ONLY DIGNITY IS SOLD
BETI THIS IS NOT YOU (daughter)
TO YOURSELF BE TRUE
BEFORE THE MIRROR SAY
IS NO SHARMAAYE (shame)
IS THE AGE OF THE WILD
SO LARKAS HAVE NEW STYLE (boys)
CHOOSAYING THEY PAISAA (wasting, money)
ON KAPRAA AND MOTOR CAR (clothes)
CYAR WAIT FOR WEEKEND
FOR TAMASHAA WITH THEY FRIENDS (fun)
DANCING AH NEW GAANA (song)
IN AN ALIEN GHARHAANAA (musical tradition)
COME ON DREAD, WE’LL PAINT THE TOWN RED
BUILD A HEAD AND KNOCK ‘EM DEAD
WHAT YUH DHAKOLAY (drink)
AND WHAT YUH DOES PHOOKAY (smoke)
WHAT TAKIN YOU ASTRAY
MAY NOT BRING YOU BACK ONE DAY
BETA THIS IS NOT YOU
TO YOURSELF BE TRUE
BEFORE THE MIRROR SAY
IS NO SHARMAAYE
BAHUT PROSPERITY
CORRUPTING IDENTITY
SO SANSKAAR THE BACHO (give values, child)
SHOW THEM THE WAY TO GO
THEY’LL NIK NIKAAYE (give difficulty)
TO HAVE THEIR OWN WAY
IF YOU ONLY FALL PREY
IT WILL BACKFIRE SOME DAY
KHABAR DAAR WITH DOOLAR (take care, pampering)
DANGER IN THE SAMSAAR (this world)
BE CAREFUL WHAT YUH CHANGE
AND WHAT YUH REARRANGE
THE CULTURE YOU TEACH
PRACTICE DON’T PREACH
BEFORE THE MIRROR SAY
IS NO SHARMAAYE
AAJAA AUR AAJEE (grandparents)
GETTAM NEW HOBBY
SOAP OPERA ON TV
SO THEY CLOSE THE RASOYI (kitchen)
NO ROTI AND DAHI (home made yogurt)
SAYKAYING IN THE CHULHEE (roasting, earthen stove)
SO NO JOHR IN THE NAATI (strength, grandchildren)
KFC LAUGHING AT WE
TAKE BACK THE PALANAA (cradle)
SAVE THE PARAMPARAA (tradition, legacy)
BEFORE YUH LALANAA (‘pampered’ child)
END UP IN THE FIRE
NOW ITS MAKE OR BREAK
CAUSE THE FUTURE IS AT STAKE
WILL YOU LET THE MIRROR SAY
IS NO SHARMAAYE
TITLE : Ah different Style
SINGER : Reena Teelucksingh, Trinidad
COMPOSER : Revan Teelucksingh, Trinidad

One of several cultural presentations at Phagwah Mela, GUYANA

Use lesson of Phagwah to stand firm- President tells gathering at Phagwah Mela

THE message about the triumph of good over evil, which is the main theme behind t
the story of Phagwah, is a lesson which Guyanese can learn from, particularly during this period of trauma and uncertainty.
This was the encouragement given by Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo who addressed a large gathering assembled at the Dharmic Sabha Kendra for the Phagwah mela and bazaar.
The event, which is one of many organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha to commemorate the Hindu festival, Phagwah, took the form of songs, dances, modelling and portrayals of various aspects of the Hindu culture.

A certain degree of physical harmony and comfort is necessary, but above a
certain level it becomes a hindrance instead of a help. Therefore the ideal of
creating an unlimited number of wants and satisfying them seems to be a
delusion and a snare ---- Mahatma Gandhi

PHAGWA PICHAKAAREE 2008, TRINIDADCourtesy Raviji
DEDICATION PHAGWA 2008
It is in pursuit of the recognition of and deep concern for this Caribbean space as the nursery of our development that we have dedicated Kendra Phagwa Festival 2008 as a vehicle to highlight the threat that crime has visited on our cherished democracy and way of life. For this reason, Kendra Phagwa Festival is dedicating Phagwa 2008 to the Lusignan and Batica Massacres in Guyana that horrified the peoples of the Caribbean. This is to suggest that Trinidad and Tobago is concerned about the state of Guyana, Barbados, Bahamas and Jamaica as it is for our own nation. It is becoming more evident that crime is impacting on the democratic way of life. Pichakaaree 2008 hopes that by publicly alerting the Caribbean of this issue, the region would pull together to save democracy from the increasing tyranny of crime even as the Prahlaad was saved from the tyranny of Hiranyakashipu.
Kendra Phagwa Festival in 2001 was inspired by Prahlaad’s stand against his father the mighty Emperror Hiranyakashipu, to take a stand against use of alcohol at Phagwa. KENDRA PHAGWA FESTIVAL continues the stand taken 17 years ago that declared The Kendra Phagwa Festival, a NO ALCOHOL ZONE.
This stand was taken at the inception of the Kendra Phawa Festival in 2001 and continues today. Use of alcohol had almost ruined phagwa some years ago because it became increasingly unsafe for families to go to various venues.

HAPPY FEET: Roodal Mahalal, accompanied by the Barataria chowtal group, performs a Raja Harrichan dance during the Shri Krishen Mandir's chowtal singing competition yesterday at Lyle Lane, Felicity, TRINIDAD

Holy Fusion
Courtesy Imam Iqubal Hydal
"For every nation We appointed acts of devotion" (Quran, 22:34).The fact that different religions use different calendars to calculate their spiritual festivals often causes various events to occur within the same period. This week we have concurrences of several religious festivals: Milad un-Nabi (birth date of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) (March 20), Good Friday and Easter (March 21 and 23), and Holi Phagua (March 22).March 20: Milad un-NabiAlthough it was not the custom of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to celebrate his birthday, this period of the Islamic year is often used to narrate his life. Emphasis lies on the fact that the Prophet brought spiritual light to the whole world; he fulfilled the almost impossible task of converting the whole of Arabia from idolatry to Islam the worshipping of only one God. After this, Islam spread gradually over the world and nowadays the light of Islam can be found in almost every corner of the world.

Please contact TESHAWNA LALL, Tel# 347-247-3198, for all USA and CANADA
donations for families and relatives of the LUSIGNAN MASSACRE VICTIMS.

Support Malaysian Indians against State Brutality
http://www.hindraf.org

MOST POPULAR HOLI (Phagwa) VIDEOS
1. Holi Ke Din from Sholay, with the incomparable Hema Malini, and Dharmendra
http://youtube. com/watch? v=G87UyGSJGB4

2. Holi khele Raghuveera Awadh mein
http://youtube. com/watch? v=XVXE4wvHz3A
from Baghbaan, with Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini
While we are on Baghbaan, why not enjoy a classic, one of the first Bollywood songs with a pronounced jazzy beat :
Sonri Teri Chal
http://youtube. com/watch? v=TJbV3UjICb8

3. Rang Barse
from Silsila
Ranga Barase means a shower of colours and this is exactly what Phagwa is about, colour and beauty. During this feature, abeer of varying colours is sprayed on all participants from overhead pipe and sprinkler systems, designed for the special effect of bathing in coloured rain. The vibrations of appropiate music and songs are irresistable and the whole community gets involved in the grand celebration by joining in the community dancing.
http://youtube. com/watch? v=rm17BPGvZSc

4. Award winning Indian ad for a cause- Hostel/Holi
http://youtube. com/watch? v=nhwIFbB5iuo

5. Old is Gold - Holi Clasical "Navrang"
http://youtube. com/watch? v=nf_j 9_Hg- hI

6. Bollywood Holi Mix
http://youtube. com/watch? v=d0sa4XHlJVA

7. Holi bhojpuri song
http://youtube. com/watch? v=YzQHt4GArbY

8. Holi festival in Omkareshwar, India
http://youtube. com/watch? v=nwnMITnjuog

9. Mangal Pandey - Holi Re
http://youtube. com/watch? v=63qI1utlMsE

10. HOLI FESTIVAL 2007 india - vrindavan
http://youtube. com/watch? v=ufln9NdtyHY&feature=related

National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica
Third row (from left to right): Maurice Williams, Seragh Lakasingh (2nd VP), Justice M. DukharanSecond row (from left to right):Kiran Banhan, Ken Williams-Singh (Treasurer), Lyle Nathan Sharma, Vishwanauth Tolan (Chairman), Dr. Sitaram Poddar, Wilbert Sirjue, Nari Willams-Singh Seated (left to right) Ms. Nalini Banhan, Mrs. Sepragie Maragh, Mrs. Beryl Williams-Singh, Dr. Paul Maragh (1st VP)
Missing from PictureSunetra Ramsingh (Secretary)
The National Council for Indian Culture was established on March 1, 1998. The main activities of the Council aim at the promotion of Indian music and dance, culinary arts, fashion and the Hindi language.
Major Indian festivals are celebrated throughout the year. On the occasion of Diwali (the festival of lights), a Diwali Mela (Indian food fair and bazaar) is also held.
On the occasion of the Indian Heritage Day, May 10, a week of festivities is organized, starting with a Prayer Service on May 10 and ending with a Family Fun Day on the weekend. An Annual Awards Banquet and Cultural Show is also held to honour those who have made significant contributions in the promotion of culture, education and services to the community.
The Council gives financial assistance to needy children towards their education and also to charities.
Two preparatory schools and yoga classes are run by the Ananda Marga Society.
Social and recreational activities are available at Club India, which also features the teaching of Hindi by Dr. S. Poddar
Religious services are provided at Sanatan Dharma Mandir and .
Spiritual services and meditation exercises are available at the Raja Yoga Centre and Blue Star Jamaica.
Marriage and funeral services are performed by Pandit Danesh Maragh, Pandit Sharma and Pandit Ramadhar Maragh. http://www.ncicj.com/homepage2.html

Oxford Literary Festival 2008: Diana Athill on VS NaipaulDiana Athill, who ‘discovered’ VS Naipaul, reveals the insecurity behind his genius
People talk about publishers “discovering” writers, but that verb is overdramatic. Usually, the most that can be said for a publisher is that he “recognises” a writer. That’s certainly what happened with André Deutsch and Vidia Naipaul. There was not much “discovery” about being told by the Jamaican novelist Andrew Salkey that he thought a young man of his acquaintance who worked for the BBC’s Caribbean Service was probably a very good writer. Might he tell him that I would read his stories? I could hardly have said “no” even if I’d wanted to, which I didn’t. Ours was still a comparatively young publishing house, needing to follow up every possibility as keenly as we could.
Soon after that, we met Vidia in a coffee bar, where he handed over the typescript of Miguel Street. He was probably shy and very nervous, but the impression I gained was one of reserve verging on haughtiness.
I read the stories – and enjoyed them very much. André had a strong prejudice against collections of stories and refused to let us put down money for it, but he allowed us to say that we would publish it later, if the author could launch his career with a successful novel. And luckily, Vidia did happen to be well on the way with a novel, The Mystic Masseur, which got such good reviews that it had to be considered successful.
So there we were in 1959, with VS Naipaul on our list, and I was his editor. Which is again an inaccurate word, because if ever a writer needed no editing it was Vidia, whose books could always have gone straight from typist to printer with no intervention from anyone. An editor’s job, in such a case, is basically to keep on saying “Darling, you’re wonderful”.
With every one of his books, there was a pattern. First came a long period of peace while he was writing, during which we saw little of him and I would often have liked to see more, because I would be full of curiosity about the new book. Then, when it was delivered, there would be a short burst of euphoria, during which we would have enjoyable meetings and my role would be to appreciate the work, to write the blurb, to hit on a jacket that pleased both him and us. Then came part three: postpublication gloom, during which his voice on the telephone would make my heart sink – just a little during the first few years, deeper and deeper with the passage of time. His voice became charged with tragedy, his face became haggard, his theme became the atrocious exhaustion and damage (the word damage always occurred) this book had inflicted on him, and all to what end? Reviewers were ignorant monkeys, publishers (this would be implied in a sinister fashion rather than said) were lazy and useless: what was the point of it all? Why did he go on?
He was, therefore, displeased with the results of publication, which filled him always with despair, sometimes with anger as well. Once he descended on me like a thunderbolt to announce that he had just been into Foyles of Charing Cross Road and they didn’t have a single copy of his latest book, published only two weeks earlier, in stock – not one! Reason told me this was impossible, but I have a tendency to accept guilt if faced with accusation and this tendency went into spasm. Suppose the sales department really had made some unthinkable blunder? Well, if they had I was not going to face the ensuing mayhem single-handed, so I said: “We must go and tell André at once.” Which we did; and André Deutsch said calmly: “What nonsense, Vidia – come on, we’ll go to Foyles straightaway and I’ll show you.” So all three of us stumped down the street to Foyles. Once we were in the shop, André cornered the manager and explained: “Mr Naipaul couldn’t find his book. Will you please show him where it is displayed?” “Certainly, Mr Deutsch”; and there it was, two piles of six copies each, on the table for “Recent Publications”. André said afterwards that Vidia looked even more thunderous at being done out of his grievance, but if he did, I was too dizzy with relief to notice.
In 1975, we received the 13th of his books – his eighth work of fiction – Guerrillas. For the first time I was slightly apprehensive because he had spoken to me about the experience of writing it in an unprecedented way. Usually he kept the process private, but this time he said that it was extraordinary, something that had never happened before: it was as though the book had been given to him. Such a feeling about writing does not necessarily bode well. And as it turned out, I could not like the book.
So I told him. I began by saying how much I admired the many things in the book that I did admire, then I said that I had to tell him that two of his three central characters had failed to convince me. It was like saying to Conrad: “Lord Jim is a very fine novel except that Jim doesn’t quite come off.”
Vidia looked disconcerted, then stood up and said that he was sorry they didn’t work for me, because he had done the best he could with them, there was nothing more he could do, so there was no point in discussing it . . .
The next day, Vidia’s agent called to say that he had been instructed to retrieve Guerrillas because we had lost confidence in Vidia’s writing and therefore he was leaving us.
For at least two weeks I seethed . . . then, in the third week, it suddenly occurred to me that never again would I have to listen to Vidia telling me how damaged he was, and it was as though the sun came out. I didn’t have to like Vidia any more! I could still like his work, I could still be sorry for his pain; but I no longer faced the task of fashioning affection out of these elements in order to deal as a good editor should with the exhausting, and finally tedious, task of listening to his woe.

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article3533667.ece

Join GOPIO Trinidad & TobagoGOPIO Trinidad & Tobagoa chapter of GOPIO International. P.O. BOX 2286, Chaguanas.687-7529 GopioTT@gmail. com
ESSAY COMPETITION ALCOHOLISM – Causes, Effects, and Solutions
ALCOHOLISM, the major social, economic, and health problem in our nation, is marked by excessive alcoholic consumption at levels that interfere with physical and mental health, and affects social, family, and occupational responsibilities. Alcohol is involved in crime, accident and traffic deaths, and suicides. Children of alcoholics are exposed to increased risks of alcohol and drug abuse; social and behavioral problems; and anxiety and mood disorders.
Every citizen in our nation should assist in dealing with this serious problem. For its part, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago intends to raise the consciousness of our people, especially the youth; sensitize and increase awareness; and provide solutions that can be implemented throughout Trinidad and Tobago. As a first step, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago has organized a nationwide essay competition, on the topic: ALCOHOLISM in Trinidad & Tobago – Causes, Effects, and Solutions.

Details are as follows:
Participants are required to define the scope of the problem, describe the effect of Alcoholism on our society, and propose practical and pragmatic solutions that can be realistically implemented in Trinidad & Tobago. It is expected that analysis of current data and relevant information will be presented, in both text and graphical formats. Data sources and references should be credited.Age 17 & under: Winner will receive a desktop computerAge 18 to 25: Winner will receive a Laptop computer.
Four runner-up prizes will be awarded in each group.
Minimum word length: 2500
Entries should be mailed on, or before, 18th April 2008, to GOPIO Trinidad & TobagoPO BOX 2286, Chaguanas.

The winners will be announced, and prizes distributed, at the Indian Arrival Day Seminar 2008, on Saturday May 10th, at the Divali Nagar Main Auditorium, Chaguanas, where a Panel of Experts will explore and analyze this topic with the audience. The other major theme at this Seminar is Developing Networks and Relationships in Business, Agriculture, Technology, and Culture, between Trinidad & Tobago and the International Indian Diaspora. More information about the Indian Arrival Day Seminar 2008 will be released at a later date.

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non–political, non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization. You may contact us at 687-7529, 314-1456, or email GOPIOTT@gmail.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GopioTT/http://gopiott.blogspot.com/

Proudly Indian, a South African Indian sitehttp://proudlyindian.co.za/

CARIBBEAN TALKhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/CaribbeanTalk/CARIBBEAN TALK: The newest and most popular Caribbean Online Group ... Free ... unrestricted ... uncensored .... JOIN NOW!http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CaribbeanTalk/Or send mail to : CCDSJ@yahoo.com

Politicizing Race in Guyana
by
Roop Misir, PhD
Background
Our country prides itself in the motto: “The Land of Six Peoples”. To onlookers, the people of Guyana live harmoniously. They work side-by-side in villages where they toil in farms, rice fields and sugar estates. In factories and mills, they use their hands and talents to manufacture some of the finest goods. All of them are educated in schools that promote racial equality. And over the years, they have been noticeable signs of racial integration. All of which leads one to conclude: Guyanese have grown to understand fellow citizens.
But is this really true?
In the 1950s and 60s, our people struggled, and in 1966 finally won political independence from Britain. Just about that time, the façade of racial harmony gave way to racial pride. There was the recognition that black was beautiful, and that politics meant true power. Therefore Africans must take charge after the British left. Also, Indians weren’t returning to India as some were hoping. Rather, they would live as citizens and participate in building the independent nation. Perhaps this didn’t fare too well with the more assertive elements of the population. These new developments would set the stage to test the veneer of racial harmony.
Some may ask: Why?
Politicizing Race
With independence from Britain imminent, it became clear that the new country would inherit a winner-takes-all Westminster system of government. This meant that the party in power would also be in charge, and the losing party relegated to the opposition benches, effectively shutting them from power.
Since 1947, Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan worked tirelessly to unite the different races of the country. In 1953, the multiracial Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP) won an overwhelming victory at the first General Elections under universal suffrage. However, the PPP soon splintered into a faction led by Mr. LFS Burnham whose group later became the Peoples’ National Congress (PNC). Its support base was mainly African Guianese. Despite its setback, the multiracial PPP continued to win every election until 1961. Then a new electoral system of Proportional Representation (RP) was introduced to replace the traditional first past the post system. Not surprisingly, at the next General Election in 1964, the PPP received the largest number of seats but failed to secure more than 50% of the total votes cast. The PPP claimed that it was “Cheated not Defeated”.
Cold War and Communism
In those days of the Cold War, PR was perhaps as one peaceful way to defeat the pro-Communist PPP. Yet there was much violence against the PPP and their Indian supporters the early 60’s. With this party defeated and morally weakened, the pro-African PNC formed a coalition with the pro-business United Force (UF) under the leadership of popular Portuguese Guyanese businessman Mr. Peter D’Aguiar. This coalition was invited by the Governor to form the new government.
Thus for the first time ever, race did affect the balance of power in Guyana. For the PNC at least, the racial polarization helped them secure votes and political power in the newly independent Guyana. Here again as elsewhere, the colonial time-tested strategy of “divide and rule” worked well. The “socialist” PNC was in charge, and the pro-communist PPP booted out. A few years later the UF left the coalition, leaving the PNC alone in charge. It was like a dream come true. The PNC then established the Cooperative Republic, which controlled almost every sector of the economy. With few checks and fewer balances, the PNC dished out goodies to their supporters, mainly African Guyanese. Only token crumbs managed to reach other races.
As Indian Guyanese became increasingly marginalized, many had no alternative but to depart to any foreign country willing to take them. With no place for them in the power structure, they were effectively shut out of government.
For twenty-eight long years, the African-dominated PNC ruled the country an iron hand. President-for-life
LFS Burnham reigned supreme as the “Kabaka” (King). Under his leadership, with the help of security forces the rigging of Guyanese elections was perfected into a fine art. As the country’s economy spiraled downward and life became brutish and unbearable, was it any wonder that PNC supporters became disenchanted? Since the Kabaka’s victory at the polls was never in doubt, even Mr. Burnham’s own supporters lost interest in voting. For example, at a subsequent General Election, only 3% of those registered bothered to vote. But yet, the PNC secured a whopping 95% of the votes cast to secure a stunning victory! Was it to anyone’s surprise that as time went on, the work of Parliament was reduced to a farce? Or as one prominent opposition MP echoed, was it a “rass”? Long live the Kabaka!
Restoration of Democracy
Apparently, everything eventually comes to an end. Guyanese were more than fed up with the dictatorial racist PNC regime and demanded change. Thanks to agitation from Guyanese (of all races) both at home and abroad, this undemocratic black dictatorship finally came to an end in 1992. The election brought to office the PPP/C, a multiracial coalition with the PPP being the major partner. As expected, there were unbridled euphoria and tremendous excitement at the defeat of the incompetent and self-serving PNC regime. The days of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the PNC’s stranglehold on the national economy and the universally hated National Service all came to an abrupt end. After what they’d gone through, Guyanese expected changes for the better. But by then, more Guyanese had already been settled abroad than those living at home. Therefore, one result was that our country was deprived of their talents and capital. Thus, it would take time for this debt-laden country to get back on its financial feet. However, a few years later, the passing of the much loved and highly respected President and Father of the Nation, Dr. Cheddi Jagan was a loss to the country. Not unexpectedly, the honeymoon for the PPP/C period faded quickly.
Guyana at the Crossroads
Many of us may wish to interpret these changes as signs of better times to come. However, after nearly forty-two years of independence from Britain, are we currently witnessing an unraveling of the fabric of racial cohesion in our country? Is the other motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” quickly losing its relevance?
Perhaps a look at recent events may be of interest.
Only last month, most Guyanese were appalled by cold-blooded massacres—first at Lusignan where people of Indian origin were targeted. Then one week later came the Bartica massacre where Guyanese of many races lost their lives. As usual, the PPP/C government attributed these incidents to the work of criminal elements and bandits. Of course, not everyone shares this view.
Who may be behind the crimes and the massacres? Sure the Police often make token arrests to allay public fears, but only to release those arrested for the lack of evidence.
Are these and other criminal acts random or are they centrally directed? Are these acts the work of career criminals? Or are these the work of those who refuse to accept the outcome in democratic elections for Parliament, and now choose the bullet to the ballot?
This much we do know:
Shortly after 1992 General Elections, the defeated PNC President Desmond Hoyte wasn’t happy with the results. He then became a critic of the “Indo-Guyanese political establishment”, symbolized by Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan and his American-born wife, Janet, who succeeded him as President in 1998. Opponents often accused Mr. Hoyte of trying to make Guyana ungovernable through protests over the supposed exclusion of Afro-Guyanese from important political posts. (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9806E6D8163FF93AA15751C1A9649C8B63).
As the situation has developed ever since, fears of “more fire” and “slow fire” haven’t been exaggerated!
Violence against Indians
Those of us who lived through the 1960’s can attest to those turbulent years when a single day seemed like an age! For the younger generation, a review of history books suggests that attacks on Indians were nothing new. During the 1964 Wismar “disturbances”, Indians were killed and others forced to leave the Mackenzie-Wismar (Linden) area. Was this massacre and the forced departure of survivors a classic example of “ethnic cleansing”? And was it an organized plan to drive Indians away from an “African” stronghold? Certainly, Guyana is becoming infamous for many things. Since 1998, violence against Indians has been on the rise. Can we expect more politically motivated acts of violence?
Africans the Rightful Heirs?
Are acts of violence against Indians in Guyana of recent origins? Not really. This time though the violence may be politicized. Starting in the middle of the last century and more recent times in Lusignan, the continuing violence targeting Indians suggests a political motive for the violence: the idea that Africans are the rightful inheritors of the country after British, and that they are being “dispossessed” of their inheritance by Indians. Some elements apparently still view Indians as aliens or, and at best should be second-class citizens, with no right to govern a Guyana that rightfully belongs to Africans. True, politicians of Indian ancestry are in the ruling multiracial PPP/C, but this party seems to be in office only, and not necessarily wielding real power. Thanks to those with a racial mindset that refuses to accept the results of democratic elections?
The fact of the matter is that despite the continuing exodus, the numerical superiority of Indians coupled with free and fair elections all present a threat to those Africans who dream of dominating Guyana as in the “Kabaka” days. But really, are violent acts against Indians helping their cause?
The dilemma facing Indians has been in the making for 170 years now. Racial cohesion and superficial harmony are being tested in the “Land of Six Peoples”. As Guyanese share the same space and country, are there valid reasons for us all to work towards the ideal of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny?
Is the present unitary state still practical? Or a federated one a more viable option? If not, should our leaders look at a more inclusive form of governance?
Indeed, what our country desperately needs are leaders with a vision for the future survival of the Guyana as a viable nation.
Incidentally, it was Mr. Burnham who adopted the constitution that made himself executive president in 1980.
Since than, many of us have been asking: Quo vadis? Where are we headed?
[Dr. Roop Misir is an Indo-Guyanese Canadian Teacher with the Toronto District School Board. You may contact him at roop.misir@gmail.com].

You are invited to a Bhagawad Gita Course at the Chinmaya Ashram
by Swami Prakasahananda, Resident Acharya at the Chinmaya Mission, Trinidad and Tobago starting on Sunday 9th March. Swamiji will start with

the Gita Dhyanam and will progressively cover the entire text. He will give
Translations and commentaries on the text including the commentaries
AdiShankaracharya and others.

Please invite all you friends and relatives as well.
Start Date: 9th March 2008
Class Days: Every Sunday
Class Time: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (the class starts after morning puja, which starts at 7:30 a.m., is completed)
Course Duration: Indefinite, until completion of the text.
Course Fees: No charge. Donation are accepted gratefully
Location: Chinmaya Ashram
#1 Swami Chinmayananda Drive, Calcutta #1, Mc Bean, Couva. TRINIDAD

JahajeeDesi's Blogs:
http://www.jahajeedesi.com/forums/index.php?act=idx http://deosaranbisnath.wordpress.com
http://jahajeedesi.blogspot.com
http://trinidad-tobago.blogspot.com
http://trinidadtobago.wordpress.com
http://hinducouncilofthecaribbean.wordpress.com
http://caribbean-talk.blogspot.com

INDOCARIBBEAN TIMES - Current issue is available here: http://www.esnips.com/web/Indo-CaribbeanTimes

BOLLYWOOD plays HOLI: Hema Malini in SHOLAY (above)

Dharmendra and Waheeda Rahman in PHAGUN (below)

FREE ONLINE RADIO from TRINIDADRADIO SHAKTI & MASSALA Radio http://www.HotLikePepperRadio.com

FREE ONLINE RADIO from FIJIRadio Fiji Two Radio Mirchihttp://www.radiofiji.com.fj

~~~~~~~HINDU WISDOM
As an eagle, weary after soaring in the sky, folds its wings and flies down to rest in its nest, so does the shining Self enter the state of dreamless sleep, where one is freed from all desires.-Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.-Mahatma Gandhi, 1930

Brahman creates the game of life by breaking Himself into parts that undergo transformation and extinction. Yet while he takes on all the roles required by the game, He also always remains free of the game and intact as Brahman.-Abhinavagupta ~~~~~~~~~
V S NAIPAUL: A Tribute http://www.jahajeedesi.com/forums/index.php?showforum=56

An Agent, a Green Card, and a Demand for Sex
No problems so far, the immigration agent told the American citizen and his 22-year-old Colombian wife at her green card interview in December. After he stapled one of their wedding photos to her application for legal permanent residency, he had just one more question: What was her cellphone number?

A Secret Recording

The calls from the agent started three days later. He hinted, she said, at his power to derail her life and deport her relatives, alluding to a brush she had with the law before her marriage. He summoned her to a private meeting. And at noon on Dec. 21, in a parked car on Queens Boulevard, he named his price — not realizing that she was recording everything on the cellphone in her purse.
“I want sex,” he said on the recording. “One or two times. That’s all. You get your green card. You won’t have to see me anymore.”
She reluctantly agreed to a future meeting. But when she tried to leave his car, he demanded oral sex “now,” to “know that you’re serious.” And despite her protests, she said, he got his way.
The 16-minute recording, which the woman first took to The New York Times and then to the Queens district attorney, suggests the vast power of low-level immigration law enforcers, and a growing desperation on the part of immigrants seeking legal status. The aftermath, which included the arrest of an immigration agent last week, underscores the difficulty and danger of making a complaint, even in the rare case when abuse of power may have been caught on tape.
No one knows how widespread sexual blackmail is, but the case echoes other instances of sexual coercion that have surfaced in recent years, including agents criminally charged in Atlanta, Miami and Santa Ana, Calif. And it raises broader questions about the system’s vulnerability to corruption at a time when millions of noncitizens live in a kind of legal no-man’s land, increasingly fearful of seeking the law’s protection.
The agent arrested last week, Isaac R. Baichu, 46, himself an immigrant from Guyana, handled some 8,000 green card applications during his three years as an adjudicator in the Garden City, N.Y., office of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, part of the federal Department of Homeland Security. He pleaded not guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges of coercing the young woman to perform oral sex, and of promising to help her secure immigration papers in exchange for further sexual favors. If convicted, he will face up to seven years in prison.
His agency has suspended him with pay, and the inspector general of Homeland Security is reviewing his other cases, a spokesman said Wednesday. Prosecutors, who say they recorded a meeting between Mr. Baichu and the woman on March 11 at which he made similar demands for sex, urge any other victims to come forward.
Money, not sex, is the more common currency of corruption in immigration, but according to Congressional testimony in 2006 by Michael Maxwell, former director of the agency’s internal investigations, more than 3,000 backlogged complaints of employee misconduct had gone uninvestigated for lack of staff, including 528 involving criminal allegations.
The agency says it has tripled its investigative staff since then, and counts only 165 serious complaints pending. But it stopped posting an e-mail address and phone number for such complaints last year, said Jan Lane, chief of security and integrity, because it lacks the staff to cull the thousands of mostly irrelevant messages that resulted. Immigrants, she advised, should report wrongdoing to any law enforcement agency they trust.
The young woman in Queens, whose name is being withheld because the authorities consider her the victim of a sex crime, did not even tell her husband what had happened. Two weeks after the meeting in the car, finding no way to make a confidential complaint to the immigration agency and afraid to go to the police, she and two older female relatives took the recording to The Times.... continued at:
http://jahajeedesi.blogspot.com/
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/nyregion/21immigrant.html

FREE TIBET, Now! Stop CHINESE BRUTALITYDear Friends:China has denied entry to the media but reports emanating from Lhasa and other parts of Tibet describe Chinese brutality and violent repression of the Tibetan monks and people of Tibet. The fact that the government in Beijing can do so freely, with relative impunity, is absolutely galling, and a shameless indictment against nations who trade with China. Here is Amnesty International's latest report:
China: Concern grows over crackdown on Tibetan protestersAmnesty International today condemned the harsh crackdown on peaceful protesters in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa. According to eyewitness reports, on 11 March, Chinese police used teargas and electric prods to disperse 500 demonstrators, who were seeking the release of fellow monks held after the previous day’s protests.
On 10 March, it was reported that 11 protesters, including nine monks, were severely beaten and detained outside Tsuklakhang cathedral in central Lhasa. They had been demonstrating to mark the 49th anniversary of the Dalai Lama's flight from Tibet after his failed rebellion against Chinese rule. Some 50 monks have also been detained across the capital.
“Demonstrators have a right to protest peacefully. China violates international human rights standards in denying their freedom of assembly and freedom of expression,” said Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Deputy Program Director Tim Parritt.
“Amnesty International condemns human rights abuses wherever they occur: on the streets of Beijing or the mountains of Tibet.”
Amnesty International calls on China to release immediately all those detained for peacefully exercising their rights.
http://www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/china-concern-grows-over-crackdown-tibetan-protesters-20080312
To remind everyone: Tibet is not a part of China. China has occupied Tibet since 1959, when the Communists invaded the country in order to seize control of it's vast natural resources. Over the course of the last 49 years, China has ruled Tibet with an iron thumb, depriving its citizens of basic civil rights, while settling ethnic Chinese in the country.
Western nations should feel ashamed that they continue to legitimate China's occupation of Tibet by continuing to do business with it. We should freeze China's assets, and refuse to purchase products made in China in response to it's illegal and undemocratic colonial administration of Tibet. It's time to boycott Beijing, even if it hurts our economy to do so. China is another apartheid state like the former South African regime, or its client state of Myanmar today.
It's time the West forced it to start playing by the rules, so that it behaved like a real democracy. If China wants to become a member of the family of nations, it has to start behaving like one. As the Dalai Lama has repeatedly said, nothing else will do.BOYCOTT CHINESE GOODS and THE SUMMER OLYMPICS in China.
China must be treated as a pariah nation unless Tibetans are allowed freedom and independence. Get involved and participate in protests and demonstrations against China throughout the world.
http://tibet97.blogspot.com/
Deosaran Bisnath, Member, Amnesty International

Webpages and Forum dedicated to the NOBLE LAUREATEhttp://www.jahajeedesi.com/index.php?page=laureatevsnaipaul
Trinidad National Archives OnlineIndian Immigration Page:http://www.natt.gov.tt/ViewArchiveSearchResults.aspx?ArchiveID=TT+NATT+IM+2

Stop misleading the worldThe Stabroek News reprinted in its issue of Thursday, March 13, 2008, an editorial from the Trinidad Express with the caption: “Will Guyana ever truly be free?” no doubt on the urging of the Stabroek.
But let me say in response to the caption that Guyana will really truly be free, when that very freedom which is so cherished and is currently being enjoyed, experienced and propagated by the PPP/C Government, stops being abused by newspapers like the Stabroek News, to mislead the world that freedom of the press is being suppressed in our Guyana.
Has it not yet occurred to the Stabroek News that their chances of being reprieved on the issue of placement of advertisements are for them to withdraw their false and wicked allegations against the government?DAVID DE GROOT

Premier of Ontario, Canada, Asks For a More Comprehensive Prayer
http://www.hinduismtoday.com/hpi/2008/3/19#3.shtml
TORONTO, CANADA, March 19, 2008: (Via Religion News Service) The premier of Ontario has dropped a political hot potato with his recent announcement that the daily recitation of the Lord's Prayer in the provincial legislature should be dropped. "It's time for us to ensure that we have a prayer that better reflects our diversity," Dalton McGuinty, a Liberal Party member, said last month. "The members of the Ontario Legislature reflect the diversity of Ontario -- be it Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or agnostic. It is time for our practices to do the same." Canadian leaders have been increasingly more supportive of religious pluralism. In 2007, at the opening of the Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto, McGuinty said "Toronto is a place where people from all over the world can come together to create something beautiful -- a strong and diverse society." At the same event, Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper said "Today we celebrate one of our country's greatest strengths--its commitment to pluralism." McGuinty's proposal has touched off a decidedly religious debate in largely secular Canada, and one that echoes similar fights south of the border over the proper role of religion in civic spheres. he U.S. debate, for the most part, has not centered on the Lord's Prayer but on other references to the divine -- specifically, whether civic councils can open with prayers that end "in Jesus' name." That's the fight playing out in a federal appeals court in Richmond, Va.

Inspiration

What is Dharma? Dharma is that which lifts up the falling man and enables him to reach God. Dharma in reality is no other than unflinching devotion to God. What is called Dharma for achieving worldly ends, such as health, wealth, or progeny, is not really Dharma; it is Dharma only in a secondary sense.
Who Can Give Peace? Only he who knows the will of God can give peace to another. When Dharmaputra was feeling dejected that he had killed so many people in war, any amount of advice given by learned and wise Rishis who did not know the will of God, proved to be of no avail. Dharmaputra continued to be sad; he did not get peace of mind till he had his doubts cleared by the Sage Bhishma.- Sri Swami Sivananda
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CaribbeanHindus/http://www.jahajeedesi.com/forums/index.php?showforum=10

Word of the Week
PICHAKAAREE, noun: shiny brass instrument which looks like a large syringe. It is traditionally used in Phagwa to squirt abeer – coloured water - on participants at phagwa celebrations.
The word pichakaaree is often used in many phagwa songs to record the playful aggression re enacted by in phagwa as the participants shoot abeer on each other. The lyrics the most popular phagwa song, ‘Holi kheka Raghubeera,’ which is often looked upon as the anthem of phagwa holds, ‘Rama ke haathe kanak pichakaaree – Rama holds in His had a golden pichakaaree.”
The abeer is made up of a vegetable crystal which is prepared by boiling the chrystals in water. Abeer is transported in large tins and containers to the venues of ‘play’. Locally pichakaarees are made out of PVC pipes and plastic bottles.
HOW THE SONGS CAME TO BE CALLED ‘PICHAKAAREE’
The original name of the song was Local Phagwa Composition. Many factors contributed to the naming of the songs as Pichakaaree.
Kendra Phagwa Festival continues to cherish the traditional songs called chowtaal. The lyrics of chowtal communicated ideas and moods of India. It also provides the community with a source for information on the religion and couture.
The jahajee community originally possessed almost ten languages eventully lost – all these languages.
Songs had to be composed in the language which they now possessed; English.
In order to preserve at least words and phrases through this new form, rules were laid to ensure that composers use Indian words.
The need which inspired the naming of this genre of songs as’pichakaaree’ came from the need to address through songs, the need for recording for posterity the experiences of the community as it addresses life in the context of its present space an time; modern day Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.
A common image visible in all phagwa celebration inspired the naming of pichakaaree;
The nozzle of the pichakaaree is placed in a container of abeer located where one is standing. The player draws in the abeer into the belly of the pichakaaree, points it at a target and squirts out the warm, colourful liquid.

Out of purity and silence come words of power. Swami Chinmayananda (1916-1993), founder of Chinmaya Mission
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 'jahaj' = ship; 'desi' = Indian'JahajeeDesi' = The Indians who crossed the Kala Pani by ship, the Indentured Indian Immigrants, and their descendents.http://www.JahajeeDesi.comFor Free Subscription to this Newsletter, or to Join the JahajeeDesi YAHOO Group, or to contribute News, Letters, Essays, Reviews, Send Mail to: CCDSJ@yahoo.comSubscription Problems? Unsubscribe? Send Mail to: CCDSJ@yahoo.com http://www.jahajeedesi.com/forums/index.php?act=idx http://deosaranbisnath.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php
Copyright @2008 JahajeeDesi.com
Main Pagehttp://www.jahajeedesi.com/forums/index.php?act=idxNEWS:http://www.jahajeedesi.com/forums/index.php?showforum=8

2008-03-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

GOPio Trinidad & Tobago meets Mr. Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition

2008-03-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago and Ms. Rajnie Ramlakhan, Secretary of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, meets with Mr. Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition, and Political Leader of the UNC

Newly elected GOPIO-TRINIDAD Chapter officers installed

2008-03-19T17:20:00.000-07:00

Meeting with Mr. Basdeo Panday, Le4ader of the Opposition: GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago President, Mr. Deosaran Bisnath, and GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago Secretary, Ms. Rajnie Ramlakhan
GOPIO

GOPIO INSTALLS NEWLY ELECTED GOPIO-TRINIDAD CHAPTER OFFICERS

The newly elected executives of GOPIO-Trinidad Chapter were formally installed at a very prominent event held on the evening of Friday, February 29, 2008 at the HCU World Select Gem Convention Centre in Freeport, Trinidad. The event was very well attended by over 300 that included high ranking officials of the government and opposition parties as well as foreign representatives, well wishers, the press and the general public.

The feature speaker was the Indian High Commissioner Jagjit Singh Sapra. Newly elected executive officers of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago were inaugurated by GOPIO Secretary General Ashook Ramsaran and GOPIO's Caribbean Region Vice- President Ambassador Krishna Nandoe. Entertainment for the evening was provided by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation. The new officers are:President Deosaran Bisnath; Vice President Reuben Girdhar-Niranjan: Secretary Rajnie Ramlakhan; Asst. Secretary Sacha Mahabal; Auditor Davindra Singh; Directors Pandit Jaganath Seeram Maharaj, Doolarchan Hanoomansingh, and Niranjan Bhaggan.

Indian High Commissioner Sapra delivered the keynote address and praised GOPIO's community. Minister Lenny Saithin the Prime Minister's Office congratulated the newly elected officials of GOPIO of Trinidad and Tobago and extended greetings from Prime Minister Patrick Manning. Albert Ramdin, Assistant Secretary of the Organization of American States (OAS) remarked that GOPIO's effort on local and international levels are quite admirable. Contributing remarks were made by Deosaran Bisnath, newly elected President of GOPIO of Trinidad and Tobago chapter; Ashook Ramsaran, General Secretary of GOPIO International; Ambassador Mr. Krishna Nandoe, Caribbean Region Vice- President of GOPIO International; Mr Yesu Persaud, a founding member of GOPIO and currently Chairman of Guyana; Mr Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition Party. Also in attendance was Suriname's Ambassador to Trinidad and TobagoFidelia Graande-Galon; as well as Ramesh L. Maharaj, Parliamentary Whip. Prominent civic and religious leaders were also in attendance.

GOPIO of Trinidad and Tobago recognized the contributions of the following persons who have made significant contributions in various segments of the society: Ramdath Jagessar; Rev. Ralph R. Umraw; Phoolo Dhany-Maharaj; Zahir Baksh; Pundit Capildeo Maharaj and Valene Maharaj. The awards were presented by High Commissioner Sapra and assisted by Ashook Ramsaran.

Earlier on that day, GOPIO's representatives were interviewed on television: Ashook Ramsaran, General Secretary of GOPIO International and Mr Yesu Persaud, Chairman of Guyana, were on Gayelle TV. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago and Ambassador Mr. Krishna Nandoe, Caribbean Region Vice- President of GOPIO International, were on CNC3 Television. The GOPIO delegation of Ramsaran, Nandoe, Persaud and Bisnath re-iterated GOPIO's "non-political and secular" position and stressed the need for collaborative community efforts to address issues of interest and concern in the community, while "maintaining and strengthening national unity and national loyalty".

At a meeting with Minister of CultureDonna Cox, Deosaran Bisnath elaborated on some of the community programs being planned by GOPIO T&T. These include educational seminars on alcohol abuse, diabetes and education. MinisterCox welcomed the efforts and offered the support of the Ministry of Culture.

The meeting with India's High Commissioner Sapra was held in the office of the High Commissioner and attended by the delegation of Ramsaran, Nandoe, Persaud and Bisnath. Discussions included GOPIO's request to increase the number of scholarships, promoting "Get To Know India" program and including GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago in the selection process. Sapra also elaborated on future collaboration with trade exhibitions and business conference.

A full press conference was held at City Hall. Members of the press met with the delegation of Ramsaran, Nandoe, Persaud and Bisnath, and posed questions relating to GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, GOPIO International and how the chapter plans to work with others in its efforts to address community issues, working in close collaboration with other civic groups.

The GOPIO delegation of Ramsaran, Nandoe, Persaud and Bisnath then met with Prime Minister Patrick Manning. While Ramsaran and others in the GOPIO delegation re-iterated GOPIO's position of being non-political and secular, Prime Minister Manning welcomed the change in the executives of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago.

Photo below: GOPIO-T&T Chapter President Deosaran Bisnath, GOPIO Secretary General Ashook Ramsaran and T&T Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

Photo above: GOPIO officials meet Indian Ambassador T&T Jagjit Singh Sapra. From L. to R. Ramsaran, Bisnath, High Commissioner Sapra, GOPIO-Guyana Chairman Yesu Persaud and GOPIO Regional VP Krishna Nandoe.

The following day on March 1, Ramsaran met with Indian High Commissioner to Suriname Ashok Sharma, in transit in Trinidad on
Amb Sharma's way to St Lucia. Their discussion centered on establishing more GOPIO chapters to further strengthen the GOPIO network in the Caribbean Region. These include Barbados and Lt Lucia for which Sharma has jurisdiction as India's High Commissioner.

Contact: Deosaran Bisnath, President,GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, P.O. BOX 2286, Chaguanas, Trinidad & Tobago, Tel: 687-7529, E-mail: GopioTT@gmail.com

GOPIO ESSAY COMPETITION - Win LAPTOP and DESKTOP computers!

2008-03-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a Chapter of GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas, 687-7529 GopioTT@gmail.com http://gopiott.blogspot.com/

Deosaran Bisnath, President Rajnie Ramlakhan, Secretary Oscar Ramoutar, Treasurer Niranjan Bhagan, Director

GOPIO ESSAY COMPETITION ALCOHOLISM – Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Win a LAPTOP COMPUTER!

Win a DESKTOP COMPUTER!

Four runner-up Prizes in each Group
ALCOHOLISM, the major social, economic, and health problem in our nation, is marked by excessive alcoholic consumption at levels that interfere with physical and mental health, and affects social, family, and occupational responsibilities.

Participants are required to define the scope of the problem, describe the effect of Alcoholism on our society, and propose practical and pragmatic solutions that can be realistically implemented in Trinidad & Tobago. It is expected that analysis of current data and relevant information will be presented, in both text and graphical formats. Data sources and references should be credited.Minimum word length: 2500

Entries should be mailed before, 18th April 2008, to GOPIO Trinidad & TobagoPO BOX 2286, Chaguanas.

The winners will be announced, and prizes distributed, at the Indian Arrival Day Seminar 2008, on Saturday May 10th, at the Divali Nagar Main Auditorium, Chaguanas,

FOR MORE INFORMATION and to JOIN GOPIO (free for Students and over 60):
Call 687-7529, 314-1456, GOPIOTT@gmail.com

GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago, a chapter of GOPIO International, is a secular, non–political, non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization http://gopiott.blogspot.com/

GOPIO Installs Newly Elected GOPIO of Trinidad Chapter Officers

2008-03-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

GOPIO Installs Newly Elected GOPIO of Trinidad Chapter Officers

The newly elected executives of GOPIO of Trinidad Chapter of GOPIO International were formally installed at a very prominent event held on the evening of Friday, February 29, 2008 at the HCU World Select Gem Convention Centre in Freeport, Trinidad. The event was very well attended by over 300 that included high ranking officials of the government and opposition parties as well as foreign representatives, well wishers, the press and the general public.

The feature speaker was the Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Shri Jagjit Singh Sapra. Newly elected executive officers of GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago were inaugurated by Mr. Ashook Ramsaran, General Secretary of GOPIO International, and Ambassador Mr. Krishna Nandoe, Caribbean Region Vice- President of GOPIO International. Entertainment for the evening was provided by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation.

Newly elected executive officers of the GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago who were installed are: President Deosaran Bisnath; Vice President Reuben Girdhar-Niranjan: Secretary Rajnie Ramlakhan; Asst. Secretary Varsha Maharaj; Treasurer Oscar Ramoutar; Directors Pandit Jaganath Seeram Maharaj and Niranjan Bhaggan; Youth Coordinators Sacha Mahabal, Shivanie Ramcharitar and Avinash Sanu.

Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Shri Jagjit Singh Sapra delivered the keynote address and praised the work GOPIO is doing. Hon Lenny Saith, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office congratulated the newly elected officials of GOPIO of Trinidad and Tobago and extended greetings from Prime Minister Patrick Manning. Hon Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) remarked that GOPIO’s effort on local and international levels are quite admirable. Contributing remarks were made by Deosaran Bisnath, newly elected President of GOPIO of Trinidad and Tobago chapter; Ashook Ramsaran, General Secretary of GOPIO International; Ambassador Mr. Krishna Nandoe, Caribbean Region Vice- President of GOPIO International; Mr Yesu Persaud, a founding member of GOPIO and currently Chairman of Guyana; Mr Basdeo Panday, Leader of the Opposition. Also in attendance was Suriname’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Fidelia Graande-Galon; as well as Hon Ramesh L. Maharaj, Parliamentary Whip. Prominent civic and religious leaders were also in attendance.

GOPIO of Trinidad and Tobago recognized the contributions of the following persons who have made significant contributions in various segments of the society: Ramdath Jagessar; Rev. Ralph R. Umraw; Phoolo Dhany-Maharaj; Zahir Baksh; Pundit Capildeo Maharaj and Valene Maharaj. The awards were presented by Hon Sapra and assisted by Ashook Ramsaran.

Earlier on that day, GOPIO’s representatives were interviewed on television: Ashook Ramsaran, General Secretary of GOPIO International and Mr Yesu Persaud, Chairman of Guyana, were on Gayelle TV. Deosaran Bisnath, President of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago and Ambassador Mr. Krishna Nandoe, Caribbean Region Vice- President of GOPIO International, were on CNC3 Television. The GOPIO delegation of Ramsaran, Nandoe, Persaud and Bisnath re-iterated GOPIO’s “non-political and secular” position and stressed the need for collaborative community efforts to address issues of interest and concern in the community, while “maintaining and strengthening national unity and national loyalty”.

At a meeting with Hon Donna Cox, Minister in Ministry of Culture, Deosaran Bisnath elaborated on some of the community programs being planned by GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago . These include educational seminars on alcohol abuse, diabetes and education. Hon Donna Cox welcomed the efforts and offered the support of the Ministry of Culture.

The meeting with India’s High Commissioner Hon. Sapra was held in the office of the High Commissioner and attended by the delegation of Ramsaran, Nandoe, Persaud and Bisnath. Discussions included GOPIO’s request to increase the number of scholarships, promoting “Get To Know India” program and including GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago in the selection process. Hon. Sapra also elaborated on future collaboration with trade exhibitions and business conference. GOPIO plans to initiate efforts to establish chapters in Grenada and Dominica, and Hon. Sapra’s liaison would be helpful in this effort.

A full press conference was held at City Hall. Members of the press met with the delegation of Ramsaran, Nandoe, Persaud and Bisnath, and posed questions relating to GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, GOPIO International and how the chapter plans to work with others in its efforts to address community issues, working in close collaboration with other civic groups.

The GOPIO delegation of Ramsaran, Nandoe, Persaud and Bisnath then met with Prime Minister Patrick Manning at the office of the Prime Minister. While Ramsaran and others in the GOPIO delegation re-iterated GOPIO’s position of being non-political and secular, Prime Minister Manning welcomed the change in the executives of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago. A Press Release on the meeting with GOPIO from the Office of the Prime Minister followed shortly thereafter.

The following day on March 1, Ramsaran met with Indian High Commissioner to Suriname, Hon. Ashok Sharma, in transit in Trinidad on his way to St Lucia. Their discussion centered on establishing more GOPIO chapters to further strengthen the GOPIO network in the Caribbean Region. These include Barbados and Lt Lucia for which Hon Sharma has jurisdiction as India’s High Commissioner.

GOPIO is a non-partisan, non-sectarian global organization with chapters in several countries, actively promoting the interests of people of Indian origin worldwide by monitoring and addressing current critical issues of concern, and by enhancing cooperation and communication among groups of Indians living in
various countries and with India.

For more information, please contact Inder Singh, President of GOPIO International at gopio-intl@sbcglobal.net or by telephone at +1-818-708-3885 or Ashook Ramsaran, Secretary General, at ramsaran@aol.com or by telephone at +1-718-939-8194.