Horizons 2014 - Horizons Guyana

Horizons 2014 -
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Contents
Aging Gracefully:
Nani Hirawatie of Essequibo
51
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha
Celebrates Its 40Th Anniversary
55
Publisher's Message
4
Addressing Suicide
60
Editor’s Note
6
Family Traditions
Ties that bind...
64
Life on The Plantation
- Indian Indentured Immigrants
10
2014 Indian Arrival Celebrations
81
Indian Settlements
15
Guyanese Abroad Receiving
Awards and Accolades
86
Madras Culture in Guyana
20
89
E-Networks Emerging Voices
A Ground-breaking Musical TV
Reality Show
Bal Nivas
Dharmic Sabha's Shelter
for Children in Berbice
24
TULSI- The Elixir Of Life
31
Sonu Nigam Visits The Majestic
Kaieteur Falls
35
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My Determined Path To Meditation 92
yoga Asanas
East Indian Works of Art
40
Taan Singing
46
Myths & Old Practices
48
94
Publisher's Message
O
n behalf of the entire AMS Team I am pleased to deliver our 9th
edition of Horizons Magazine as we celebrate Indian Arrival 2014
representing 176 Years since the arrival of the first East Indians in May
1838 to the shores of the then British Guiana.
They have left behind a proud and rich legacy of their heritage, religion and
culture which has now become enshrined in the fabric of today’s Guyana.
Across the country, we are reminded of the East Indian legacy and influence
through our temples and mosques, rich culture through our nationally
celebrated festivals, weddings rich with tradition, delectable Indian food
many of which are national staples, music, fashion and dance.
These stories of our rich and colourful East Indian history need to be shared
and our heritage and culture celebrated with today’s East Indian generation
and the wider society across all of Guyana.
Through these pages and previous editions of our HORIZONS Magazines we
have chronicled the stories of the early arrivals and highlighted the success of
ensuing generations of East Indians in Guyana.
We salute the efforts of those East Indian brothers and sisters who
pioneered the efforts and persevered to have May 5 declared Indian Arrival
Day. Since its declaration as a National Holiday we have seen the emergence
of East Indian religious and cultural celebrations across the country by the
many East Indian organizations.
In 2014 we have seen the annual re-enactment of the arrival of the first
ship, the Whitby with its precious cargo of the first East Indians at Highbury,
Berbice.
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha hosted a number of religious and social
events to include a major concert with the world famous Bollywood singer
Sonu Nigam. In addition they unveiled the highly acclaimed Bal Nivas Complex
in Berbice.
The Indian Commemoration Trust hosted their traditional event in their
Monument Gardens and unveiled a special monument in honour of the early
East Indian immigrants. The Indian Arrival Committee hosted their annual
Melas in Berbice and Essequibo.
We also saw the launch of Guyana’s first East Indian Musical Reality
Television Show pioneered by Mr. Vishok Persaud and his E-Networks group.
This is an excellent initiative and production which received raving reviews
and needs to be fully supported as it can only help to propagate the further
development of East Indian Music and Culture.
I want to thank our entire Team at AMS and particularly our Editor Dr.
Vindhya Persaud for her continued efforts in delivering the rich editorial
content. I also want to thank the many editorial and photographic contributors
for their support.
We encourage those of you who wish to offer articles for publishing in our
future issues of our HORIZONS Magazine to engage Dr. Vindhya Persaud and
myself.
Let’s continue to celebrate our rich East Indian heritage and traditions.
Lokesh Singh
Publisher
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Editor’s Note
E
very year as we celebrate Arrival Day in Guyana, we
reflect on a period of history in our country replete with
cruelty, struggle, deprivation of basic human rights and
life-changing decisions which influenced not only the ethnic
composition of our country but its future. Oppression during
that time generated leaders and freedom fighters, a people
who fought to preserve their heritage as they struggled to
survive.
Foremost in the minds of the early immigrant was not
only survival, but the vision of his/her children achieving
an improved quality of life. Those sentiments remained
embedded and today, their descendants include not
only highly accomplished individuals but also successive
generations of torch- bearers in families; in diverse fields.
As we, their descendants reminisce on our ancestors’
triumphs over their vicissitudes and carve our own destinies, we
must be cognizant of the impact our every decision and action
makes on Guyana. We must be aware of how we are perceived
not only within our country but beyond its borders , as such
our characters must bear the imprints of those hallmarks of
our ancestors; courage, decisiveness, integrity, discipline and
dedication to work. Integral to their multitude achievements
was foresight and an indomitable spirit which bore fruit. Today,
the stamp of a past generation is visible in varied forms which
have been absorbed into our national tapestry of culture,
economic growth and diversity, agricultural direction, musical
blends, clothing, national cuisine and architecture. We each
have a personal responsibility to preserve those dimensions
that are not so readily apparent; all the remnants of their
historical journey, the values that guided them in times of
despair and the faith and optimism that made them never
succumb.
I trust that the lessons of the past would have delved into our
consciousness so that as a people we not only celebrate the
road we are on, but we appreciate the struggles and sacrifices
of the people who have traversed this road in the early days to
take us to this point. Let us learn from their lives’ illustration,
how as a united people with a common goal of betterment for
country and people- they withstood and triumphed against all
odds for a better future for succeeding generations.
I am proud of my Guyanese roots and my Indian ancestry and
heritage and feel immense pride in the things which make us
as a Guyanese people unique to the world; the amalgamation
of our cultural traditions yet our ability to maintain so many
in their pristine forms, our inherent hospitality and warmth,
our progressive spirit and that harmony with which we live in
our beautiful land; appreciating and sharing in each other’s
customs and celebrations.
We need to see the positive way in which we are perceived
as a country and people through the eyes of those who visit;
while the majesty of Kaieteur Falls literally takes one’s breath
away…it is the spirit of our people that remain as an indelible
imprint in their hearts.
I would like to thank all those who contributed to this
year’s Horizons, especially the AMS team and the readers
who encourage me to do this year after year. Indian Arrival
Day greetings! Every success is wished to you as you embark
on ventures which will reflect positively on our country. As
the lines of Sonu Nigam’s famous song weave their magic; the
deeper meaning speaks to us all – Har pal yahan, jee bhar jiyo,
jo hai sama kal ho na ho( Live every moment here to its fullest,
the moment that is here now might not be tomorrow)
God bless!
Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud M.P
Editor
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Guyana's East Indian Immigration & Heritage Magazine
Horizons is published annually by:
Advertising & Marketing Services
213 B Camp Street, P.O. Box 101582
Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 225-5384
Fax: 592-225-5383
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.horizonsguyana.com
Publisher
Lokesh Singh
[email protected]
Editor
Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud
[email protected]
Advertising Sales
Anupa Outar
Graphic Design & Layout
Advertising & Marketing Services
Heimant Ram & Deomattie Seeram
Contributing Writers
Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud
Dr. Indhira Harry Zahrah Alli
Deodatt Tillack
Dr. Odeen Ishmael
Renu Batra
Joy Persaud
Deomattie Seeram
Ananda Latchman
Priya Methuram
Kumar Kissoon
Photography
Fidal Bassier
Sandra Prince
Amanda Richards
Deodatt Tillack
Kumar Kissoon
Deomattie Seeram
Ananda Latchman
Nicola Pierre
GINA
Guyana Times
Deodat Persaud
E-Networks
Adrian Narine
Trishala Persaud
Javin Singh
Troy Parbhoo
Indian Arrival Committee
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© Copyright 2014. Reproduction of any material
without the permission of AMS is strictly prohibited.
AMS reserves the right to determine the content of
this publication. AMS wishes to express sincere thanks and
appreciation to all parties who have assisted in making
this publication a reality.
Life on The Plantation
W
e have all read of or at
least heard tales of the
life of deprivation and
hardship endured by
the Indian Immigrants who left India
bound for various countries including
Guyana. The conditions they faced were
formidable and history records some
of those conditions of work and living.
Improvement in living and working
conditions were not high on the agendait seemed that the aim was to keep them
as a productive workforce with little
regard to how they existed.
Whether it was fear of the unknown or
simply because they did not understand
what they were signing many of Indian
Immigrants who came in 1845 refused
to sign written agreements with the
plantation owners. This impacted on the
duration of their tenure and their working
conditions. They initially did not work
for more than four weeks. However, the
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- Indian Indentured Immigrants
By Dr. Vindhya Persaud
British Government intervened in 1848
and extended the hiring period to three
years-a steady climb from 4 weeks to 6
months and 1 year in the preceding years.
Many Indians perished and the Indian
Government implemented a ban on
emigration. After a periodic lull, Indian
immigration to Guyana resumed in
1851. This time the hiring contract was
extended to 5 years.
Punishment of varying severity was
meted out to the Immigrants. If an
indentured Indian refused to attend
daily roll call, or to do work given to
him, he was placed before a magistrate
and faced a fine of $24 or up to two
months in prison. If he was absent for
seven consecutive days, or found more
Plantation Leonora
than two miles from his workplace on
a work day, he was also charged for
deserting and faced a punishment of up
to two months in prison. Visits outside
the plantation were only permitted if
permission was granted.
On paper, the benefits listed in the
Ordinance looked reasonable but
invariably housing conditions were
extremely poor and they continued to
live in barrack ranges - referred to as
"logies" which afforded almost no privacy
to families. Basic medical care was not
given. Food was meagre and beatings
were sound and not infrequent. Many
lost their lives or simply disappeared
after an alleged incident. Their privacy
was often invaded on allegations of
stolen goods or not going to work. These
were difficult to refute as whether true
Plantation Reliance Essequibo
Horizons 2014 -
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or not; punishment was swift and brutal. No one
monitored the “justice system” and immigrants
lived and survived at the whims and fancies of
their masters.
Some Indians (75,547 Indians over 5 years)
opted to return to India after their period of
indenture. The last batch left in 1949. Those who
remained gravitated to farming but even those
efforts were thwarted as the Court of Policy chose
to enact legislation in 1853 to halt this process.
This new law forced the Indians to serve as
indentured labourers for the first five years, and
for the second five years as either free labourers
or as indentured labourers. The incentive to be reindentured was $50 for adults. Any move towards
independence was not encouraged.
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Horizons 2014 -
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Indian Settlements
By Dr. Odeen Ishmael
I
n 1885 the Government appointed a
Commission headed by the Attorney
General, J. W. Carrington, to determine
how a land settlement scheme could be
established for Indians in compensation
for their return passages to India. The
Commission met with plantation owners,
groups of Indians and other interested
persons, and visited a number of places
suitable for settlement. The Commission
subsequently established a Return
Passages Committee in September 1896
to obtain the sites and to select the
settlers.
In 1896 Helena, an abandoned sugar
plantation on the west bank of the
Mahaica River, was purchased by the
Government. It was then surveyed and
divided into lots, and the old drainage
canals were also cleared.
Distribution of house lots and
cultivation plots to the selected settlers
began in April 1897, and by the time this
process was completed, 1,206 persons
were in possession of land in the
settlement. However, all the persons
granted land in Helena did not move
from their former places of residence
to reside there. Some owned farms
elsewhere and they had to sell those
Horizons 2014 -
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properties before they could move. In
addition, many of them were employed
on the on-going Demerara railway
project for relatively good wages and
were not ready to surrender their jobs
to settle permanently at Helena. As a
result, the settlement suffered from
neglect.
The Carrington Commission felt that
the settlers could not manage Helena
without Government support. The
Governor, Sir Walter Sundall, therefore,
appointed Rev. James Cropper of
the Canadian East Indian Mission as
superintendent of Helena, and also of
Whim, another Indian settlement which
had started on the Corentyne.
Logie
Cropper was faced with numerous
problems at Helena due to the fact that
many of the new proprietors were not
living there, and also because those who
were occupying lands were very poor.
The long drought of 1899 worsened
their plight since their crops, particularly
rice, suffered badly. Thus, the collection
of rates for the maintenance of
infrastructure was not an easy task.
The Whim settlement started in
September 1898 when land for housing
and cultivation was allocated to settlers.
By March 1899, land was shared out to
574 persons.
Many of the persons granted land at
this settlement previously resided at the
nearby sugar estates of Port Mourant
and Albion where they had jobs, mainly
as cane cutters, when they were not
working on their own lands. The long
drought in 1899 forced many of them to
abandon their plots and return to Port
Mourant and Albion, but they gradually
returned to Whim as the weather
conditions improved. Some of them also
experienced severe economic problems
because they incurred heavy debts
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East Indians Landing in British Guiana
East Indian Immigrants Village
after borrowing from money lenders to
finance the building of houses. It took
some time before they could eventually
pay off these debts.
The settlers cultivated mainly rice,
but also planted coconuts, coffee and
fruit trees. With their earnings from the
sugar estates they were able to erect
better houses than their counterparts at
Helena. Current expenditure to maintain
the settlement was defrayed from rates
collected from the new proprietors.
However, progress was slower than
expected and the Government decided
not to expand the settlement.
A third settlement for Indians was
established at Bush Lot in West Berbice.
The area was an abandoned estate which
was heavily indebted to the Government
for rates, and the proprietor sold it to
the Government for $1,200. Comprising
of an area of 1,306 acres of which 463
acres were waste land, it was handed
over to the Return Passage Committee
in March 1897.
The early settlers of Bush Lot
experienced the problems associated
with the drought of 1899 and their
rice crop was severely affected. Even
though house lots and cultivation plots
began to be distributed from 1899, it
was not until February 1902 that Bush
Lot was officially declared an Indian
settlement. A sum of $40,000 acquired
from the immigration fund was spent
on laying out the settlement and the
digging by shovel-men of a canal, over
three miles long, to the Abary River to
obtain water supply.
As at Helena and Whim, many of
the persons granted lands, did not
move to Bush Lot immediately and
so the erection of dwelling houses
progressed slowly for the first few
years. Although land was allotted to
1,227 persons when the settlement
began, only 394 were in occupation in
1904, and 632 by 1911.
To maintain the village, such as clearing
drains and fixing the streets, residents
were asked to give voluntary labour,
but they were not cooperative and they
refused to do so unless they were paid.
Maria's Pleasure on the island of
Wakenaam started in 1902 when 168
lots were distributed.
However, only 40 persons built homes
and rice and coconuts were cultivated.
But since most of the new land owners
could not be found, not enough rates
were collected.
Horizons 2014 -
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In 1903, the immigration agent
reported that some owners were
using their house lots for cultivation
purposes while their cultivation plots
were left unoccupied. The following
year the Government expressed
dissatisfaction with the problems
occurring in Maria's Pleasure and
decided to place this settlement, as
well as Bush Lot, Whim and Helena,
under the control of the Board of
Health. This was eventually done in
March 1905.
In 1905, the Government
abandoned the scheme to settle
Indians in exchange for their return
passages, and agreed instead to
assist them in purchasing land. In
1912-13, the
Government
purchased
the
abandoned estates of UnityLancaster on East Coast Demerara
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from their owners and improved the
drainage and irrigation canals. The land
was then divided into one-acre plots
which were sold for $20 each.
Around the same period Clonbrook,
another abandoned estate just a mile
to the west of Unity-Lancaster, was
also purchased by the Government
and divided into house lots and
cultivation plots. Each house lot was
sold for $30 while a cultivation plot
cost $20.
On the West Coast Demerara, Windsor
Forest and La Jalousie, with a combined
area of 3,000 acres, was offered for
rent at a rate of one dollar per acre for
the first year, and six dollars for each
subsequent year. The tenants had the
option of purchasing the land by paying
$8.50 per acre for 25 years. A nearby
estate, Hague, was also leased out in lots
and offered under similar terms.
By: Deodatt Tillack
T
he Tamilians from South India who had sailed from
the port of Madras, for the then British Guiana as
indentured labourers were termed “Madrasis”. Of
the 239,000 Indian immigrants to British Guiana less than
five percent made up the Madrasis population. For the British
planters they were the least desirable immigrants of all, they
were stereotyped as lazy, aggressive and rebellious. The alleged
penchant for heavy drinking, loud drumming and especially
their love and devotion for their kulla Devi Mariamma whose
worship involved animal sacrifice evoked that dislike. They
were certainly the least keen of all the immigrants on estate
work. They preferred to make their living away from the estate
in rice farming and fishing.
The Madrasis were easily identified as East Indians of dark
complexion with curly or kinky hair. The Madrasis brought with
them a diverse and complex culture. They mostly settled in the
Berbice area.
They are four well-known aspects of the Madrasis culture
practiced in Guyana and more so, in British Guiana. They wept
at the birth of a child. This was due to the uncertainty of the
child’s future. In spite of this belief they did not hesitate to
procreate. Secondly, they rejoiced at the death of a love
one. This was evident in the funeral procession which was
characterized by playing of drums such as the tappu and
singing of bhakti esaiyil/kirtanam (devotional songs). The
deceased was housed in an ‘arthi’ on the way to the saidukadu
(burial ground/crematorium) These were done to aid the
atman’s(soul) peaceful journey in the afterlife. The Madrasis
funeral procession is quite an experience. Thirdly, the older
women wear the Madrasi kerchief, which is colorful and depicts
the mayil (peacock) which is displayed at the center of the
forehead. Finally, they introduced to us the spicy yet palatable
milligu tani/mulga tani (pepper water) which is prepared with
lentil, meat preferably goat head, and tamarind juice.
The Madrasis’ spiritual belief lies in the Goddess Mariamma
and her worship is an essential feature of their culture.
The Mariamma with the two Kargums beside her.
This is taken at the La Penitence Madras Temple
Mariamma
Mari means rain and the goddess is very popular in Tamil
Nadu. She is believed to be the consort of Lord Shiva who
arose from him to kill the asuras. They pray to her for rain and
Two Karagatam carring the karagum on their heads
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avoidance of epidemics. The marulali (devotee) interprets her
will which is then translated by the pandaram (priest) who
does not belong to the Brahmin community. The concept of
mother worship has existed since time immemorial. Shakti,
as divine mother, is portrayed as Para Shakti/ cosmic energy
in its dynamic form. Being ullagattil tayaa, the mother of the
universe, she is ever ready to heed the call of her devotees.
As such this force manifests as Muthu Mari Amman; Muthu
(pearl); Mari (rain); Amman (mother)- the mother of rain, that
which is more precious than pearls. The mother is manifested
in a form of a woman garbed in yellow and carrying a pot of
fermented meal and some neem leaves. She fed her devotees
with porridge (kanji) and nursed them with neem leaves and
turmeric paste. Her scripture is the Mariamma Thalatu and
her worship is done in the great month of Aadi (July-August).
The marulali in the centre and the two karagatan
along with members and devotees
She is venerated as the protector and curer of all miseries. The
kargum symbolizing her blessing is carried honoring her as
ullagattil tayaa (mother of the universe)
Nadagam (drama)
Nadagam or Madras dance was once the hallmark of
the Madrasis culture. During the nineteenth century the
madras dance was dominant until the first decade of the
twenty first century. The popular Nadagam’s were the
Ramayanam Nadagam (scenes depicting the life of Lord Shri
Ramachandra) and the Madurai Veeran Nadagam featuring
the Madrasis most beloved kaval deivom/guardian gods.
The Veer Kumaran Nadagam or stories of Lord kartike and
the Desangurajan Nadagam (a story depicting the life of and
friendship between Desangu, a Hindu king and his friend
Malkan a Muslim king were others. Before the Nadagam were
performed. The Amman pusay/ worship to the goddess was
done back stage by the performers. Irrespective of whichever
Young men playing the tappu
Sada Roti &
Mulga Tani
Horizons 2014 -
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Tadja Festival
Nadagam was being showcased, the Vinayagar (Lord
Ganesh) Nadagam was the first to be performed as
he is Nyanamudhalvanay (the one that receives the
first honor. Although the madras dance is dormant
it remains in the memory of those who have had the
opportunity of witnessing it.
Whenever you choose to have sada roti for breakfast/
dinner or you choose to simply enjoy some mulga tani,
remember the Madrasis and their contribution to the
social, cultural and economic development of our
nation.
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Horizons 2014 -
25
By: Zahrah Alli
F
or 12 weeks, Guyana’s premier
Cable company, E-Networks took
viewers on a musical journey like
no other. The brainchild of E-networks
Managing Director, Vishok Persaud,
Emerging Voices set out to unearth fresh
talent, good voices and energetic young
performers from all across the country.
The television reality show set itself
apart from any other local production
with its state of the art set design,
lighting and sound. E-networks also used
the platform to showcase its recently
formed band, the E-networks Orchestra
led by outstanding Indian keyboard
player, Akshay Kawale. The band
comprises of musicians from India and
Guyana. To further add a unique edge to
his concept, Persaud recruited musically
accomplished singers to not only judge
the competition but provide free musical
26 - Horizons 2014
and vocal training to the contestants;
training and guidance that most if not all
of the contestants may never have had
the opportunity to receive prior to the
competition.
Jeffrey Iqbal, a now household name
in Guyana after his appearance at the
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Shreya
Ghoshal concert in 2012 and a string
of concerts to mark Diwali 2013. Iqbal
was selected by AR Rahaman from
thousands of applicants to perform with
him at a New York concert. In 2009, he
went on to become the first runner up in
Zee TV’s popular singing competition, Sa
Ra Ga Ma Pa. Just recently, Jeffrey made
history by becoming the first American
born to sing playback for an Indian film.
Guyanese born, Purnash Durgaparsad
joined Jeffrey on our panel of celebrity
judges. Purnash received extensive
training in both the USA and India. A
past contestant on Zee TV’s Sa Ra Ga
Ma Pa, Purnash is now an instructor at
the Suresh Waadkar Academy of Music
in New York. He is currently pursuing
his Performing Arts degree in Music
Education. Our panel of celebrity judges
would not have been complete without
someone who is a staunch supporter of
local talent. A general practitioner by
profession, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud
is also President of the Guyana Hindu
Dharmic Sabha, a Member of Parliament
and Director and Choreographer of
Naya Zamana; a theatrical production.
Vindhya’s promotion of training and
development of local singers through
the Sabha is inspiring and her promotion
of Indian music through her radio and
television shows is appreciated by many.
Our celebrity judges traveled to
3rd Place
Gail Ann Singh
Essequibo, West Coast Demerara,
West Berbice, Upper Corentyne and
Georgetown to listen to over one hundred
singers audition. They spent days
scouring audition footage for persons
who showed promising potential. Artie
Sookhai, Aamir Khan, Balika Seenarine,
Chait Singh, Gaitri Jaikaran, Govinash
Naipaul, Gail Ann Singh, Dindyal Mohan,
Natasha Bahadur, Ian Hardat, Natasha
Persaud, Dharmendra Gobin, Naida
George, Richie Hansraj, Seema Budram
Pradesh Dayalall, Sangeeta Khubir, Kevin
Singh, Seerani Ramsingh, Faraz Zahin,
Vishalie Sukram & Suraj Dhoray got the
green light from judges and became the
contestants of E-Networks Emerging
Voices 2014. Jeffrey and Purnash spent
countless hours working with all 22
contestants on pitch, pronunciation,
timing, melody, tempo and emotion.
With over a million dollars up for
grabs in cash and prizes, twenty two
contestants, an exceptionally talented
band, celebrity judges and a beautiful
host, we were ready to get things
started! On April 25, all twenty two
contestants were introduced to viewers
by having them sing two minutes of a
song of their choice. The competition
got started in episode two and we said
our first goodbyes in episode three.
Contestants showed a lot of passion and
determination as the weeks went by and
were truly grateful for the opportunity
they received.
Winner
Vishalie Sukram
2nd Place
Artie Sookhai
Dharmendra Gobin, Chait Singh, Gail
Ann Singh, Aamir Khan, Richie Hansraj,
Balika Seenarine, Vishalie Sukram,
Dindial Mohan & Ian Hardat were
presented with special engraved plaques
compliments of E-Networks to honour
their place in the prestigious top ten.
Indian music would not have been
where it is today without the great
contributions of singers such as Lata
Mangeskhar, Asha Bhosle, Mukesh Chand
Mathur, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed
Rafi to name a few. Episode 6 was dubbed
‘Night of Legends.’ Guyana’s legend,
Mohan Nandu opened the show and the
top ten performed pieces from legends
they idolized. Chait Singh emerged as
the best performer of the episode with
his rendition of Mohammed Rafi’s ‘Kya
se Kya Ho Gaya’ while Balika Seenarine
and Richie Hansraj said their final words
on the Emerging Voices stage.
The Emerging Voices set was
transformed thereon at the hands
of Director and set designer, Trishala
Simantini Persaud. She created beautiful
sets for devotional, dance, sufi and the
final episodes. Surrounded by flowers
and the twinkle of diyas, celebrity
judge Purnash Durgaparsad opened
the devotional episode with a popular
Anup Jalota bhajan. The divine presence
filled our studio as the remaining eight
contestants sang powerful devotional
songs of their choice. It was Aamir
Khan who caught the judges’ attention.
He chose to do the hindi-christian
devotional song ‘Tu hi Tu’ made popular
by Vijay Benedict. Aamir was praised for
his execution of the song and awarded
the best performer prize of the episode.
Unfortunately, the musical journey
ended for Dindial Mohan and Ian Hardat.
The ‘Night of Dance’ episode featured
a rocking performance of the Punjabi
song “Challa” by celebrity judge Jeffrey
Iqbal.’ Our remaining six contestants
provided a truly entertaining evening
filled with some of our favorite dance
songs. I even managed to get a dance
lesson from Vishalie and was sweetly
serenaded by Aamir. Gail Ann Singh
walked away with the best performer
prize for her rendition of the Asha Bhosle
hit song ‘Piya Tu. Elimination round
took a different route on this episode.
Dharmic Nritya Sangh
TOP TEN
The judges quickly narrowed the
singers to just ten. The top ten would
face the added challenge of preparing
for and performing on musically themed
nights. Contestants would also be vying
for the best performer prize awarded at
the end of each episode. Artie Sukhai,
Horizons 2014 -
27
The judges decided to have the bottom
two, Chait Singh and Dharmendra
Gobin, battle it out against each other.
Dharmendra walked away victorious
after the test piece.
With five contestants remaining, the
competition celebrated the genres of
Ghazal, Qawali and Sufi music. Vishalie
Sukram’s exquisite rendition of the
Sufi classic ‘Maula Maula’ earned her
the best performer prize while Artie
Sookhai’s ‘Aaj Janne Ke Zid Na Karo’
received a standing ovation from judges
and Dharmendra Gobin’s ‘Patthar se
Sheesha’ was highlighted as his best
performance of the competition. Saying
goodbye on this episode was Aamir Khan
who thanked E-networks for providing
him with ‘the greatest experience of his
life’.
Dharmendra, Vishalie, Gail Ann &
Artie advanced to the semi-final round
28 - Horizons 2014
of the competition. They delivered solo
and duet performances in this round.
Artie emerged as the best performer
of the episode with her emotionally
charged rendering of ‘Lambi Judai.’ Artie
also received much praise along with her
duet partner, Vishalie, for their spirited
performance of the Bollywood classic
‘Dola re Dola’. Gail Ann was also praised
by the judges for her consistently strong
performance throughout the season.
Elimination round brought Dharmendra
Gobin’s musical journey to an end but he
received one hundred thousand dollars
for being the Best Male Performer in the
competition.
FINALS
With one million dollars up for grabs,
the final round of competition saw three
talented beauties all from Berbice battle
to be the Enetworks Emerging Voice of
2014. It was an action filled evening with
performances from the celebrity judges
and Guyana’s premier dance group,
Dharmic Nritya Sangh (choregraphed by
Dr Vindhya V. Persaud). The ladies were
faced with two rounds of performances
– a song of their choice and a standard
test piece. Vishalie wowed judges
with her melodious renderings of AR
Rahaman’s hit song ‘Kehna Hi Kya’ and
the test piece of the competition: Lata
Mangeshkar’s classic ‘Mose Chal.’ She
delivered both her songs effortlessly
and received thunderous applause from
the audience. She went on to be named
the E-networks Emerging Voice of 2014
and received a cheque for one million
dollars, a trophy and a specially designed
stone encrusted microphone ornament.
Gaining the second position was
the other competition favourite, Artie
Dharmendra Gobin-Best Male Singer
Members of the E-Networks Orchestra
E-Networks CEO
Vishok Persaud
with Emerging
Voices 2014
winner
Vishalie Sukram
Sookhai. Artie radiated confidence and
impressed the audience and judges with
her energetic and lively performance
of the folk melody ‘Ali More Angana.’
However, her composure visibly slipped
when she stumbled in the middle of
her second song – the test piece. She
received a cheque for two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars and a trophy.
The third position went to Gail Ann
Singh whose song choice was the
popular ‘Lal Dupatta.’ Both of her songs
were well received by those present.
Gail received a cheque for one hundred
and fifty thousand dollars and a trophy.
TRAINING IN INDIA
E-Networks supported by Sujata Curry
Powder provided Vishalie and Artie with
the opportunity to receive a six week
training program at the Heramb School of
Music & Cultural Arts in Mumbai, India.
They received vocal training, learnt to play
the guitar and keyboard. Just recently, they
both performed at a concert held by the
music school and received commendations
from their Guru and several rounds of
applause from the audience.
The Heramb School of Music &
Cultural Arts located in Dombivli is
run by Mr. Ravindra Ponkshe. Guru
Ponkshe has mastered various aspects
of music including tabla, guitar, violin,
harmonium, keyboard and vocals from
various Gurus.
THANK YOU
A production of this standard,
quality and magnitude would not be
possible without the kind support of the
following:
• Sponsors: E-Networks, Torginol
Paints, Sujata Curry Powder, Kings
Jewellery Work & NTN Radio/
Television
• E-Networks Orchestra: Akshay
Kawale, Rohan Mokal, Ian
Gonsalves, Neville Hinds, Varun
Samlall & Vishall Khelawan.
• Sound Engineers: Ray Nizam &
Nizam Ali
• Lighting & Effects: Cloud Nine Inc,
Gowkaran Persaud, Clive Prince,
Ryan Ramroop & Joshua Locke
• Camera & Editing: Raul Couchman,
Jordan Phangsang, Sean Charles,
Rupesh Singh, Tyrone Ali
• Marketing: Macaela CameronFernandes
• Director:
Trishala
Simantini
Persaud
Horizons 2014 -
29
CONNECT WITH US
New to Emerging Voices or want to re-watch your favorite
episodes? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel – E-networks
Emerging Voice- where all twelve episodes of season 1 can
be found.
Like us on Facebook at E-networks Emerging Voices for
updates on the contestants and all the details about our
upcoming season 2.
Jeffrey Iqbal:
Zahrah Alli:
Purnash
Durgaprasad:
An inspiring journey
working with singers with
such passion and love
for music. I am reminded
that training without love
for the art makes one a
robot, it's the love for the
music that allows you to
touch hearts.
30 - Horizons 2014
It was an honour to be
part of a production that
uncovered truly promising
talent in our own country.
Emerging Voices gave 22
contestants a platform to
showcase their singing
abilities that may have
otherwise gone unnoticed
or unheard. As a fellow
Guyanese artiste, I know
just how important such
platforms can be. A great
effort by all our contestants
and I look forward to
hearing much more from
you in the future.
The reason I was so
excited about the idea of
EV was that E-networks
was providing a future for
music and musicians in
Guyana. In a place where
there are limited outlets for
raw talent to learn and be
showcased, EV was a clear
opportunity for hope on
a nation- wide platform.
I didn't know what level
of talent I was to discover
while we were selecting
our Artists, but I was not
only impressed about the
hidden talent in Guyana, I
was even more impressed
by their willingness to learn
and the hard work that
each contestant put into
the show. I am so proud
of them and equally proud
that I could be a part of
such a positive initiative.
When I came to
Guyana, I never expected
to see such drive and
willingness to learn from
the contestants. It inspired
me to want to help more
and even inspired my
own work.
Dr. Vindhya Persaud:
Emerging Voices created
an intense musical bootcamp with some of the most
talented Guyanese and
the outcome was mindblowing. I think Guyana
will
see
‘Generation
Next’ of singers. I met
some wonderful singers
through this competition,
who each had a special
quality and an incredible
amount of raw talent
which I got to see honed.
It was memorable musical
journey for us all and I
want to encourage each
one of them to continue
to develop themselves to
their fullest potential and
I want Guyana to support
them as they climb the
musical ladder.
With Emerging Voices, my aim
was to get better at singing and
music overall. Being with celebrity
judges Jeffrey Iqbal, Purnash
Durgaprashad, and Dr Vindhya
Persaud, I have improved from
20% to 50% in my singing. During
the competition it was difficult
but I looked at it as a challenge
to improve on what I love most. I
have succeeded with the guidance
of the judges but for me this is not
the end, there is more room for
improvement.
Winning has not changed me it
has increased my hunger for music
even more. Hence, was given the
opportunity to visit India where
I was trained in classical vocal,
basic tabla, guitar and keyboard
at Heramb School of Music by
Sir Ravindra Ponkshe. After
completing two months of training
with him, I realised what music
really was .I was told by him that
I have move to 80% in my singing.
So I have to say my experience
in Emerging Voices was awesome
and I know for a fact it motivated
many young, talented persons in
Guyana. Of course, its still not the
end for me.
Our trip to India was awesome. . We
never thought it would have been this
way especially the type of training
in music. . I realised I knew nothing
until I came here and learnt different
types of raagas. Visiting India was
one of my dreams and it has been
fulfilled. Thanks to E- networks!
My trip to India was a fruitful one.
Artie Sookhai
Sir Ravindra Ponkshe in class
with Artie & Vishalie
Vishalie Sukram
Horizons 2014 -
31
32 - Horizons 2014
TULSI
- The Elixir Of Life
By: Deomattie Seeram
Horizons 2014 -
33
T
ulsi
or
Tulasi
(Ocimumtenuiflorum) also
called Holy Basil is a sacred
plant in Hindu belief and
is also known as a potent
herb that has been used
for thousands of years in India to treat
colds, coughs and flu. Although Tulsi can
now be found on every continent, it is
native to the Indian subcontinent.
Tulsi is a bushy shrub that grows about
18 inches in height. Its leaves are oval
and serrated with colours ranging from
light green to dark purple, depending
in the variety. The plant has delicate
lavender-coloured flowers, and its fruits
consist of tiny rust-coloured nuts.
Tulsi in Legends
Quite a few myths and legends found
in the Puranas or ancient scriptures
point to the origin of importance of Tulsi
in religious rituals. A garland solely made
of Tulsi leaves is the first offering to the
Lord as part of the daily ritual. The plant
is accorded the sixth place among the
eight objects of worship in the ritual
of the consecration of the Kalasha, the
container of holy water.
According to one legend, Tulsi was the
incarnation of a princess who fell in love
with Lord Krishna, and so had a curse
laid on her by his consort Radha. Tulsi is
also mentioned in the stories of Meera
and Radha immortalised in Jayadev's
Gita Govinda. The story of Lord Krishna
has it that when Krishna was weighed
in gold, not even all the ornaments of
Satyabhama could outweigh him. But a
single Tulsi leaf placed by Rukmani on
the pan tilted the scale.
Tulsi Worship
The Tulsi plant is grown in or near
almost every orthodox Hindu house.
A person who waters and cares for
the Tulsi daily is believed to gain moksha
(salvation) and the divine blessings
of Bhagwan Vishnu. Traditionally, the
daily worship and care of the plant is
the responsibility of the women in the
household. The plant is usually referred
to as a “symbol of ideal wifehood and
motherhood”. Devotees pray to the
Tulsi plant and circumbulate it chanting
mantras. One such mantra is Namastulsi
kalyani namo Vishnupriye, Namo
mokshprade devi nam sampatpradayike
(Meaning: I bow before you Tulsi giver
of auspiciousness, the darling of Vishnu,
34 - Horizons 2014
I bow before you Goddess, the giver of
liberation and wealth). A diya is also lit
near the plant.
Importance in Hinduism
Each and every part of the Tulsi plant
is revered and considered sacred; even
the soil around the plant is considered
to be holy. The Padma Purana declares a
person who is cremated with Tulsi twigs in
his funeral pyre gains moksha and a place
in Bhagwan Vishnu’s abode, Vaikuntha.
If a Tulsi stick is used to burn a lamp
for Vishnu, it is like offering thousands
of lamps. Water mixed with the Tulsi
leaves is given to the dying to raise their
departing souls to the heavenly abode.
Ayurvedic Properties
Tulsi has been used for thousands of
years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing
properties. It is mentioned in the Charak
Samhita, an Ancient Ayurvedic text. Tulsi
is said to balance the different processes
in the body, and it is helpful for adapting
to stress. Marked by its strong aroma
and astringent taste, it is regarded in
Ayurveda as a kind of “elixir of life” and
believed to promote longetivity. Some
treatments that Tulsi is used for is as
follows:
1. Healing Power: The Tulsi plant
has many medicinal properties.
The leaves are a nerve tonic and
also sharpen memory.
2. Fever & Common Cold: During
the rainy season, when malaria
and dengue fever are widely
prevalent, tender leaves, boiled
with tea, act as preventive against
these diseases. In case of acute
fevers, a decoction of the leaves
boiled with powdered cardamom
in half a liter of water and mixed
with sugar and milk brings down
the temperature
3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important
constituent of many Ayurvedic
cough syrups and expectorants.
It helps to mobilize mucus in
bronchitis and asthma. Chewing
Tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.
4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with
Tulsi can be used as a gargle.
5. Respiratory Disorder: A decoction
of the leaves, with honey and
ginger is an effective remedy for
bronchitis, asthma, influenza,
cough and cold. A decoction of
the leaves, cloves and common
salt also gives immediate relief in
case of influenza. They should be
boiled in half a liter of water till
only half the water is left.
6. Stress: Tulsi leaves are regarded as
anti-stress agents. Recent studies
have shown that the leaves afford
significant protection against
stress. Even healthy persons can
chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a
day, to prevent stress.
7. Mouth Infections: The leaves are
quite effective for the ulcer and
infections in the mouth. A few
leaves chewed will cure these
conditions.
8. Insect Bites: Fresh juice must
be applied to the affected parts.
A paste of fresh roots is also
effective in case of bites of insects
and leeches.
9. Skin Disorders: Tulsi juice is
beneficial in the treatment of
ringworm and other skin diseases.
It has also been tried successfully
by some naturopaths in the
treatment of leucoderma.
10. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful
in teeth disorders. Its leaves,
dried in the sun and powdered,
can be used for brushing teeth. It
can also be mixed with mustard
oil to make a toothpaste. This is
very good for maintaining dental
health, counteracting bad breath
and for massaging the gums. It is
also useful in pyorrhea and other
teeth disorders.
11. Headaches:. A decoction of
the leaves can be given for this
disorder. Pounded leaves mixed
with sandalwood paste can be
applied on the forehead for relief
from heat, headache, and for
providing coolness in general.
Horizons 2014 -
35
Sonu Nigam
Visits The Majestic
Kaieteur Falls
By: Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud
37
37 - Horizons 2013
Horizons 2014 -
H
e said, “This is a home coming.”
when he arrived at the Cheddi
Jagan Airport on the morning
of May 4th 2014. It was Sonu Nigam’s
second trip to Guyana after two years.
He expressed this sentiment again
at the opening of the Guyana Hindu
Dharmic Sabha’s Bal Nivas Children’s
Shelter in Berbice and emphasized the
affinity and affection he felt for Guyana.
But, it was the majestic splendor
of the Kaieteur Falls and its pristine
beauty which had him spellbound.
“Visiting Kaieteur Falls was an
experience beyond words. The
38 - Horizons 2014
beauty of the place coupled with
its inaccessibility, made it a one of
a kind, rare, blissful experience of
my life. I was pleasantly surprised to
learn about the presence of such a
massive falls in Guyana. I would like
to visit the place again next time.” Sonu Nigam
Sonu visited Kaieteur Falls with his
troupe and trekked along the scenic
trail. He spent a few hours enjoying
the serenity of the place and took the
opportunity to snap many pictures at
the various vantage points and enjoy
the cool waters before the undulating
waves went crashing down as the
falls. It was the perfect climax to
his hectic weekend of performance
and travelling and an unforgettable
gift from Guyana. Everyone delayed
the moment of departure as long
as possible to bask in the peace and
tranquility that the falls never fails to
arouse.
Sonu Nigam was in Guyana for
the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s
40th Anniversary and 176th Indian
Arrival celebrations held at the
Guyana National Stadium. He
delivered a virtuoso performance
blending the hits of the legends
of yesteryear with super hits of
his own and kept the thousands
of patrons riveted in spite of the
showers of rains. His rendering
of the haunting “Abhi mujh mein
kahin” complemented by the
dancers of the Dharmic Nritya
Sangh to the choreography of Dr.
Vindhya Vasini Persaud captured
the hearts of the thousands in the
audience.
Horizons 2014 -
39
“Visiting Kaieteur Falls was an
experience beyond words. The beauty of
the place coupled with its inaccessibility,
made it a one of a kind, rare, blissful
experience of my life. I was pleasantly
surprised to learn about the presence of
such a massive falls in Guyana. I would
like to visit the place again next time.” Sonu Nigam
Beautiful music flowed under the baton
of maestro Mr. Yogesh Pradhan and added
the perfect touch to the soulful, magical,
electrifying and heartfelt performances of
the man dubbed the “Living Legend”.
40 - Horizons 2014
East Indian
Works of Art
The Guyana Context
By: Guneshwari Preiya Methuram
“yatha nrtte tatha chitra trailokyanukritissmrta
As in dance so in painting, there is to be a close observation
and reproduction of the world around us in as charming a style
as possible”- Citrasutra
T
here is no doubt that very few humanistic features
transcend the boundaries of the mind, body and soul.
Art, indefinable by logic, standards or discrimination can
capture the attention of the world with a single glance; bringing
fort images of beauty, greed, love, controversy, victory and the
range of emotions that makes life the beautiful song that it
is. An artistic piece can be considered a personal and intimate
conversation with its creator, bearing influences and aspects of
nature and nurture.
As a people transported across continents by the Colonial
powers, the search for origins and meanings are especially
present in the various forms of expressed art. Beyond the visual
and aesthetic usefulness and appreciation of an artistic piece,
there is deep sense of symbolism, iconology and iconography
that represents a wider acceptance of cultural contexts- myths,
religions, gestures, postures etc.
The conceptualizing of these cultural contexts in a Western
influenced society has lead to the Guyanese artist leaning
towards a thematic approach to their work. Where a general
outlook or idea acts as a foundation upon which their work
is based as opposed to stylistically, where distinctive visual
elements, techniques and methods that typify the movement
or school the artist is associated with.
Indian Art Historiography suggests that the authority that
governs both the thematic and stylistic approachs to East Indian
art lies within the pages of the Citrasutra of the Visnudharmottara;
first translated and published in 1912. Its pages dictated
various manuscripts on the ‘six limbs of traditional Indian
painting’ or Sadanga; they are: Sadacya (similitude), Pramaea
(proportion), Rupabhedau (differentiations or typologies of
form), Vareikabhaiga (colour differentiation), Bhava (emotional
disposition) and Lavaeya Yojanam (gracefulness in composition).
In 1937, A. Coomaraswamy, in interpreting the key concepts
and canons found in the Citrasutra, suggested that “ [art is]
the visualization of form through meditative internalization or
yoga and its subsequent realization by the artist in accordance
with aesthetic and iconometric injunctions”. This statement
reigns supreme in the hearts and mind of many artists, whose
greatest inspiration comes from a source of knowledge within
one’s self, driving an idea to actuality. This is commonly referred
to a ‘muse’ in the Western creative world.
42 - Horizons 2014
Inspiration, motivation and sincerity - being elusive in nature
are named as the most important characteristics of a piece of
art. It is often the loudest component among colours, shapes,
textures, themes and styles; a lack thereof can render a visual
object of art, lifeless and artificial.
As an ode to the to resistance movement of the Colonial
powers and the long list of repercussions that followed the
Guyanese society and the wider Caribbean, a pronounced
statement of East Indian influences and themes grace the
canvases, wooden blocks and clay pots of artists around the
country. Taking pride in being a plural society, these influences
are manifested as the subject of an artistic piece or apart of a
wider discussion on similarities and differences in a number of
cultural contexts.
The emergence of East Indian art in a Western influenced
society began with the importation of Immigrants into British
Guiana who continuously produced pieces that graced the
walls and alters of mandirs and mosques for worship and
as a reminder of where God resides. These unsung icons
have sought to maintain a rich tradition through 176 years
of inhabitance that would have otherwise been lost in the
mainstream art culture.
There have been a number of representations of East Indian
iconography, produced by people of East Indian decent and
others alike, such as Bernadette Persaud, Philbert Gajadhar,
Betsy Karim, Lakeram Heralall, George Simon, Damian Moore
Artist: Bernadette Persaud
Title: Bird of Silence
Oil on Canvas
Dim: 38 x 68”
Grandmother’ series the principle of happiness and sorrow
with her piece entitled ‘The Bird of Silence looks on at the
bird of sorrow pecking at the fruit’. The piece considers two
birds perched on the same tree. The one at the lower lever
hops from branch to branch pecking at fruits to satisfy its
immediate material desire, so focus on eating the fruit that it
loses sight of the world around it. The second bird, perched
at the top of the tree has the broadest view of the world
feeling connected to it; looks on at the first bird frantically
stripping the tree of its fruits. The second bird does not eat
the fruit but simply watches; content to be in its place atop
the tree. Like most of Persaud’s paintings, this interpretation
is an allegory for life and the progression of Maya or illusion
and Moksha or enlightenment.
The exploration of one’s Indian ancestry can serve as
inspiration enough to produce a series of two-dimensional
Artist: George Simon’s
Title: ‘Universal Woman’
and Desmond Ali amongst others who have brought the themes
and influences beyond the walls of the places of worship,
religious ceremonies, festivals and symbols to a national and
international forum.
One of the earliest paintings to come beyond the walls
of the mandirs to grace a public space in Guyana is George
Simon’s ‘Universal Woman’ in 2008. Universal woman is
series of murals located on the main wall of the lobby of
the National Cultural Centre and is a vivid depiction of three
female figures, representative of the East Indian, Amerindian
and African cultures. Here, Ganga Mai, Oriyu and Watermama
embody the essence of Guyana, the land of many waters and
the sustaining force behind life. In Simon’s paining, Ganga Mai
is presented as a beautifully decorated voluptuous woman,
with a strong feminist presence amidst a warm and welcoming
ambiance. In her left hand, she carries a pot, symbolic of the
sustaining womb and her right hand she hold a louts flower
which represents purity and beauty of life even in the worst
circumstances. The figure is shown sitting on makara, a hybrid
mythical creature having the body of a crocodile and the tail
of a fish, this symbolizes wisdom of both the earth and the
waters.
Looking at a different spectrum of the Indian influences
in the Guyanese creative society is Ms. Bernadette Persaud,
whose work is mainly Indo-centric. Persaud, in interpreting
the Mundaka Upanishad considers in her ‘Lotus of my Great
Artist: Damien Moore
Title: Dance 5
Horizons 2014 -
43
This door was painted in 1870 and imported from India for the residence of the Lord Mayor at the time; now Cara Lodge.
44 - Horizons 2014
design. Damien Moore and his series entitled ‘Dance’
explore the intricate movements and the visual effect
of an Indian classical dancer. He flattens out images of
dancing, sari-clad women into two-dimensional pictures.
Attention is paid to the design work on the saris, but
also the curves of the figure and the fold of the cloth are
all simplified and highlighted to create a pattern, which
makes up his painting. In Dance 2 and 5, he focuses on the
areas of the dancer’s hand and hip; the use of coloursblues, reds, greens, and oranges along with metallic gold
highlights motif; this along with the subject matter gives
the work a luxurious and exotic feel.
The works of Philbert Gajadhar has traces and themes of the
transportation of East Indians, as a people from one country and
way of life to another; the complexities of dislocation and division
among the society and the struggle to preserve the elements
of India. In his painting, entitled Aarti, a married woman (as
suggested by the red dot on her forehead) is surrounded by
Artist: Philbert Gajadhar
Title: Aarti
Acrylic on Canvas
elements and symbols of Hinduism. The Shiva Lingam and the
worship of Shiva are especially sacred to a Hindu woman; married
women pray for the well being of their husbands and sons, while
unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva, whose
relationship with Parvati exemplifies the ideal married couple.
Along with the Lingam, a thali bearing fruits and flowers, a diya,
lota and jhandi flags in the background of the painting are all
representative of the tangible and intangible aspects of India,
that were transported across the Kala Pani by our ancestors.
Albeit, fragmented, there is deep sense of belonging to India
and Guyana – both our home in their own right.
The synthesis of the Hindu-Muslim symbolism is distinct in
the works of artist Betsy Karim. She executes designs on clay
pots as well as fabric and canvases to represent a series of
historic events that shaped the diverse and rich character of
the Indian Civilization, beginning with the Aryan Invasion of
the Indus Valley. The
painting on the clay
pot entitled “Louts
of City’ highlights
the mineral wealth,
the rich scintillating
colours, the diverse
and historic landmarks
of the Indian ancestral
civilization.
Within the creative
world, there has been Artist: Betsy Karim
an ongoing discussion Title: Louts City
on art versus craft; Sculpture painted many scholars suggest terra-cotta clay pot
that art has been
given a modern definition to illustrate clearer boundaries under
which categories can be developed. Unlike historic artifacts,
understanding of pre-historic artifacts through written records
is not possible and thus, interpretation changes with time and
philosophical schools.
Lakeram Heralall and Desmond Ali both sculptors, are
recognized for remarkable work done in their respective field.
Desmond Ali explores the creative representation of Hindu dieties
in Meso-American techniques. The Kaliyuga series reflect an age
of degeneration and global terror, a dreadful predicament of
violent destruction that threatens to consume all mankind.
Artist: Desmond Ali
Title: Manifestation of Lord Shiva
Unlike Ali and his Meso-American technique, Heralall uses
materials such as steel, cement and oil base paint to bring his
creations to life. For over 20 years, Heralall has been creating
murtis (figures of deities used in Hindu worship ceremonies)
for mandirs and homes. The process begins subtly with the face
of the deity; it is sometimes molded from an existing model or
made from scratch (if there is a specific request for a design)
using cement. Other body parts such as the torso, limbs and
ornamental accessories are then built in sections on the base
steel that has been attached to the plinth. The cement is then
chipped and buffed to give it a smooth feel and look. The figure
is then painted with precision in accordance to specification and
distinguishing features as prescribed in the sacred texts.
Distinct in approaches, Ali and Heeralall have created pieces
with a clear focus on the metaphysical aspect of art, beyond
what is ‘picturesque’.
Horizons 2014 -
45
The visual arts have become an important tool in remembering and
preserving a past and paying homage to a civilization from whence we came.
The process of self-discovery of our artistic heritage may be said to be at its
peak, with the expanding creative interpretation of text, philosophies, rituals
etc., as part of the mainstream art media. Whilst recognizing the independent
identity of each piece, the aim is not to only study the character of form but, the
objective remains to understand the cause and circumstances that conditions
the life of a piece of art in the social construct in which it exist.
Artist: Lakeram Heeralall
Title: Shiva
Cement sculpture
46 - Horizons 2014
Taan Singing
A Guyanese Tradition
By Deomattie Seeram
Taan singing was brought to Guyana
from India by our foreparents 176 years
ago. Taan singing is a skillful technique
used in the performance of a raaga at the
extreme level of emotion in Hindustani
classical music. It is sung or played with
the standard level of combinations of
swaras in a particular raaga in a very fast
tempo. Speed is very important while
singing or playing taan.
It involves the singing of very rapid
melodic passages. An artist improvises
notes at a very fast speed to take-up the
mood of a raaga to an extreme level.
Speaking with two of the most versatile
taan singers around Guyana; Pt. Arjune
Balkaran of Bath Settlement, West Coast
Berbice and Pt. Nandalall of Strathavon,
East Coast Berbice, I was able to gather
some information about taan singing.
They both referred to taan singing as
raaga or ragini with raags being sung in
the evenings and raginis being sung in
the mornings; every hour, each raaga
changes.
Pt. Arjune Balkarran
48 - Horizons 2014
– The
Call for Revival
Interview with Pt. Arjune Balkarran
Pt. Arjune has been singing taan
for about 30 years now. He started
singing taan in his early 20’s. Taan is his
favourite singing style and he can sing
all the different types. He learnt this
style of singing from Dasrat and Mohit
Mangru who were both legendary
taan singers back in the days. They
were accompanied by a dholak player
named Ramdhani.
Pt. Arjune noted that there are different
types of taans, namely; thumri, drupad,
bihaag, dhamar and chaturang.
According to him, thumri consists of
different beats and starts off slow but
ends up a spicy pace. He said the thumri
is sung at yajnas and details the story of
Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. The dhrupad
is sung at yajnas also and talks about
the life of King Dasrath and his sons.
Chaturang is also sung at yajnas. Dhamar
is usually sung at weddings and it is also
a style used for Holi songs. The bihaag
type usually starts of slowly and gradually
becomes fast and is sung at wakes. It talks
about people who have passed on and
about the relationship of the body with
the soul.
Pt. Arjune said drumming is very
important to taan singing. The drummer
has to anticipate the beat from the time
the taan singer begins his song. The singer
has to be an ardent harmonium player.
Asking him about the lyrics and the
availability of copies of the songs, he
responded saying that these songs were
composed in India in Awadi Hindi. He was
never given a copy of the lyrics but had to
learn by listening and hence he sings from
his memory.
Pt. Buddy recalls that Pt. Reepu Daman
Persaud would hold a night of taan singing
called ‘baitay gaana’. On this night, all the
taan singers would gather and sing all the
styles. He said that the first singer would
start with a type of taan singing and every
other singer will sing the same style until
the circle goes back to him and then
out messages if one can understand the
lyrics. In the evening he said, the bidaapat
style is sung and in the morning, the
dandak, tilana, drupad, bihaag, chaita,
thumri, dhamar and chaturang are sung.
His favourite styles are thumri, dandak,
chaturang and tilana.
Asked about the lyrics, he responded
that lyrics are etched in his memory as he
too was never given any copies.
He said that he would like to encourage
young people at this time to learn taan
singing and that he finds that taan singing
is easier than learning a bhajan by Anup
Jalota. Pt. Nandalall expressed his interest
in teaching taan to whoever is interested
because he would like to see this music
come back alive.
Interview with Pt. Nandalall
Pt. Nandalall started
singing taan from the age of
8. He learnt from Gangaram,
Rattan and Frederick all of
whom passed on. He also
followed in the company of
Mohit Mangru and Dasrat
Mangru where he learnt
differing techniques.
Asked if anyone inspired
him,
he
mentioned
Doonwah. He said that the
styles he sings are mainly
those of Doonwah.
Pt.
Nandalall
said
that for taan singing the
main
instruments
are
the harmonium, dholak,
dantal, jal and sometimes
the majeera is used. He
said, taan generally sends
Pt. Nandalall
he starts again with another style and
so it continues until they are done. He
expressed his interest in having a repeat
of such nights. He also said that in the
olden days on Saturday nights before a
wedding, there would be taan singing all
night.
Pt. Buddy indicated that thumri and
drupad are his favourite types of taan
singing. He also said that taan singing is
strong and it makes him happy whenever
he sings it. He is calling on the younger
generation to take up taan singing and
pledge d his time to teaching whoever is
interested.
Horizons 2014 -
49
anda
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Myth: Eye Twitching
myths a nscious until ‘th ducated or not, r myths of our ti
o
la
e
our subc , young or old, f the very popu
e
o
Associated Practice: The twitching or
Guyanes feature only 10
e
w
y
a
temporary
spasm of your left/right eyes
d
To
Significance: We have all experienced
this at one point or the other; however
the surplus of theories that revolve
around this occurrence is astonishing:
• Eye twitching signifies that
somebody is about to arrive
• Right eye twitching is good for
men
• Left eye twitching is good for
women
It’s believed that Goddess Seeta’s left
eye was auspicious and predominantly
quivering. To quote Valmiki’s Ramayan
“Seeta’s surrounding row of eye-lashes
were curved, and were predominantly
quivering, like a red lotus quivered by
the blow of a fish.” Hence, the twitching
of left eyelids and throbbing of left limbs
of a woman heralds the arrival of good
times for her.
Myth: Nazar Utarna
/ Kaala Tikka
Myth: The power of
lime and nimbu mirchi
(lemon-green chillies/
peppers)
Associated
Practice:
Pregnant
women are encouraged to keep a lime
in their purses while attending funerals.
Shop keepers, merchants and people
tie lemons and green chilies on the
doorways of their shops and homes.
Significance: It’s believed to be a
symbol to ward off the evil eye and
spirits..
50 - Horizons 2014
Associated Practice: Putting a small
spot of kajal/black tikka on the forehead,
behind the ear or on the bottom of
children’s feet.
Significance: The hindi phrase ‘nazar
utarna’ literally translates into ‘getting
rid of the effects of the evil eye’ and
many believe this practice gets rid of
the evil and neutralises/counteracts the
effect of ‘bad eye’. In India and Guyana,
it is believed that the ‘evil eye’ can cause
damage to the person towards whom it
turns, ranging from general bad luck to
ill health and other problems. The logic
behind this process of ‘nazar utarna’
is that applying kaala teeka makes the
child in question look ugly and therefore
unattractive to the ‘evil eye.’
Myth: Sweeping or
cleaning the house after 6pm
Associated Practice: No one is
supposed to sweep or clean their homes
after 6:00 pm.
Significance: Mata Lakshmi, Goddess
of material and spiritual prosperity, love
and wealth is said to enter our homes
as the sun sets at 6:00pm. Hence, we
should open the front door during
dusk, so that Lakshmi (fortune) enters
the house and never sweep the house
during night time or Lakshmi (fortune)
will leave your home.
Myth: East is the most
preferred direction
for all activities
Associated Practice: Never sleep with
your head facing north or west as it
claimed that only the dead lie that way.
Always face the east when performing
puja or religious ceremonies.
Significance: To sleep facing east
means your legs will be towards the sun,
it is considered a sign of disrespect to
the sun. By having puja and ceremonies
facing east, you are praying towards
Suryanarayana – the supreme lord of the
Universe.
Myth: Bad luck at the
threshold of a house
Associated Practice: One shouldn't
engage in the exchange of money or any
transaction at the door-step or threshold
to a house.
Significance:
This is supposedly
because the threshold was the site of
an inauspicious activity, namely the
gruesome slaying of Hiranyakashipu
(from the Bhagavatam).
Myth: The power of
Elephants
Associated Practice: Many persons
have elephants in their living rooms or
placed strategically in their homes, office
or working environment.
Significance: The Indian Elephant goes
back to the mythologies, as the Gods and
the demons churned the oceans during
‘sagar manthan’ for the elixir of life ‘amrit’ (nectar) that would make them
immortal, there surfaced the ‘navratnas’
(nine jewels). One of these jewels was
the elephant. The elephant is, therefore,
considered absolutely precious; to be
preserved and protected, it symbolises
strength, protection and good luck. The
elephant’s trunk is also very important as
it is both very sensitive and very strong;
used for drinking, picking up food, greeting
friends or warding off enemies, hence the
position of the trunk is important. The
trunk up symbolizes the showering of
good luck. How to place your elephant
to ensure optimum good luck? There are
two ways: first, you face it opposite to the
doorway, like if it is walking in the house,
it significance is as if the good luck is
entering the home not leaving. Secondly,
why facing east of course!
Myth: Touch Wood
/Knock on Wood
Associated
Practice:
Literally
touching, tapping or knocking on wood
for luck or to prevent the testing of fate.
Significance: Where the myth and
legend derived from is anyone’s guess,
many of us are unaware as to why
we touch wood, but we still do so out
of habit and of course because the
superstition is very much alive and
knocking. The belief, is twofold – to ward
off evil or bring you good luck. When we
mention something good that we would
like to see happen in the future, many
of us touch or knock on wood twice to
keep from jinxing the expected good
fortune and to distract spirits with evil
intentions, refuting evil thoughts and
fortune. Why knock twice? The first
is said to make the request and the
second is believed as a “thank you”,
after all myths are polite too.
Myth: Broken Mirrors
Associated Practice: Throw out all
broken mirrors from the home.
Significance: Positive energy is brought
into our homes by placing figurines, wall
hangings, plants or other decorative items
at particular positions and angles. Mirrors
are a part of this practice as it is found to
bring calm and reassurance in its reflective
ability. The unclear images reflected on
broken or cracked mirrors are believed to
bring bad luck, hence it is best to throw out
broken mirrors.
Myth: Eating out of
pots and licking utensils.
Associated Practice: If you lick the
bottom of a utensil or eat out of a pot,
then it will rain on your wedding day.
Significance: When experiencing rain
on a wedding day, many of us Guyanese
ask the ever popular question “Did he/
she eat from a pot?” Not just in Guyana,
but in India also, it’s believed that if a
person eats out of a pot or lick a utensil
(pot, place, basin, etc.) then on their
wedding day, there will be rain and lots
of it. If you are unmarried, there is one
way to find out if this myth is true.
Believe or not to believe is the
question. But what is the answer? For
everyone it’s different, with believing
in some myths, practicing others
and disregarding all. But at the end,
tomorrow when we wake up facing the
east and the sun, we will probably say,
thank you for bringing another morning,
another day or maybe when we pass an
elephant we will make sure the trunk is
up and faced the correct way. Whatever
you choose to do or choose to believe,
we cannot deny that myths and the
practices associated with them are a
significant part of our culture and our
daily routine and lives.
Horizons 2014 -
51
Aging Gracefully:
Nani Hirawatie of Essequibo
By: Kumar Kissoon
T
he elders of today's society
foreshadow that which we will
one day represent. Respect for
their vast knowledge, astuteness and
legendary fortitude is a facet that must
be impregnated into the minds of this
and coming generations. Personally, I
have set great store by the small but
valuable gifts imparted by my elders as
they have proven to be invaluable in my
life thus far. Bearing such virtues, I was
awestruck by the graceful movements
of a woman (fondly called "Ma") to
the exhilarating tassa beats at my
cousin's wedding. Though I have some
background in dance, I have no doubt
she'd be able to outstrip me with ease.
After agreeing to meet with me, she
engaged me in insightful conversation
wherein she reeled off, the tales of her
dynamic life. With intact nimbleness,
eyesight and memory, she answered all
questions and in some instances spelt
the names of family members for me.
"Everyone does call meh Kalawatie but
my book name is Hirawatie, I only find
out that when Jagan went into power
and I got my birth certificate!"
Hirawatie was born on the 7th
October, 1928 in Friendship, Wakenaam,
Essequibo. She is the youngest of three
children born to rice farmers Coomal and
Dularie Boodhan. In her memories of
her school days, she recounts her use of
West Indian Readers' which she praised.
She boasted, "I can still read, write
and reckon my money, so no one can
fool meh". Apart from her academics,
Horizons 2014 -
53
Hirawatie was trained in sewing and to
this day sews her own clothing and that
too without the need of spectacles to
thread a needle.
Having spent most of her early days
on the Essequibo Island, she ecstatically
reminiscences on her childhood where
she would trade pints of her father's rice
for cassava bread without him knowing
and actively participate in the ‘matiya’
(temple) made out of mud. "I remember
before the MV Torani went aground
between Hog Island and Wakenaam
in the Essequibo River we would ‘arti’
(a symbolic act of waving a flame) the
engine and burst the coconut on it"
She got married at the age of 16
when her parents, as was tradition,
selected an eligible suitor. She praised
her husband's kindness. She proudly
drew the contrast between him and
his father who practiced physical abuse
with a 'cow skin-leather'. She attributed
her marriage's success to a concept
she describes as follows; "when yuh
husband vex, na argue with am, yuh
stay quiet and bring am in back to yuh
then discuss what yuh have to."
While I am not married as yet, I do
subscribe to her teachings as nothing
can be positively be solved in anger.
After she got married she went to live
with her In-laws and husband in Hibernia
Essequibo, where she undertook the
task of cooking and tending to her little
brothers and sisters- in- laws as if they
were her own. "My mother and fatherin-law bin young and I use to cook 20
paratha roti, sometimes I don't get none
and I does have to wash all the clothes,
ready them picknee for school and then
go and work on the rice bed them."
54 - Horizons 2014
Nani Hirawatie spent her mid-life
raising her own children, passing
on family values and traditions; her
daughter now sews professionally and
admits that when it is time for the
needle to be threaded, "mom always
gets it done faster."
"Meh mek 10 chirren, 5 alive and
meh got 13 grand picknee and 13 greatgrand" she proudly declares. I think
she should be proud of them as they
continue to take admirable care of her,
placing her on a pedestal in their lives for
all the hard work she did over the years.
I do think in our society we need to
take better care of our elders. They have
lived, challenged and learnt in ways that
if we appreciate their wisdom, we can
help to sustain our culture and traditions.
When I asked if there was anything
she would like to share and she replied
‘”yes” then got up and energetically
started to clap and sing while swinging
her dress and dancing. We can all hope
if we reach the age of 85 to be like her…
happy, healthy and loved by all…
Newly Renovated Kendra
GUYANA HINDU
DHARMIC SABHA
CELEBRATES ITS
40th ANNIVERSARY
L
aunched on January 8, 1974, the
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha had
its genesis in an urgent need for
leadership in the Hindu community. A
vacuum had been created as a result
of the complete withdrawal of mandirs
and Hindus from the fold of the Guyana
Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha which was
the main voice for Hindus in Guyana
prior to that time.
The turbulent politics of the 1960s
changed the course of the Maha Sabha.
Leader of the People’s National Congress
(PNC), Forbes Burnham wanted the
Maha Sabha to support the PNC,
the Government of the day. Pandit
Reepu Daman opposed this strongly,
maintaining that the Maha Sabha
should be independent, and as a result
suffered tremendously including being
beaten by policemen and locked up.
Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud joined
the Maha Sabha in 1956 as its Assistant
General Secretary at the age of 20
and in 1961, was elected as its General
Secretary. During his tenure, he worked
to organize and strengthen the Maha
Sabha and was extremely popular in the
Hindu community, particularly among
young Hindus.
During the PNC reign, religious
practices were thwarted, staples in the
Hindu/Indian diet along with integral
ingredients for pujas were banned. Many
Pandits and others in the leadership of
the Maha Sabha opted to join the PNC
and former President Burnham and they
were rewarded with positions and other
benefits.
On September 18, 1969, an
unconstitutional meeting, with nonmembers of the Maha Sabha being the
majority, purported to expel Pandit from
the Maha Sabha. He did not accept the
expulsion and issued a press statement
that he was still General Secretary. An ex-
parte injunction was obtained restraining
him from holding himself out as General
Secretary. Hundreds of supporters
turned up for the court hearings. Nearly
every branch of the Maha Sabha passed
resolutions expressing confidence in him
as General Secretary and offered him
support. The injunction took almost a
year to be determined and was finally
discharged in Panditji’s favour. He was
represented by late former Attorney
General Doodnauth Singh who resigned
from his job at the Ministry of Legal
Affairs to represent Pandit Reep. A
vindicated Pandit Reep did not return to
the Maha Sabha.
By this time, there was a complete
withdrawal of branches, mandirs and
Hindus from the Maha Sabha. Among
these were the Hindu youth arm and
57
57
Horizons2014
2014-Horizons
Satsangh at Campbellville Mandir
the Maha Sabha Girls’ Club whose
members later formed the Mahila
Mandalee, with Mrs. Indranie Persaud
as Chairperson and Mrs. Chandra
Gajraj as Secretary.
For four years after the 1969 events,
there was no accepted central Hindu
organization
co-ordinating
Hindu
activities and providing leadership
resulting in a literal lull, if not manifested
dormancy in the Hindu community.
Many mandirs were closed while some
functioned just nominally. During this
period, Pandit Reep officiated at several
yajnas throughout the country but made
no attempt to form a new organization.
Every area he visited, Hindus petitioned
him for a new body to be established.
In late 1973, he reluctantly agreed. The
intention was for the new organization
to be “pracharak” meaning to go around
lecturing as a revival effort to stimulate
interest again in Hinduism.
58 - Horizons 2014
Launched on January 8th, 1974 at the
Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbelville, the
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha came into
being under the auspicious nakshatra
or star Aadra - favourable to Lord Shiva
and chosen in recognition that Bhagwan
Shankar is the Lord and Master of
movement.
The founding members were Pandit
Reepu Daman Persaud as President,
Harry Ramdass as General Secretary,
Dalinchand Persaud – Treasurer,
Mohanlall Sahadeo – Assistant Secretary,
Sukhdeo Ramsaroop – Organizing
Secretary. The Committee members
were Rambaran, Cecil Ramsaroop, Luckie
Naraine, Michael Ramsay, Mahase,
Seetal Persaud and Harry Persaud.
Pandit Reep, in his visionary style
of leadership, took as the motto of
the Sabha the verse from the Bhagvad
Gita which defined his life and which
he felt would serve as a guide to the
membership of the Sabha in the years
ahead; “Karma neva dhikaraste, Ma
phale shukadhachana – action thy duty,
reward not thy concern”.
With the emergence of the Dharmic
Sabha, new hope was rekindled in the
Hindu Community. Every week, a new
area was visited and satsangh held. The
Executive, after deep consideration,
decided to open membership and also
offered Mandirs the opportunity to
affiliate to the Sabha. The independence
of affiliated mandirs is guaranteed by
the Sabha’s Constitution with their right
to independently administer the affairs
and business of their mandirs being fully
recognised. Affiliates can consult with the
Sabha and seek guidance and help in all
matters. They are offered the opportunity
of being a part of the Sabha’s many
impressive programmes and activities.
Regional bodies or Praants were later
created to co-ordinate efforts of affiliated
Diwali Motorcade
committed to working with other
Hindu Organisations. Under Panditji’s
guidance, these bodies have met
regularly over the years to address
important issues affecting the Hindu
Community in Guyana. This tradition
continues and recently the Sabha met
with representatives of the Guyana
Pandits Council, Sanatan Dharma
Maha Sabha, Central Arya Samaj,
Gandhi Youth Organisation, Iskcon
Hare Krishna Movement, the Maha
Kali Organisation and the Cummings
Lodge and Ogle Hindu Societies to
discuss matters of concern. At the top
of the list of matters discussed were
mandirs in their respective regions,
with the first Praant being formed in
Essequibo. These bodies are proving not
only to be efficient and effective, but are
also producing experienced and mature
leaders in various areas of our country.
Today, the Sabha has in excess of 120
affiliated Mandirs and 8 Praants under
its umbrella. Praants are based in Upper
and Central Corentyne, East and West
Berbice, East and West Coast Demerara,
East Bank Demerara and Essequibo. The
Sabha also has a vibrant women’s group,
the Mahila Mandalee and a youth arm,
the Dharmic Naujawaan.
In addition to its own well
organized structure, the Sabha,
has always been and remains
Impressive kirtan from the West Berbice Praant at Kala Utsav
Horizons 2014 -
59
The current Central Executive of the Sabha is pictured here.
Sitting L-R Savitri Sukhai-Treasurer, Parmanand Bhanu- Snr. Vice President, Dr. Vindhya V. Persaud-President,Chandra Gajraj-General
Secretary, Standing L-R Executive Members- Bhaskaranand Singh, Michael Seeram, Trishala Persaud, Krishna Samlall (Dec’d), Raj Singh,
Ananda Latchman, Indranie Persaud, Bert Sukhai.
(Missing from picture - Pt. Jagmohan Persaud, Junior Vice-President, Dr. Ashni Singh and Mrs Sarojanie Rambaran.)
Naujawaan Charity Drive in Berbice (Youth Arm)
alcohol bars at Hindu weddings and
60
Horizons
2014 continuous
education for Pandits.
The Sabha is extremely proud of having
led the charge from its very inception in
having a no alcohol policy at all of its
events. The Sabha has also been in the
forefront in lobbying for Hindu religious
holidays and Indian Arrival Day to be
declared national holidays in Guyana.
60 - Horizons 2014
The Sabha will again spearhead the
drive to have the legislation amended to
reflect religious days as alcohol free days
as is done on Good Friday.
In addition to other Hindu
Organisations,
the
Sabha
has
also forged and maintains good
relationships
with
organisations
representing Guyana’s other religions
and regularly works with the entire
religious community in Guyana on
matters of national interest.
From a humble beginning, but with
substantial mass support, the Sabha
has grown in magnitude over its 40
years of existence. It has a structure
which clearly indicates its democratic
content and wide involvement and
an impressive line-up of innovative
programmes and activities, notably,
the Phagwah Mela and Bazaar & Folk
Dance Festival, Holi Utsav, Chowtaal
Samelan, Praathna Satsangh, Indian
Arrival Day celebrations, Naya Zamana,
Naujawaan ka Hapta or Hindu Youth
Week, Bacho ka Satsangh, Ramlila,
Diwali Utsav, Deepavali Motorcades
and Kala Utsav. These have now been
institutionalized in the fabric of the
country with the Deepavali motorcades
being among the largest events in
Guyana and the only one of its kind in
the region. Training programmes are
offered for free at the Pandit Reepu
Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik
Kendra in Music, Dance, Hindi, Sanskrit,
Gita and Panditai. Thousands have
been trained at the Dharmic Kendra
since it opened its doors in the early
1990’s as the first recognized Hindu
Dharmic Rama Krishna Primary School
Naya Zamana 19 - A Royal Twist
Academy in the Caribbean by the
Indian Government. The Sabha has not
spared its efforts to offer those same
training opportunities around the
country in its affiliated mandirs, and
Kendras in Berbice and Essequibo. In
its commitment to all round education,
the Sabha’s has Dharmic Rama Krishna
Nursery and Primary Schools and will
soon expand its school programme.
Conscious of its expanding role in
Guyana, the Sabha has been engaging
in structured programmes dealing
with social issues and working with the
underprivileged and those affected by
disaster or ill health. The Sabha’s “Voices
against Child Abuse” programme which
started in 2009 has resulted in the
construction of a shelter in Ankerville,
Berbice “Bal Nivas” which will house
children who are victims of abuse. It
will also house a counseling and skills
training facility to empower women and
work with youth.
The members of the Sabha celebrate
the 40th anniversary with pride, dignity
and satisfaction, confident that the
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha under the
leadership of its President Dr. Vindhya
Vasini Persaud will continue to expand
and impact positively on Hindus and
Guyanese in general. The membership
who constitute the leadership of the
Dharmic Sabha remain steadfastly loyal
and committed to its principal objective
of sustaining Sanatan Dharma and to
living by its motto of ‘action thy duty
reward not thy concern’.
Horizons 2014 -
61
ADDRESSING SUICIDE
– Dr. Indhira Harry
“I’m so tired of this life. All these problems are just too much to handle and there’s no one who I can turn to or
who will understand what I’m going through. I don’t know what else to do. If I killed myself then things would just
be so much better”
“I’m so tired of this life. All these
problems are just too much to
handle and there’s no one who I can
turn to or who will understand what
I’m going through. I don’t know what
else to do. If I killed myself then
things would just be so much better”
How many times have you ever
felt his way? How many people
have said this to you before?
Suicide is the act of taking
one's own life on purpose. Suicidal
behavior is any action that could
cause a person to die, such as
taking a drug overdose or purposely
crashing a car. People who try to
commit suicide are often trying to get
away from a life situation that seems
impossible to deal with. Many who
make a suicide attempt are seeking
relief from their daily problems.
Uncovering the reason for an
individual suicidal death is complex
and challenging.
62 - Horizons 2014
Suicide risk tends to be highest
when someone has several risk
factors at the same time. Some of
these risk factors include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mental disorders
Previous suicide attempt
Family history or attempted or
completed suicide
Alcoholism or drug abuse
Terminal illness or chronic pain
Recent loss of family member or
friend
Social isolation and loneliness
History of trauma or abuse
Work problems, unemployment
or poor job prospects
Adjusting to a big change, such
as retirement or redundancy
Debt problems
Being in prison
Pregnancy, childbirth or
postnatal depression
Cultural pressure
•
•
Doubts about your sexual or
gender identity
Facing discrimination
The breakdown of an important
relationship
Being bullied at work, home or
at school
There are multiple ways of
telling if a person is thinking of
hurting themselves. These are
called warning sign and recognizing
them can help us to intervene to
save a life. These may include:
• Talking about wanting to kill
themselves, or saying they wish
they were dead
• Looking for a way to kill
themselves, such as hoarding
medicine or buying a gun
• Talking about a specific suicide
plan
• Feeling hopeless or having no
reason to live
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Feeling
trapped,
desperate,
or needing to escape from an
intolerable situation
Having the feeling of being a
burden to others
Feeling humiliated
Having intense anxiety and/or
panic attacks
Losing interest in things, or losing
the ability to experience pleasure
Difficulty sleeping
Becoming socially isolated and
withdrawn from friends, family, and
others
Acting irritable or agitated
Showing rage, or talking about
seeking
revenge
for
being
victimized or rejected, whether
or not the situations the person
describes seem real
Getting affairs in order: making
out a will, giving away prized
possessions. Making arrangements
for family members.
Saying goodbye: unusual or
unexpected visits or calls to family
and friends. Saying good bye to
people as if they won’t be seen
again.
•
•
Increased alcohol or drug use,
reckless driving, unsafe sex, taking
unnecessary risks
A sudden sense of calm and
happiness after being extremely
depressed can mean that the
person has made a decision to
commit suicide.
Suicide is something that affects
everyone regardless of age, gender,
status, religion, nationality, or ethnicity.
There are some important groups that
we should remember to pay attention
to: teenagers and the elderly.
Teenage suicide is a serious and
growing problem. The teenage years
can be emotionally turbulent and
stressful. Teenagers face pressures to
succeed and fit in. They may struggle
with self-esteem issues, self-doubt,
and feelings of alienation. For some,
this leads to suicide. Depression is
also a major risk factor for teen suicide.
Other risk factors for teenage suicide
include:
• Childhood abuse
• Recent traumatic event
• Lack of a support network •
•
•
Accessibility to a gun
Hostile social or school environment
Exposure to other teen suicides
Suicide warning signs in teens
Change in eating and sleeping
habits
Withdrawal from friends, family,
and regular activities
Violent or rebellious behavior,
running away
Drug and alcohol use
Unusual neglect of personal
appearance
Persistent
boredom,
difficulty
concentrating, or a decline in the
quality of schoolwork
Frequent
complaints
about
physical symptoms, often related to
emotions, such as stomachaches,
headaches, fatigue, etc.
Not tolerating praise or rewards
The highest suicide rates of any
age group occur among persons aged
65 years and older. One contributing
factor is depression in the elderly that is
undiagnosed and untreated. Other risk
factors for suicide in the elderly include:
• Recent death of a loved one
• Physical illness, disability, or pain
• Isolation and loneliness • Major life changes, such as
retirement
• Loss of independence
• Loss of sense of purpose
• Suicide warning signs in older
adults
• Reading material about death and
suicide
• Disruption of sleep patterns
• Increased alcohol or prescription
drug use
Horizons 2014 -
63
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Failure to take care of self or follow
medical orders
Stockpiling medications
Sudden interest in firearms
Social withdrawal or elaborate
good-byes
Rush to complete or revise a will
A suicidal attempt can go from
being a cry for attention or a means
of manipulation to a real intention of
taking one’s life. There are different
levels of suicidal risk. These are:
Low: Some suicidal thoughts. No
suicide plan. Says he or she won’t
commit suicide.
Moderate:
Suicidal
thoughts.
Vague plan that isn’t very lethal.
Says he or she won’t commit
suicide.
High: Suicidal thoughts. Specific
plan that is highly lethal. Says he
or she won’t commit suicide.
Common Misconceptions
about Suicide
FALSE: People who talk about
suicide won't really do it.
Almost everyone who commits
or attempts suicide has given some
clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide
threats. Statements like "you'll be
sorry when I'm dead," "I can't see any
way out," — no matter how casually
or jokingly said may indicate serious
suicidal feelings.
FALSE: Anyone who tries to kill
him/herself must be crazy.
Most suicidal people are not
psychotic or insane. They must be
upset, grief-stricken, depressed or
despairing, but extreme distress and
emotional pain are not necessarily
signs of mental illness.
64 - Horizons 2014
FALSE: If a person is
determined to kill him/
herself, nothing is going to
stop them.
Even the most severely
depressed person has
mixed feelings about death,
wavering until the very last
moment between wanting to
live and wanting to die. Most suicidal
people do not want death; they want
the pain to stop. The impulse to end
it all, however overpowering, does not
last forever.
FALSE: People who commit suicide
are people who were unwilling to seek
help.
Studies of suicide victims have
shown that more than half had sought
medical help in the six months prior to
their deaths.
FALSE: Talking about suicide may
give someone the idea.
You don't give a suicidal person
morbid ideas by talking about suicide.
The opposite is true — bringing up the
subject of suicide and discussing it
openly is one of the most helpful things
you can do.
At some point in time we may be
faced with the task
of having to help
someone who is in this
situation. Many times
we don’t know what
to do or how to react.
We’re often afraid that
what we say might
make the matter worse
or we won’t know how
to what to say at all.
When talking to a
suicidal person:
Do:
• Be yourself. Let the
person know you
care, that he/she is
not alone. The right
words are often
unimportant. If you
are
concerned,
your voice and
manner will show
it.
• Listen. Let the
suicidal
person
unload
despair,
•
•
•
•
•
•
ventilate anger. No matter how
negative the conversation seems,
the fact that it exists is a positive
sign.
Be sympathetic, non-judgmental,
patient, calm, accepting. Your
friend or family member is doing
the right thing by talking about his/
her feelings.
Offer hope. Reassure the person
that help is available and that the
suicidal feelings are temporary.
Let the person know that his or
her life is important to you.
If the person says things like, “I’m
so depressed, I can’t go on,” ask
the question: “Are you having
thoughts of suicide?” You are not
putting ideas in their head, you are
showing that you are concerned,
that you take them seriously, and
that it’s OK for them to share their
pain with you.
But don’t:
Argue with the suicidal person.
Avoid saying things like: "You
have so much to live for," "Your
suicide will hurt your family," or
“Look on the bright side.”
Act shocked, lecture on the value
Don't
By Angelica Walters
When you feel so alone
Like no one is like you, Like no one knows your pain
When you feel like you have no friends
Like you are alone, Like you are unloved
When you feel like you need to die
Like you need to cut, Like you need to run, To hide
To slit your wrists and scream , To ask what is wrong with you
To through a bible and curse his name
of life, or say that suicide is wrong.
Promise confidentiality. Refuse to
be sworn to secrecy. A life is at
stake and you may need to speak
to a mental health professional in
order to keep the suicidal person
safe. If you promise to keep your
discussions secret, you may have
to break your word.
• Offer ways to fix their problems, or
give advice, or make them feel like
they have to justify their suicidal
feelings. It is not about how bad
the problem is, but how badly it’s
hurting your friend or loved one.
Suicidal feelings can be terrifying.
If you can no longer see why you
should go on living, your feelings can
seem unbearable. You may hate
yourself and believe that you are
useless and not wanted or needed by
anyone. You may feel rage, shame and
guilt.
If you have had many painful
experiences, particularly losses, you
may blame yourself and feel that
somehow it is your fault and that you are
a failure. You may feel overwhelmed.
You may feel that there are no solutions
to your problems.
You may not actually know why you
feel suicidal, and think that you have no
reason to want to kill yourself. Because
of this, you may feel deeply guilty and
ashamed, and start feeling even worse.
If you don’t know the reasons why you
feel suicidal, you may find it hard to
believe that there could be a solution.
You may start to think that death is your
only option.
Whether you are aware of a cause
•
When you have that barrel to your head
When you have that rope around your neck
That bottle of pills in your hand, That cliff before you, That rooftop, That ocean
When you are seeing the dark, Feeling so numb, Nothing at all
When you play music to drown out the voices
To drown out their voices, To drown out the world, And your thoughts
Close your eyes, Take a deep breathe
And when you want to jump
Don't
Because you will wake up soon, And realize every nightmare
Is met with a beautiful morning in the end
And when you have that blade to your wrists
When you want to cut
Don't
Instead cut your hair, Dye it
Make a change that will make you happy
Be crazy, Be you, Believe
Be in love with the idea of being in love, Be alive
But. Just. Be.
or not, it can be difficult to tell others
about what you are going through.
Therefore you may avoid other people
and feel annoyed if they approach you.
If you have family and friends around,
you may find it impossible to tell them
how bad you feel. If you have been
badly hurt by someone close to you,
you may see suicide as a way of getting
back at them. It is understandable to
be angry with people who have hurt
us, but suicide turns that anger in on
ourselves.
You may be very clear that you
want to die – or you may simply not
care if you live or die. However, for
most people, suicidal thoughts are
confusing. As much as you want to
die, you may also want a solution to
your difficulties. You may want others
to understand how you feel and hope
that they can help. Yet, you may not
feel able to talk to anyone who offers
to help. Having such mixed feelings
and being unsure about what to do can
cause great anxiety.
You may be harming yourself by
cutting, biting or burning your body.
Perhaps you are getting into fights or
taking extreme risks. However, even
when you are not sure why you are
self-harming, it is usually a way of
trying to kill the pain you are feeling
inside rather than a wish to actually kill
yourself.
If you are feeling suicidal it is likely
that you have been experiencing a
growing sense of hopelessness and
worthlessness over a period of time.
You will be more vulnerable to suicidal
thoughts and feelings if you feel unable
to solve the difficulties in your life.
Remember, help is available –Get
help! No problem is without a solution.
Horizons 2014 -
65
By: Ananda Latchman
W
as it the passion for the law
or the love of the courtroom
and its benches that kept this
family in their black cloaks? Not one, not
two, but currently, three generations
of lawyers within the family hold Law
degrees.
First Generation - Jainarine Singh
The tale of the Singh Lawyers began
on 4th November 1909 when Jainarine
Singh, the youngest of 6 children was
born to Naranjan and Leila Somattie
Singh at #48 Village Corentyne, Berbice.
He graduated from Berbice High
School then attained a Diploma at the
Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture
in Trinidad and Tobago; with a gold
medal at the age of 22. On his return
to Guyana he worked at the Ministry of
Agriculture. During that time, he visited
the home of Dr. J.B. Singh where he
met Chandrawattie Singh; the eldest
daughter; they got married in 1935.
In 1936, he and his newly married
wife immigrated to Venezuela where
he was employed by the Venezuelan
Government in the Agriculture.
Having spent in excess of 5 years
there, with his two daughters, Nena and
Graciella being born in Venezuela, he
returned to Guyana in the early 1940s and
purchased a citrus estate in Coverden,
East Bank Demerara. The ongoing World
War at the time propelled him to study
law and in 1943 he started his long walk
on the legal path. His first two years were
spent in Guyana, but at that time final
year qualifiers for the Bar had to be done
in England. He qualified as a lawyer on
September 30th, 1946; the same day his
son Jainarayan Singh Jnr. was born.
He joined the People’s Progressive
Party (PPP) (the ruling party) on his
return to Guyana and became Minister
of Home Affairs in 1949, one of three
Government Offices he would hold.
The other two positions being Minister
of Local Government under the PPP
Jainarine Singh when he was awarded the Simon Bolivar
66- to- Horizons
his right -2014
former President Caldera
Jainarayan Singh as
admitted to the Bar
he
was
and Minister of Agriculture under the
People’s National Congress.
In1953, when the British Government
deposed the PPP, he once again returned
to his law practice. Due to his extensive
background in Agriculture, he became
very prolific in land law and practised in
both the High and Magistrates Courts of
Guyana.
His political desire was for Guyana
to become an Independent nation.
He worked assiduously towards
that achievement and in 1966 when
Guyana became independent he was
Three generation of
Singhs - Jainarine (right),
Jainarayan (left), Jaya
(next to her dad)
Jainarayan Singh as he
was sworn in as Judge
recognised as playing a vital role. A
plaque was mounted on his home
at 133 Church Street declaring it The
Independence House.
He worked on the border dispute
between Guyana and Venezuela and
forged good relations and ties between
the two countries. His outstanding work
earned him the highest Venezuelan
honour - Simon Bolivar Award at the age of
80 in 1989; presented by former President
Caldera. Two months later, President
Desmond Hoyte and the Government of
Guyana presented him with the Cacique
Crown of Honour for civic duties.
Among his other achievements
was the publication of several books
including “Guyana – Venezuela Border
Dispute”, “Agricultural Future of Latin
America” and many others pertaining
to agriculture, with one written and
published in Spanish.
After many outstanding achievements
and a well respected legal practice, he
passed away in 1998 leaving behind 8
children to carry forth his legacy. The
question is, which one did?
Second Generation - Jainarayan Singh
Some would call it destiny, some a
coincidence, whatever it is, it seems
fitting that Jainarine Singh’s eldest son
born on the day he qualified as lawyer,
September 30th, 1946 would be the one
to carry forth the Law Legacy. Jainarayan
Singh was the first grandchild of the
36 to be born in the home of Dr. J.B.
Singh;delivered by J.B. Singh himself,
assisted by his son Dr. Hardat Singh.
At an early age, he showed academic
brilliance when he won a Government
County scholarship to attend Queens
College, ranked the best all boys school
Jainarayan with Jaya and Anuj
at the time. There he attained 9 GCE O’
Levels and 3 GCE A’Levels However, due to
his age, he had to wait to become eligible
to study Law in England and in the interim
decided to teach at the Indian Trust
College. From 1963 to 1964 he taught
English Literature, English Language and
implemented and taught the Economics
curriculum for GCE O’Levels.
The following year he set sail for
England to earn his law degree, He
graduated in 1968 with his Bachelor in
Law (L.L.B) from the London University.
He returned to Guyana and married
Margo Chohum before returning to
England, where his first child, Justin
Arjune Singh was born on 21st December,
1971. In order to maintain his family he
had several part time jobs including:
valet, financial controller of the cast of
the Royal Opera House in Covent Gardens
in addition to his permanent job at the
Inland Revenue of England. His wife
Margot did not like England and returned
to Guyana with his son Justin shortly after,
resulting in the end of the marriage.
On one of his return trips ( in 1976) to
Guyana, he met Esha Persaud, and got
married on April 16th, 1978. That year he
returned to England with his new wife,
and moved up the ladder to become a
Tax Inspector. However, he realised that
because of the racial impropriety of the
British Government he would never be
promoted beyond to Tax Commissioner
despite doing very well in the Tax
Commissioner exams. The decision was
then made for his wife to work, while
he would cease work to study for the
Bar Finals. In October 1979, not only did
Justice Singh pass the Bar, but he was also
the top Commonwealth Student and won
the award for Middle Temple.
Despite having numerous offers from
prestigious law firms in England, he
returned to Guyana in 1979, to join his
father’s law practice; Singh and Singh
Legal Practitioners practising mainly
criminal law.
As Justice Singh’s legal repertoire
began to expand, so did his family. During
this time, his second son, Khushiyal
Jainarayan(Anuj), arrived on July 28th,
1980 followed two years later by his only
daughter Jaya Arti. One more generation
of Singh Lawyers, but it was yet to be
seen who would be the one.
Justice Singh rapidly made a name
for himself and became very popular
being part of many high profile cases
including the first treason trial in Guyana
as a defense counsel along with a host
of other lawyers for the members of the
Working People’s Alliance (WPA). After
many years they won the verdict for the
West Demerara Treason Trial. He also
focused on many politically oriented
cases representing both the WPA and
PPP against the Government of the day
headed by Mr. LFS Burnham. The second
Treason Trial, Novar Mahicony Treason
Trial was fought along with former
Attorney General Doodnauth Singh and
was also given the winning verdict. One
of his most historic cases was the Joe
Hook Mahaica Trial where 16 men and
one woman were charged with murder.
His 9 clients of the 17, including the
sole woman were all acquitted. Many
Guyanese law students would remember
studying the popular murder case State
versus Yassin and Thomas where he was
the counsel for Thomas whilst Stanley
Hardyal represented Yassin.
A petition served against Mrs. Janet
Jagan for winning the Presidency of
Guyana after the votes were counted
made world news in 1997. She allegedly
Horizons 2014 -
67
threw the petition over her shoulder
resulting in a contempt of court motion
being brought against her. Jainarayan
Singh along with Stanley Hardyal and
Vashist Maharaj represented her and
won that case. Mrs. Jagan became
the first and only female President of
Guyana.
Singh and Singh Legal Practitioners was
maintained even after Senior Singh’s death
in 1998. However, this father-son legal
office would soon be closed as Jainarayan
Singh would serve as Puisne Judge in the
High Court of the Supreme Court.
In 2008, having reached the
retirement age at 62, his term as a Judge
was at an end. His daughter, who was a
practising lawyer by then, invited him
to join chambers and return to private
practice. Once again, Singh and Singh
Legal Practitioners became a reality, this
time as a father-daughter duo.
In conversation with Justice Singh, this
is what he had to say about the law and
his family of lawyers:
What was it like working along with
your father?
Long conversations in the evenings
about how to approach cases and handle
evidence discussions. As a result we
became very close because of the law
and in our personal relationship, being
his only child to pursue Law.
Was the legal field an obvious choice?
Initially I wanted to become a vet
but didn’t have the stomach for the
anatomy. Both my parents thought I was
going become a vet.
Did you want your children to pursue
your career, was there any pressure or
was it for them to decide?
I wanted my son Anuj to follow law and
took him to court on many occasions. But,
he being such a gentle soul was unhappy
with my cross examinations and exposing
people as liars and very unhappy to be in
that kind of atmosphere. At that stage,
I did not feel that my daughter would
pick up the mantle of being a lawyer
although I wished she would, so there
was no pressure on her. I noticed after
she completed her A Levels she seemed
very interested in cases I worked on.
She of her own accord would ask me
about cases and gradually she began to
accompany me to court.
If all three generations were on a
level playing field, who would you see
as your biggest competitor?
My daughter would be the greatest
competitor and it would be a tight race.
A lawyer needs to do research and they
68 - Horizons 2014
The Singh Family
are very equipped to do that these days.
However, if it was in my time in the 1960s
she could not be.
As a child, what was the most
memorable moment of your father as a
lawyer?
I recall, after the Government had been
deposed my father had been restricted
to certain boundaries by the British; he
went beyond those boundaries and was
locked up by the police. The following
day he was charged and brought before
the magistrate court of Georgetown and
defended himself. I was about 10 years
of age, but I always recall his closing
address to the Magistrate – he said “I am
a born Guyanese who grew up in Guyana
and love Guyana; I see no reason why I
should not be allowed to go to every
part of this beautiful country.” He was
later reprimanded and discharged for
breaking the restrictions by Magistrate
Akbar Khan. .
What is one of your proudest or
most memorable moments serving as a
Lawyer/Judge?
One of my main objectives as a Judge
was to establish a Civil Court in Essequibo
as many people who had appeared before
me had complained about the high cost
of travel to hear a case in Georgetown.
My dreams and efforts were fulfilled
in 2006 when a civil section of the
Essequibo High Court was opened which
meant that cases could be filed and heard
without having to travel to Georgetown.
The Chancellor realising that it was one
of my passions and efforts assigned me
to Essequibo for the opening of the new
civil court where I heard the first civil case
tried in Essequibo.
Tell us somewhere (country/place)
you would like to visit to learn more
about the law and why?
India – In the last 25-30 years the
Indian law system has progressed at
such a fast rate and changed so many
legal systems and made them modern.
Their judges and the judgements of their
judges are very well thought out and
modern. I think I would be remiss not to
mention the name of Justice Bhagwati of
India. His Judgements reflect a fusion of
law and common sense.
What is it about the law and being
a lawyer that makes you passionate
about it?
The law is ever changing, therefore
a vibrant profession and it is very
interesting as you go day by day to
see how law has changed in various
countries around the world and in your
country.
Third Generation - Jaya Singh Backreedy
To be or not to be was never a
question in this young lawyer’s mind. For
she always knew her path was the same
as her grandfather and her father before
her.
Jaya Arti Singh born on June 18th
1982 successfully graduated from the
Bishops High School earning 9 CXCs
and 3 A Levels including Law in 2000.
That start propelled her straight into
the Law Program at the University of
Guyana where after spending 3 years
she graduated with her Bachelor in Law
(L.L.B). She attended the Hugh Wooding
Law School in Trinidad and Tobago
where she achieved her Legal Education
Certificate in 2005. In October, 2005 she
was admitted to the Bar in Guyana and
Jaya Singh as she was
admitted to the Bar
one year later, in October 2006 to the
Trinidadian Bar, allowing her to practice
law in both countries.
She returned to Guyana and started
working at the Guyana Energy Agency
(GEA) in August 2005 as the Legal Officer
and the Head of the Licensing Unit
enabling her to practice and try cases in
all the Magistrates Courts. Whilst serving
at the GEA, one of her most outstanding
contributions was her work on the
amendments to the Guyana Energy
Agency Act 1997. However, like her
grandfather and father before her, the call
of the courtroom and private practice was
too great to be ignored and in April 2008
she started her own chambers practicing
in both Civil and Criminal Cases.
She got married to Steven Backreedy
on June 24th, 2012 still maintaining her
law practice and serves as an Executive
Member of the Guyana Association of
Women Lawyers and a member of the
Bar Association.
In conversation with her, this is what
she had to say about the family’s legal
tradition:
Being 3rd generation, was it a natural
or pressured choice to enter the legal
profession?
I don’t ever remember knowing any
other profession other than law. I don’t
know if I wanted to become a lawyer, I
just knew that I was going to become a
lawyer. It was subliminally done by my
father. First Year University, one day after
watching Erin Brockovich I had an urge
to do journalism and had a conversation
with my father and said “what if I don’t
want to do law, what if I wanted to
become a journalist” and he said to me
smiling brightly “you can do anything
you want to do baby, anything”. I was
surprised and happy and then the BUT
Jaya Singh with parents as she
was admitted to the Bar
came “But …I wouldn’t be paying for it”.
Is it easier to learn when the mentor
is in the family?
It’s definitely a valuable asset,
a golden opportunity that a lot of
younger attorneys don’t have, since the
experience and teachings are at your
disposal. It allows exposure to the Bar
and opportunities to meet and interact
with many brilliant attorneys.
As a child, what was the most
memorable moment of your father as a
lawyer?
I was generally always proud to see him
on the bench serving as a High Court Judge.
I respected that he was fair and impartial
and especially admired the fact that he
was very accommodating to younger
attorneys who would stumble and make
silly mistakes in their teething stages.
What is it like working along with
your father?
He does not spare me in the least,
no spoon feeding, tells me to do my
research, sends me to the law journals
and only then I can come back and
discuss. Having said that, there are days
when I was petrified to appear before
a certain judge and magistrate and he
would boost my confidence and give me
a few tips on how to cross examine and
sometimes even appear in court whilst
I’m on my feet to give me support. It’s a
very rewarding experience.
Is there anything your father feels
you can do better as a lawyer than him?
He definitely feels I can handle family
matters, domestic violence, technical
transport and land matters better than
him. He will however, forever boast
the criminal realm. Particularly cross
examinations.
How do you see your style of
practicing as compared to your previous
generations?
It’s definitely more flexible, more
mediatory and less contentious. The
older generation’s cross examination
style was more radical to a point where it
can be described as forceful. I am not as
aggressive currently, but I can see myself
getting there.
Tell us somewhere (country/place)
you would like to visit to learn more
about the law and why?
It would be England, because we
operate out of an English Legal System…
mainly because I heard the legends of
our time brag about their experiences
in England under the training of Lord
Denning among others.
What is it about the law and being
a lawyer that makes you passionate
about it?
The law is often said to be the cement
of society and we are the custodians of
the law and that gives us the ability to
help the common man and woman out
of some of the poorest of circumstances.
To hear a simple client express gratitude
and happiness for simple tasks such as
recovering their family land to facilitating
a mother to have access to her children. I
take great pride in being able to assist and
solve problems for them. This is a tool
that I have been given the opportunity
to wield, in my view, to serve mankind.
Our profession has been riddled with
corruption and greed and my endeavour
on a daily basis is to rise against that and
to make a difference so that some hope is
redeemed in the profession.
Continuing the Legacy: Singh and
Singh Legal Practitioners are currently
operating out of Maraj Building Charlotte
and King Streets. Will there be a fourth
generation? Only time will tell.
Horizons 2014 -
69
By: Ananda Latchman
Jad Rahaman with his beloved Ford Escort and trophies
W
hen you hear the name
Rahaman in Guyana the first
thing you tend to associate
them with is the racing circuit. The
Rahaman clan has spanned over 60
years; with 3 generations of racers and
are still dominating the circuit today.
First Generation
It all started in the 1950s when four
of the 13 Rahaman children decided to
make motor racing more than a personal
hobby; a passion within the family.
Even those who were not part of the
racing fraternity supported the sport in
other ways, either by hosting events or
supporting teams.
Shorab Rahaman raced motor cycles
in the 1950s starting out at Number 63
Beach, Berbice, before the opening of a
70 - Horizons 2014
track in Guyana.
Ansari Rahaman was the next to follow
his big brother’s lead, racing MBGs
starting from 1965. He was champion
of his class and group meets on several
occasions. He is considered the most
successful of his generation racing with
and against popular racers such as
Alstrong from the United States, Joey
King, Kit Nascimento, Andre Fredericks
among others. He continued to race and
dominated in his field until his mid 30s.
Imran Rahaman also raced during
that time, but wasn’t as successful as his
other siblings.
Zalaika Rahaman, was one of the
1st females along with Jan Correia to
participate in motor racing in Guyana.
What made her special wasn’t just the
fact that she was a female in her early
twenties racing, but her contemporaries
were her very skilled and famous
brothers. She never won a championship
but placed third in many of her category
races and meets.
Second Generation - Jad Rahaman
When Jad was born on August 20th,
1955 to Hassan and Marjorie Rahaman,
Hassan being the eldest of the 13
siblings, his father’s generation was
deeply immersed in their passion for
the race tracks. His father was not a
racer but was actively involved behind
the scenes. On occasions he hosted race
teams from Trinidad and they would
often be around with their E-type Jaguar
and a mini Cooper S and young 8-10 year
old Jad would satisfy interest by going
into them.
The racing genes were dominant and
it was obvious from a young age that
Jad would continue the Rahaman name
around the circuit. Before car racing,
motorcycles were the way to go and at
age 15 on the Ogle Community Centre
Ground on a Honda SS 50 he made his
first race appearance.
Unfortunately at that time you had to
be over 17 to get a driver’s license, so
he forged his date of birth, to obtain his
motorcycle license.
For future races he would need a
serious racking bike and with his eyes
on the prize, a Honda SS50, he worked
at his father’s gas station as a pump
attendant to make a down payment on
the motorbike, which cost $675. At age
16, without his parents knowledge, he
entered his new 50 CC bike in the 70 CC
category race, despite all odds, including
the rain making conditions atrocious
and treacherous, he won against all the
top dogs earning his first sterling silver
trophy. There was no turning back from
there as he propelled to bigger and
better achievements travelling around
the country: Ogle, Enterprise Wales
Community Centre.
The change from motorcycle racing
to car racing came at the age of 17 as
he left school when his father needed
assistance. With two siblings abroad,
he assisted with the family business
Rahaman’s Transport Ltd. a trucking
company. However, the racing genes
were always at the forefront as Jad
encouraged his father to buy a Toyota
Celica GT with a twin cam 1600 CC
engine costing $19,000 for “work”
purposes as he had to make many trips
to Linden. In 1973, this time with a valid
driver’s license at age 18, he took the
Celica to South Dakota Circuit for his
first race meet. Jad broke many records
that day as he brought 2nd in the first
race, 1st in his 2nd race and 1st in the
final race earning him three sterling
silver trophies despite going up against
experienced drivers such as Joe Veira,
Peter DaSilva and Dereck MacMohan
from England. Jad also took home the
final and most prestigious trophy, the
Champion Driver’s trophy for the group.
The celebrations continued until he got
home, as his parents were yet to find out
he was racing professionally and thanks
to technology, his father heard the race
reports on the radio. His punishment? A
stern look followed by a sly smile; then
words of wisdom from his father “you
would have been in damn trouble if you
didn’t win that race”.
Making his mark on the circuit didn’t
deter him from making his mark in other
areas and in 1976 he married his love
Carolyn. She supported him throughout
his entire racing career, never getting
in the way knowing his passion for
the sport was palpable. Together they
had 3 children, Ryan, Anya and Javid.
Unfortunately, at this stage motor racing
died in Guyana for approximately 10
years for various reasons.
In the early 1990s a group made
up of Andrew King, Keith, Mike and
Lap of Achievements:
• One 1st, two 2nds and a 3rd at
the Caribbean Regional Meet
in Trinidad in the 1990s.
• 8 wins, 2nds and 3rd positions
in the Trinidad Race Meets.
• 2007 Champion Series Driver
at Bushy Park Barbados
• Several Regional and Local
Championships
Chris Correia, Stanley Ming, Jad and
his brother Ray Rahaman lobbied for
the revival of motor racing by taking
their personal funds to restart the
motor racing club and holding race
meets again at South Dakota. Upon its
resuscitation he was given a test drive
by a friend in an Iceberg twin cam Ford
Escort which led to his lifelong love and
Horizons 2014 -
71
passion for Ford Escorts. While most of
the other racers got the going car then,
the Mazda RX 7, Jad stayed with his
Ford Escort equipping it with a full race
engine from England and it took him to
many of his winning moments.
What is one of your proudest
moments as a driver?
Peter DaSilva previously held the
track record with 37.3 seconds in excess
of a decade. At Group 3 cars qualifiers
for the international meet I was the
underdog with a Ford Escort while
everyone was driving a Mazda. In the
qualifying sessions my front wind screen
broke causing the back windscreen to
blow out and allowing me to break the
track record and setting a new one 37.1
seconds.
One racing experience that you don’t
want to relive? I’m an unfortunate race driver, I would
be leading a race and a wheel would fall
off. However, there was one race event in
Jamaica where I was competing against
6 other BDAs (Ford Escorts) and I didn’t
get the car until the morning of the
race when customs cleared it. Vernam
Field Jamaica was used for the qualifier
rounds and within five laps I qualified
for pole position despite not having any
experience on the track. Unfortunately,
the car overheated on the start line, blew
the head joint and ended my Jamaican
experience.
Did you want your children to pursue
your passion?
It was natural for my elder son to race.
No pressure was exerted but I very much
wanted him there.
What was it like racing against your
brother, Ray?
There is a famous newspaper article
saying all eyes on Ray, Ray’s eyes on
Jad. We were fierce competitors. He
had a better team but he knew I was
the better driver, but without lady luck.
The competition was always in existence
on and off the circuit. My mother, who
is 88 now, was always reminding us that
we are brothers, we remembered as
far as the door. It however generated
thrilling races because we brought out
the best to compete against each other.
The spectators enjoyed every moment,
there was even a fan following: Team
Ray versus Team Jad. A fan even named
his two sons after the famous brothers.
Have you ever raced against your
son?
That is the one pleasure I have not
had. The opportunity never presented
72 - Horizons 2014
itself. When Ryan drives my car he
is a tad bit faster but that’s only due
to his body weight being lighter.
Do you think you can beat your
son in a race?
Not now, definitely in my day it
would have been a good race.
What was it like racing with
your son?
I take the back seat. He is in a
more competitive group. When he
is in a race I always try to be alone
to watch him and it’s some of the
proudest moments seeing him on
the circuit competing and winning.
It’s a feeling that cannot be described
or repeated. Overwhelmed and
emotional are understatements,
especially when everything goes
wrong at the right time. He is one of
the most competitive drivers in the
Caribbean today and I do not want
my bad luck to rub off on him.
Something you achieved that
your predecessors didn’t?
I won more races than Ansari and the
others in Barbados including my brother
Ray.
If there was one person you wish you
could show your achievements to who
would it be?
My father for sure. He would not have
said much as he was not a man of many
words, but he would have been proud of
me.
Who do you see as your biggest racing
competitor?
My son. Definitely.
Third Generation -Ryan Rahaman
Four days after his father’s birthday,
on 24th August 1978, Ryan Rahaman
raced into the world and it seemed went
straight to the circuit. Growing up with
his father racing meant that he was
always exposed to the cars and circuits.
At age 16 he had already acquired vast
driving experience as his father allowed
him to break in his race cars.
On his 18th birthday he was presented
a Toyota Starlet which he used to indulge
in his passion for driving and drag racing
on the roads. This led to him sliding off
the road from Church Street into the
Vlissengen trench landing upside down.
His father’s solution to Ryan’s racing on
the roads problem? The track of course!
What wheel, other than the Ford
Escort would Jad Rahaman’s son sit
behind to start his racing career. So at
age 20, he got his Ford Escort “cork ball”
which stayed with him in excess of 10
years and brought him great success.
But how did his car get such a name?
Ryan decided to gas up his tank and as
he was pulling out of the gas station, the
car backfired and cut out. The gas station
attendants asked “Where you going with
that cork ball Ryan?!” But that didn’t
deter Ryan as he fixed it up to meet race
requirements, becoming the car with
the most wins of any other racing car in
Guyana.
In 2000, South Dakota saw Ryan at the
starting line, racing in Group 2B, winning
his debut race – first win from his first race
Lap of Achievements:
• Won 3rd places at Wallofied Track 2002, Trinidad on his first overseas outing.
• Raced in Barbados seven (7) times. Including his 2003 domination/ Champion
Driver overall.
• Champion Driver of Guyana Group 2 slow – 2001 (Debut year) Most Improved
Driver
• Champion Driver of Barbados Group 3B – 2006
• Four liens on the Gavin Naraine Memorial Trophy & Group 2B Champion –
2004, 2006 - 2008
• Champion Driver of Guyana: Group 3 – 2008 & 2010
• Several Regional and Local Championships
at his first event, with the fastest lap of the
day of 40.45 seconds. That was just the
beginning as Ryan’s 1st race season in 2001
he became Champion Driver for Group 2.
Barbados 2003 Ryan moved up in rank
and category entering the Group 2 Fast
and Group 3A winning all three of the
Group 2 events and winning two 2nds
and one 1st in Group 3A at the Bushy Park
track. Upsetting the Bajan drivers, thrilling
the fans with exciting races on the narrow
and difficult track, made this Guyanese
experience unforgettable in Barbados.
The love and passion for racing can only
be matched and surpassed by the love
and passion for his family. On August 1st,
2005 Ryan got married to Cindy Singh and
while racing and working, they started
their family, with his first son Nathan
arriving on January 14th, 2007 and
Noah shortly after on September 28th,
2008. Despite being extremely difficult
to manage family, business and racing,
Cindy was very supportive knowing
racing was his passion, a passion of all the
Rahamans.
What were the challenges you faced
coming from a family of racers, added
expectations?
It was expected that I would race.
Whether I would like it or adapt to it was
another story. Dad always wanted me to
follow in his footsteps; thankfully I liked
it from day one and did! But it had to be
earned. Dad bought a go cart for me at
11 and if I did well in school I would get
to race the go cart on the track. I didn’t
get the grade I was supposed to, so he
sold the go cart.
What were your weekends like
growing up in a family where the first
love and passion was racing?
We were all into a lot of sports, playing
squash, fishing and swimming. But
everything came second to racing and
the track. I cannot remember watching
a race from the outskirts; it was always
from the pit because I was always inside
the pits with him.
What was it like racing the entire 2007
season in Barbados with your dad?
I got lots of feedback from him “try
this and try that”, solving problems with
the cars and improving my driving style.
We were a team!
How do you see your style of driving
as compared to your dad?
Our driving styles are totally different.
He is more flamboyant in his driving
style, too aggressive and too hard,
but very entertaining. I feel I am more
controlled and consistent.
Something you achieved that your
predecessors didn’t?
Breaking the lap time with 34.8
seconds a lap at South Dakota and
dominating in more than one race group.
And having the best lap time at South
Dakota for the family.
Do you want your children to pursue
your passion?
I would like them to. I already see my
son Nathan in a go cart and doing quite
well. He was a natural after I told him
what to do; he went out, drove very well
and is very eager to race. I took a step
back because he is too young, yet very
competitive and a lot like me. My second
son Noah hasn’t shown the interest as
yet. But I would like to see them follow
in our footsteps, with unlimited support
from us (granddad and I) and become
4th generation racers. How will their
mother deal with that, I don’t know.
Tell us somewhere you wish to visit to
learn more about the car racing?
I went to a Formula 1 Grand Prix at age
13 in England and I’m longing to go back
again as they have a rich motor racing
history. You are bound to catch a race
somewhere or find a car part on sale.
Who do you see as your biggest racing
competitor?
Dad! I would love to race against him.
We didn’t get to race competitively in
the same group, would love to see the
end result.
Continuing the Legacy
JR Enterprises has taken precedence
over the circuit at the moment, but it
hasn’t hindered the Rahaman’s love and
passion for racing. Jad is racing selectively
with his new model RS Ford Escort
and Ryan is entering his Ford Sierra YB
Cosworth in Group 3 and 4 categories.
The younger Rahaman is also thinking of
bringing out his old Escort for Group 2
events in the Caribbean Championship
Group 2 Series.
The final lap is nowhere close for the
Rahaman Racers, but the checkered flag
and win is always within their sights.
Horizons 2014 -
73
Three Generations of the Persaud Rice Producers
By: Ananda Latchman
W
Nand Persaud
hat kind of rice? Some kind
of rice, any kind of rice?
In Guyana, we only use
Karibee rice!
That’s the popular slogan at the end
of the Karibee rice commercial known
by many households in Guyana and
around the world. But where and how
did Karibee Rice start? Well, let’s start
the journey with them.
First Generation – Chandica Persaud
It takes vision to know that from our
mother earth we can make our lands
beneficial to us. Mr. Chandica Persaud
was one such visionary, who invested
in the rice fields from a very early age.
Born on March 3rd, 1920 in Bloomfield
Village, Corentyne Berbice he initially
started working as an overseer for Road
Works & Construction while living in
Bloomfield Village with his father. In the
74 - Horizons 2014
early 1940s, the entire family decided to
purchase land in #35 – #36 Villages and
soon realized they had enough land to
plant coconut, cash crop and rice. With
his earnings, Chandica developed his
land into a place for cattle rearing and
rice cultivation and the dream of rice
farming and cultivation began. While
developing his rice fields, he married
Hardai of #47 Village and together they
had 12 children, 4 boys and 8 girls who
would take his rice fields and business to
a whole new level.
After working for many years on the
rice farm and taking care of his rice
fields, in 1970 he went into the Canje
Creek Interior areas to rear cows, passing
the rice fields onto his son. He stopped
working completely in 1987 and passed
away a decade later in 1997. As Wendell
Berry said “We have neglected the truth
that a good farmer is a craftsman of the
highest order, a kind of artist” and it is
Chandica Persaud
the truth that Chandica Persaud crafted
the start of a great rice journey.
Second Generation – Nand Persaud
The apple doesn’t fall far from the
tree; in this case we can say the rice grain
doesn’t fall far from the rice farms. On
October 25th, 1942, Chandica Persaud
got his 1st son whom he named Nand
Persaud. Nand completed his secondary
Mohin Persaud and family with the Minister of
Agriculture at the time, Mr. Robert Persaud
Nand Persaud (right) with Mohin and R. Persaud (left) at the rice mill
Mohin Persaud at the opening of the rice mill
with Dr. Jagan and Pt. Reepu Daman Persaud
education up to his GCE’s, but could not
study further, because as the eldest, he
bore the responsibility of taking care
of his siblings when his mother passed
away at child birth, tasking him with
responsibilities from his teenage years.
Soon however, Mr. Nand Persaud
found someone to share his love and
responsibilities with, marrying Ms.
Sakuntee Dabi Ajodiah on 26 August
1962. Together they produced four
children; Ragindra on September 19th,
1963 followed 2 years later by Mohindra,
then Vasantie in 1966 and their youngest
was Nalita in 1971.
When his wife passed away Chandica
decided to split his land and animals
among his sons, so in 1965 Mr. Nand
Persaud began developing his business
by cultivating rice, cash crops, coconuts
and rearing cows with his father by his
side until 1970. When his father stepped
back and he had free reign of the
business, he purchased new equipment
such as combine, tractors, etc. He
used the combines to harvest paddy
for other farmers and as his business
grew he started to invest greater into
rice by filling up more land, erecting
storage bonds & implementing a small
1 pass rice mill. He eventually stopped
all other activities, such as cow rearing
and cash crops and focused primarily
on his rice development and his 1982
new investment – a spare parts store,
buying and selling motor vehicles and
agricultural machinery.
1992 saw the rewards of hard work
and dedication when Mr. Nand Persaud
and his two sons Rajendra and Mohindra
extended the rice mill and registered it as
a corporate enterprise – Nand Persaud
and Co. in March of the very year. Less
than one year later, in 1993, their 1st one
tonne rice mill was established. That did
not stop their development and need
to grow; in 1996 they established the 3
tonne parboil facility, a fully mechanized
rice processing plant.
Serving as a member of the Rice
Producers Association (RPA) from
the 1970s – 1980s, he ensured the
rice farmers were fairly treated and
encouraged a lot of farmers to learn and
get involved in Agriculture. He believed
that was the way to develop the country,
stating on many occasions that farmers
did not get the respect they deserved,
investing a great part of his life to make
farmers lives better and emphasising
that paying farmers was more important
than paying himself. Mr. Nand Persaud
has been quoted on many occasions
saying “with unity, success is easily
achieved”, the same principle he built
into his family, a great sense of unity
which was the key to his success.
He passed away on January 12th,
2006 leaving behind his echo – I’m a
rice farmer from birth and agriculture
is the best way to develop our beautiful
Guyana.
Third Generation - Mohindra Persaud
The ultimate goal of farming is not the
growing of crops, but the generation of
camaraderie among human beings, the
ability to give riches to a nation that she can
call her own and utilizing the land for the
benefit of all. No one knew or understood
that better than Mohindra Persaud, who
since his birth on November 3rd, 1965 has
been a rice farmer and producer.
Prior to managing the operations,
manufacturing and exporting of rice as
the Managing Director for Nand Persaud
& Co., Mohin, as called by those who
know him well, worked and assisted his
father on weekends and holidays while
attending #36 Village Primary School
and then Manchester Secondary School.
He always knew his calling was to take
over and continue the family’s business
when at the age of 3 they took him into
back dam to play among the fields and
in 1979 he left school to work with his
father and brother Ragindra in the rice
and cash crop business.
Horizons 2014 -
75
In 1980 he encouraged his father to
discontinue cash crop and invest more
in rice farming, which led to the family
purchasing its 3rd combine in 1982,
resulting in a rapid increase in production.
From there forward, the main focus
was on expanding rice cultivation and
making it flourish. However, time was
also devoted to their spare parts store
which opened that year.
On 21st February, 1988 Mohin married
Thakoordai and together they had two
children, Sherena who came first on
November 24th, 1988 and Akash 5 years
later on November 28th, 1993.
1993 turned out to be an eventful
year, as it also brought an increase
in production after buying a small 1
tonne rice mill. Two years later in 1995
they invested in their parboil facility.
By 1998, they were self-sufficient –
Mohin Persaud receiving the Best
Manufacturer and Exporter Award 2010-2011
farming, harvesting (cultivating), drying,
milling and packaging their own rice;
enabling them to launch the Karibee
Brand - packaged parboil and white rice.
Karibee rice swiftly developed into one
of the most sought after rice locally and
regionally, exporting to approximately 16
countries and dominating the Caribbean
Market.
After Mr. Nand Persaud passed away
in 2006, both brothers took on more
responsibility, with Ragindra being the
CEO for the spare parts and Call Centre and
Mohin the CEO for Karibee Rice. Karibee
rice is a pillar not just in the Guyanese
Industry, earning The President’s Award
for the Best Manufacturer and Exporter
– 2010/2011, but they also sponsor
many social and cultural causes. They
continue to contribute and develop the
community in many ways, giving young
people activities to take part in, including
their two sponsored cricket teams,
Karibee Rice Strikers (female team) and
the Karibee Boys.
In conversation with Mohindra
Persaud, this is what he had to say:
Were there any pressures from your
family to continue in this business or
was it a choice?
I always wanted to join the business,
I liked it. My father never accepted his
residency in the US and I didn’t either, we
wanted to stay in Guyana and develop
the country and our rice business. We
wanted to make a name for Guyana with
Karibee Rice.
Was it easier to learn the business
when the mentor was in the family?
It was easy in a sense that it was a
family business and we shared ideas
and came up with solutions to our
problems.
What did you learn the most from
your father?
I learned how to work hard and long
and to love people, appreciate the
workers and communicate with them.
My dad and I gaffed, shared experiences
and ideas, he was my company.
What were your weekends like
growing up in your rice farming family?
Work, work and work: Everyone in the
family would go out and work on the
business, 90% of our time was spent on
work in the rice farms and the remaining
10% was spent on some fun at the horse
races.
Do you want your children to pursue
your line of business?
Yes, I want them to pursue it. Every
day I train them to take control over the
management side so that I can step aside
gradually. Food and rice in particular is
an important business, it also creates a
lot of employment.
Are your children currently part of
the business?
My daughter and son are both working
part time at the stores while they are at
University.
If not the rice industry like your fore
parents, what would you be?
Maybe a cash crops farmer or I would
have taken up my residency in the United
States and worked for someone.
Why are you passionate about the
rice industry?
Guyana has lots of potential, we have
flat land, lots of water and the potential
of rice is unlimited. It is still a growing
industry and we have lots of things to
see and expectations to surpass.
What are the challenges you face
when coming from a renowned rice
family and keeping the name alive?
Not really, we have daily challenges
but not major problems. It’s always a
challenge with technology developing,
but we work round the clock business
to ensure improvement. We always try
to buy something new for the business
that we never used before, whether its
combines, tractors, factory items, etc. We
were the 1st to do parboiling in Guyana,
making rice from paddy in one day
instead of the 7 days. It was frustrating
when something didn’t work because we
had no one to ask and no precedence to
follow. It’s challenging to remain a trend
setter in the industry but we continue to
do so and will continue to use innovation
means and new machinery.
Proudest moment on your job?
The growth of Karibee Rice… when the
Karibee rice took a turn in the market,
gaining a strong market share, the profits
got to a very good level, taking the stress
off the business. We realized that our
rewards will now outweigh the risks.
What is it like working with your
brother?
We work well together, share ideas, talk
a lot and try to stay ahead of our challenges.
He does a lot of reading and research for
both of us, to ensure we are well aware of
the implications of our decisions.
How do your strengths and
weaknesses vary among your father,
brother and yourself?
My father was very hard working, he
had ideas but his hard work was his main
strength.
My brother comes up with ideas.
He researches all the new models,
equipment and technology for us to
use and implement. I am best with
managing, focusing and interacting with
the workers, farmers and persons from
the corporate world. Management and
organisation are my key areas.
Best part of the job?
It’s always great to walk around the
factory and the farms, seeing the people
there; sharing things with them and
being able advise them on their requests.
The best is interacting with farmers and
workers from grass roots to corporate
offices all in one day.
Least favourite part of the job?
It’s discouraging when we know
Guyana has lots of water and we
cannot access it, we have to watch
the rice crops dry. If it was freely
accessible we would have completed
80% rice crop cultivation instead of
the current 15%. The administration
is bad and dealing with it is not a part
of the job we look forward to.
Farming days
What did you accomplish since taking
over Nand Persaud and Co.?
We now use more modern equipment
and recycle equipment. Production and
efficiency has improved tremendously
and we are now the main supplier of
rice in the Caribbean and the biggest
exporter from Guyana.
What is your favourite food?
Fry fish - snapper and rice.
Continuing the Legacy
As the biggest rice exporter in Guyana,
Nand Persaud & Co. looks forward to
dominating the rice market, both in
Guyana and the Caribbean as production
grows with more innovative methods
and technology. They are currently
expanding the mill, their bag factory and
seed paddy plants. They do it, right from
where it all started over 70 years ago #36 Village, Berbice!
Next time you have those grains of
Karibee rice, remember the traditions
that brought that rice to the markets
and our mouths. Hard work, belief in
nature and the power of the land helped
the Persaud family from the rice fields to
the rice mill. They have not only made a
name for themselves, but made a name
for Guyana, helped the people of their
community and encourage many social
programs. It is indeed richness from the
rice fields!
Horizons 2014 -
77
By: Ananda Latchman
T
hey say the best feature on a face
is your smile; the best way to keep
young is to keep smiling; who
ensures that we have healthy, pearly
whites to face the world? Our dentists
of course! This group of gentlemen take
those ideals very seriously as they have
made dentistry not just a career, but a
way of life, a true family tradition...ties
that certainly bind them.
First Generation
Jagan is a name associated with Politics
in Guyana above all else, but when we
look and listen beyond the political
arena, what we find is an outstanding
group of men who chose Dentistry as
their first and foremost passion and
converted that into their profession.
Dr. Cheddi Jagan was not only the
son of Guyana’s soil, but he was a father,
uncle, brother, husband and dentist.
Born on March 22nd, 1918 he was the
bread winner of the family and first to
be qualified as a Dentist. He took a
pre-dental course at Howard University
while working summers in New York.
Being a dedicated student, his hard work
earned him a free tuition scholarship for
his second year at Howard University
and in 1938 he gained entry into Northwestern University for his four year
dental program graduating in 1942 with
his Degree in Dental Surgery (DDS).
Upon his return to Guyana in October
1943 he opened his own dental clinic.
Cheddi, along with his brother Oudit,
who farmed in order to assist with the
family maintenance decided to send
their brother Sirpaul to also be trained
and certified as a dentist.
Sirpaul Jagan, the third of the Jagans,
after Cheddi and Oudit attended
Loyola University in the United States
and returned to Guyana in 1986 as a
qualified Dentist with his DDS. He joined
his brother Cheddi at their Dental clinic –
Corporative Dental Supplies.
Naipaul Jagan, born on 5th May
78 - Horizons 2014
Dr. Clive Jagan & Family
1925 to Jagan and Bachoni in Port
Mourant Berbice, was the younger
brother of Cheddi and Sirpaul, and the
4th child to his parents of six boys and
five girls. He attended Scott’s School in
Rose Hall, Berbice before he headed to
Georgetown. Cheddi upon his return
home in 1943 and being the oldest, took
Naipaul under his wing and trained him
to become a dental technician.
Naipaul, from Berbice met Jean Gobin
from Essequibo in Demerara and the
wedding took place on 15th August
1953. She was a teacher by profession
and together the teacher and the dental
technician had four children: Clive, Nigel,
Nicholas and finally, in 1966, the sole girl
– Sunita.
Naipaul with his skill and newly
developed technique worked as a Dental
Technician at the Corporative Dental
Supplies Clinic on Charlotte Street with
his brothers for over 20 years before
passing away at age 45 in 1970.
Second Generation – Clive Jagan
Kal Aaj Aur Kal - Yesterday, Today and
Tomorrow, those were the words this
2nd generation dentist had to say for
himself. His fore parents were yesterday,
his children are tomorrow and he is
the Aaj – here and now! Clive Ramesh
Jagan came into this world at 5:30am
on Saturday 1st May, 1954 at the Bissear
Hospital, Kitty, Georgetown.
He attended Central High School,
where he completed his O’ Levels in
1970 and decided to pursue his career
in Dentistry. With the confidence that
dentistry was his calling, he applied to
and received provisional acceptance
from Howard University to do his BSc. in
Science.
However, fate had other plans for
this dentist when his father passed
away October 17th of the very year,
leaving him as the eldest son, to carry
forth the family responsibilities. He was
advised by his Uncle Cheddi that Howard
University in the Unites States would
take a minimum of 8 years providing
that he completed his 4 years BSc. and
immediately gained admission into the
4 years dental school program. Uncle
Cheddi suggested India as the better
option, as it would be less expensive
and not as time consuming. He took
the advice to heart and approached
the Indian Council for Cultural Relations
Drs. Shane, Clive, Kyle & Ian Jagan at the
opening of their Jagan Dental Centre
(ICCR) for guidance on how to proceed
with the Indian aspect. He embarked
on this journey as a self-financed
student with the hope of qualifying
within 6 years: 1 year pre-university, 1
year of pre-med and 4 years of dental
school. His pre-university was done at
Chandigarh Punjab, then he was off to
Indore, Madhya Pradesh to complete
his one year in pre-med. In 1974 when
it was time to start his dental program
he was awarded a scholarship to pursue
dentistry by the Indian Government
through the ICCR.
He was lucky to have three choices of
Dental Schools to attend: Indore, Chennai
and Lucknow. However, what was the
main decision for his choice? Was it the
academia, the location, the professors, the
dental program offered? No! His choice of
dental school was based on the fact that
Pakeezah, a film centred on a courtesan
played by Meena Kumari was just released
at the cinemas. Hoping that he would see
such girls as Pakeezah (dancing girls) in
the city the film was based; Dr. Clive Jagan
decided to attend King George’s Medical
College in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
October 1977 witnessed a success
story as he returned home from India
as the 1st Guyanese to graduate as
at dentist at age 23, youngest at that
time. Upon his return home in 1977
he practiced dentistry with his uncles
Sirpaul and Cheddi. Deciding shortly
after to branch out on his own, he
opened his own practice at 265 Thomas
Street in March 1979.
Building a reputation and toiling
tirelessly as a self-employed dentist didn’t
deter this young man from balancing his
life with family and on August 22nd, 1981
he married Nadira Doodnauth at the
Calgary Lutheran Church. Together they
had three children: Shane, Kyle and Ian.
After a successful 12 years at his Tomas
Street Clinic he moved to the Medical
Arts Hospital in 1991 and practiced as
the resident dentist there until 30th
September, 2013 when he opened his
private clinic - the Jagan Dental Centre at
Lamaha and Light Streets.
Dr. Clive Jagan also served as treasurer
and president of the Guyana Dental
Association on various occasions over the
years, continuing the medical education
for dentists across Guyana. He was also
Chairman for the Guyana Dental Council
– the main body that regulates dentistry
in Guyana, overseeing all Dentists work
within the laws and regulations as
stipulated.
Along with his dentistry career,
he started practicing transcendental
meditation (TM) in 1986, completing the
SIDDHA course in 1991 from Barbados,
being an ardent practitioner in excess
of 25 years. He was also on the list
of representatives for the People’s
Progressive Party 1985 and 1992.
Offering back his services to the
Guyanese population, Dr. Jagan continues
to offer outreach programs through the
Rotary Club, the Lions, Ghandi Youth
orphanage, Sai Baba Centre, among many
others.
Why were you assertive in your
decision to pursue dentistry?
My father always told me that
dentistry was a very good profession to
pursue, you have flexible working hours,
reasonable income, good social status, it
was self-employed and having no boss
was a bonus. It’s a noble profession.
Additionally, growing up I was always
around the office, seeing dentistry on a
Dr. Kyle Jagan in action
first hand level and getting acclimatized
to the surroundings of dentistry. There
really was no other choice.
Coming from a family of well-known
dentists, were there any additional
pressures?
There was additional pressure because
there was always comparison among
us. I always tried to live up to their
expectations and as such the quality in
dentistry became my first priority. It was
joy to my ears when a patient said to me
for the first time “you’re better than your
uncles”.
Is it easier to learn when the mentor
is in the family?
Yes, when I worked with my uncles
it was more on an uncle-nephew basis,
rather than employer-employee, so
it was less formal, more of a familial
relationship, creating a more conducive
learning environment. It was always
very comfortable approaching them and
asking questions to know more.
What is it about being a dentist that
keeps you passionate about the job?
Alleviating the perils of tooth decay and
helping my patients from their suffering.
Compared to your uncles, what is
your style of working and practicing?
We have the same style and are
on the same level. We try to be very
compassionate and caring towards our
patients and we have never made money
an issue in our practices.
Did you want your children to pursue
your career, was there any pressure?
No pressure at all. I always told them
whatever they choose to do, must be
something that they enjoyed doing
because it is something they will have
to do for the greater part of their lives.
However, I did mention in passing the
Horizons 2014 -
79
Dr. Shane Jagan at work
words of my father. I honestly had no
expectations of them becoming dentists,
but definitely professionals.
If all three generations were on a
level playing field, who would you see
as your biggest competitor?
Myself! I am my own competition
because I always strive to be better every
day. Better than I did yesterday in terms
of job performance and patient care.
How did you balance a demanding
full time profession and your family life
with three boys at the same time?
My wife played a very important role;
she is the head of the household. She
was always around to bring up the kids,
I was the bread winner but she was the
care giver, we each had our own roles.
She was my balance and I was hers too.
However, I always ensured the working
hours were flexible enough to spend
enough time with my sons.
If there was one person you wish you
could show your achievements to, it
would be?
My father, he died when I was at a
very young and impressionable age. He
would be proud of me as I brought his
advice to fruition. They say for every
generation to be successful there must
be progression of 25% compared to the
last. My father was a dental technician
and I became a dentist, I am happy that I
have done better than my father, but I’m
also very happy that my children will do
better than me.
What is it like working with your sons?
It’s great. To know that my sons have
become dentists makes me happier
80 - Horizons 2014
than had they taken up
another profession. It
gives me immense joy
when I enter the office
and they are there.
Also, now that they are
there, I can get away
from work a bit earlier
some days.
What
are
the
strengths
of
each
of your sons in the
practice?
Shane in addition
to the skills has the
personality; he can lure
any and all patients,
building a clientele. He is
also our resident repair
man, doing the office/
equipment repairs and
maintenance.
Kyle’s
strength is in his work
performance and work
ethic.
Is retirement anywhere in the near
future?
No, I will continue to practice dentistry
until my last breath.
Third Generation –
Shane, Kyle & Ian Jagan
The tomorrow and future of the Jagan
Dentists seems to be long and bright
with all 3 sons of Clive Jagan following in
his footsteps.
Shane Arvind Jagan, born on February
4th, 1983 was the first child of Clive and
Nadira. He attended Queen’s College
from 1994 to 1997 before completing his
CXC’s at Mae’s Secondary School. Shortly
after, he moved to Canada where he
graduated in 2004 from Seneca College in
computer networking. However, he soon
realized computer networking wasn’t for
him and while finding his way in life, his
brother was researching dental schools
in India. Listening and learning about his
findings, he decided to join him.
Kyle Vishnu Jagan, born on June 25th,
1986, the second son to the couple came
out into this world knowing that he is,
will be and shall always be a dentist. Sure
of his place in the world and his calling,
Kyle graduated from Mae’s with his CXCs
and moved onto School of Nations,
completing his GCE’s A Levels in 2004.
He joined his brother Shane in Canada
and qualified with his Bachelors in
Science from McMasters University.
However, that was never enough, since
becoming a dentist was his main goal.
Researching the dental programs in
Canada was his top priority, but his dad
approached him with a better idea. The
same idea that was put forth to him by
his father figure, that is, to complete his
DDS in India, cutting his years to become
qualified in half. The very words Cheddi
uttered to Clive were echoed to Kyle and
by extension Shane.
Without further ado, in 2005 they
were off to India to continue their family
tradition, pursuing Dentistry. They both
entered Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patel Dental
University and Hospital in Mumbai
and in 2011 and 2012, Kyle and Shane
respectively, graduated with their DDS.
Shane continued to do a few courses
in cosmetic dentistry, returning to the
fold May, 2013.
Kyle however stayed a bit longer,
attending Manipal University in
Manglore to specialise in implantology
and laser dentistry. Taking one academic
year, he completing his dental education
in May 2013 after working under Dr.
Suchetan Pradhan, a man considered
to be the pioneer of implantology and
also the director of the Pradhan Dental
Centre in Mumbai India.
Kyle returned home in September of
the very year, and along with his brother
joined his father’s newly opened practice
– Jagan Dental Centre.
Ian Naipaul Jagan, named after his
grandfather, was born on December
27th, 1991. After spending his secondary
education years at St. Joseph’s High,
he started the dental journey to India.
Equipped with his Bachelor of Dental
Surgery from Padmashree Dr. D.Y.
Patil Dental University, he is currently
completing his internship at said
University. He plans to specialise in Oral
Surgery, fixing fractures and removing
cysts or tumours, this speciality courses is
slated for 3 years in India. After completing
his course, he will return full time to
Guyana, with the hope of practicing
alongside his father and brothers on a
permanent basis.
Having a conversation with Shane and
Kyle, here is what they have to say about
their family traditions:
Being 3rd generation, was it a natural
or pressured choice to enter the dental
profession?
Shane: I always liked the “Dr.” suffix
before my name and it was a chance
to get that. I realised that computer
networking wasn’t for me, so pursued
the family tradition of dentistry.
Three Generations of Jagans with over 10 Jagan Dentists
Kyle: Natural in a sense that I liked the
profession and my family was known in
the field. I knew I wasn’t going to be on
that career path alone and at the end of
the day everything my grandfather told
my father, our father told us and that
influenced my decision.
What is it like working along with
your father?
Shane: It allows a lot more confidence
to function, making it a very comfortable
and secure working environment. From
him we learn the tricks of the trade they
didn’t teach you in school.
Kyle: To be the best you have to learn
from the best and working along with
my father is working with the best.
What is it like working with your
brother on a daily basis?
Shane: We are both now starting our
practice and finding our own way, so we
lean on each other. We each have our
own strengths and weaknesses.
Kyle: It’s nice that we can work
together. There is some amount of
competition: who can do more, who can
do it best. We all want to be the best.
Shane and Kyle: We know we always
have to give our best because on a daily
basis, we need to live up to the name
and our father’s reputation. It’s a proud
feeling working together as family.
As a child, what was the most
memorable moment of your father as a
dentist?
Shane and Kyle: It was a proud feeling
when people talked about our father
and the love he received. It’s always
wonderful hearing patients praise him
anywhere we went, including school.
Who do you consider as your
mentors?
Shane: Dad definitely, the inside
secrets, the hand me down from his
experience. The knowledge you get from
him you cannot learn in Dental School.
Kyle: My dad and Dr. Pradhan. The
level of dentistry Dr. Pradhan practices
is equivalent to the level of dentistry my
dad practices, you can’t get higher or
better than that.
What are the proudest moments so
far in your short careers?
Shane: Graduating dental school was
the proudest moment.
Kyle: Successfully completing a
difficult extraction for the first time.
Shane and Kyle: Also, surviving and
experiencing India..
Continuing the Legacy
The Jagans’, father and three sons,
cover all fields of dentistry with the
exception of orthodontist and, with Ian
returning in the near future they are
planning to expand and propagate dental
tourism. That means, offering first world
dental services at third world prices, so
patients in the Diaspora could return
home and have tertiary dental work done
at a much reduced cost than they would
pay in first world countries. Visit http://
www.jagandentalcentre.com or email
[email protected] to find
out more about the men in scrubs who
keep us smiling bright! It’s not every day
you find one father and his three sons
practising from the same location, but
on most given days you can find them
at Jagan Dental Centre, truly making
dentistry a family passion and more so, a
family legacy.
Old or new; then and now; today or
tomorrow; past, present, future, are all
governed, influenced and empowered
by Traditions. Traditions - behaviours,
habits, passions, professions, passed
down within a group or society
holding symbolic meaning and special
significance are made even more
symbolic when it’s passed down within a
family. As seen by the families featured,
traditions make our history; leave a
legacy to be told, with these legacies
made, bonds are formed creating ties
that bind. Horizons 2014 -
81
82 - Horizons 2014
Sonu Nigam at Guyana Hindu Dharmic
Sabha Indian Arrival Celebration at
Guyana National Stadium
2014 Indian
Arrival Celebrations
With President Donald Ramotar
Dharmic Nritya Sangh
preforms with Sonu Nigam
Dharmic Nritya Sangh
preforms with Sonu Nigam
Sonu Nigam's Orchestra
Horizons 2014 -
83
Jonita Gandhi at Guyana Hindu Dharmic
Sabha Indian Arrival Celebration at
Guyana National Stadium
Sonu and father, Mr. Agam Nigam at
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Indian
Arrival Celebration at Guyana National
Stadium
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Indian Arrival
Celebration at Guyana National Stadium
84 - Horizons 2014
86 - Horizons 2014
Indian Arrival Celebrations at Highbury, Berbice
ICT Honours 3
at Pushpanjali 14
Ameena Gafoor receives her award from
business magnate, Yesu Persaud for her
outstanding contributions to the Literary Arts
in the Caribbean and the wider diaspora
Sattaur Gafoor was honoured for his
outstanding achievements in Industry and
contributions to Civil Society
Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh
received an award for his outstanding service
to the Justice System in Guyana
Horizons 2014 -
87
Narine Dat Sookram
N
arine Dat Sookram, who was
recently named one of the most
“Famous People of Guyanese
Heritage” living abroad, is a social activist,
radio host, community builder and an
author of the book, “The Teenage Years”.
He is the recipient of over 100 awards/
recognitions, some of which include:
World of Difference 100 Award, 2013;
Narine Dat Sookram
88 - Horizons 2014
Who’s Who in the World, 2013; The
Canadian Encyclopaedia Inclusion 2013;
The Caring Canadian Award 2013; Canada’s
Top 25 Immigrant Award, 2013 (the only
Guyanese to receive this nationwide
award this year) and many more.
Narine gained fame through his
community radio show “Caribbean Spice
Radio”, the only programme on 100.3
Sound FM to win the People’s Choice
Award for Favourite Caribbean Music
and Favourite World Music.
The Guyanese native who
grew up in a small village close
to the Number 63 Beach in
Berbice, Guyana, is also known
for producing the “Caribbean
Dreams” concert in Kitchener,
Ontario, Canada, where new
and young artistes get the
opportunity to showcase their
talent through the performing
arts. He has received the prestigious
Denny Statue – A Waterloo Region Arts
Award in the open category, making him
the only Guyanese to date to win in that
category.
Narine is more known for his
philanthropic
work
through
his
non-profit organisation
ACTIVE
VISION Charity Association (www.
activevisioncharity.com), where the
purpose is to help aid schools in Guyana
with textbooks and other school
supplies, providing the opportunity
for a better education. Narine plays a
lead role at Opportunities Waterloo
Region as an education outreach
coordinator, mobilising solutions to
poverty, specifically targeting families
with children to empower them to take
the first step of free funding available to
them from the government of Canada
for their post-secondary education.
Edwin Outwater (left), Cindy Watkin and Narine Sookram are
this year's recipients of the Waterloo Award. They accepted
their awards at Waterloo City Council on November 26.
Roy Nandram
R
His mentorship role includes
mentoring internationally trained
professionals and empowering
business women to become selfsufficient world-wide. It was for
that reason he received the World
of Difference100 Award, 2013
from The International Alliance
for Women (TIAW). Each year,
the TIAW World of Difference
100 Award recognises women
and men who have advanced
the economic empowerment
of women, whether on a small
scale in the developing world,
or effecting change in the
boardrooms of the business
capitals of the world.
He has become a role model
both locally and internationally
and has continued to make Guyana
and his fans around the world
proud. He is very deserving of
the “Famous People of Guyanese
Heritage” inclusion.
oy Nandram, a
Guyanese
immigrant living in the Ottawa
area, shone at the mid-October
29th annual design awards, taking away
five hefty glass trophies, and earned the
prestigious Peoples’ Choice Award for a
stunning makeover of an east-side home.
But above all, Nandram was named
Renovator of the Year by the Greater
Ottawa Home Builders’ Association.
“I feel pretty good,” Nandram said
moments after breaking into a big smile.
“I must be doing something right.”
He arrived in Ottawa in 1976 as a
teen to study mechanical engineering at
Algonquin College. “I built my first house
in Guyana at 16 for my sister. It’s where I
stay when I go back home.”
Nandram
owns RND Construction
and has methodically forged close links
with top architects in the city, earning
their trust. He has also built an enviable
reputation as a technology guru and a
green building advocate long before green
was popular.
“Building green is partly a result of my
childhood. I was born in a poor country
and we had to learn to be very frugal.
There was no waste,” he says. He grew up
with four brothers and five sisters in a poor
village. His father was a rice merchant,
earning extra money by building homes.
His curious son was always watching, ready
to help.
This middle child was the first to
immigrate, earning credentials as an
industrial engineer at Algonquin before
studying economics at the University of
Ottawa.
Nandram latched onto smart green
building techniques in 1982 when an
employer sent their senior job estimator
on a course to learn about insulation
Roy Nandran
techniques. This was about the time he
met architect Christopher Simmonds and
the two laid the foundation for a long
partnership, with Simmonds designing
a series of award-winning homes and
Nandram building them on budget and on
time.
Nandram has earned the respect of
colleagues across the city as he continually
researches new materials and technologies
for saving the most money, while cutting
energy costs.
Horizons 2014 -
89
BAL NIVAS
On May 5th, 2014, Guyana Hindu
Dharmic Sabha held a simple but
beautiful opening of its Shelter for
abused children and Skills Training
and Counselling Centre – Bal Nivas,
Ankerville, Corentyne.
Chaired by the Sabha’s Junior VicePresident, Pt. Jagmohan Persaud, the
programme featured presentations
from the children of Guyana; prayers
from children of the Hindu, Muslim and
Christian communities, bhajan from
children of the West Coast Berbice
Praant of the Sabha, dance by the
Junior members of the Dharmic Nritya
Sangh and an awesome performance
by the winner and first runner-up of
the Emerging Voices Competition,
Vishali Sukhram and ArtiSookhai.
Excellency President Donald Ramotar
congratulated the Guyana Hindu Dharmic
Sabha on the venture and expressed
appreciation for the facility which would
be welcome addition to the existing
facilities in Guyana. He noted the
impressive track-record of the Sabha
and paid tribute to the visionary style
leadership to the Shelter and its Founder
and former President, the late Pandit
Reepu Daman Persaud. President of the
Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud expressed
thanks to all those who contributed to
the Shelter and enabled her brainchild to
reach fruition in record time -1 year. She
cautioned that even though the structure
was complete the Sabha would require
extensive support to furnish and make it
operational. Dr. Persaud re-iterated the
Sabha’s commitment to service under its
motto “action thy duty, reward not thy
concern” and pledged that the Sabha’s
under her leadership would continue the
work started by her late father, Pandit
Reepu Daman Persaud. She expressed her
heartfelt appreciation to the Executive
and members of the Sabha for giving
sterling service to the Sabha over the
years and continuing to support her in all
the new initiatives. Dr. Persaud expressed
how humbled and touched she felt by the
love she received from all wherever she
went and by the ready support to the
Sabha as it continued to serve the people
of Guyana. Legendary playback Singer
of India, Sonu Nigam articulated how
touched he was to be associated with the
beginning and conclusion of the project
Horizons 2014 -
91
and how impressed he was by the work
of the Sabha. He emphatically stated that
he would love to make Guyana a part
of his life and visit as often as he could.
The hundreds assembled applauded
enthusiastically impressed by his humility
and sincerity.
To the chanting of prayers, a symbolic
coconut was broken by Dr. Persaud at
the entrance of Bal Nivas. The ribbon
was cut by Mr. Sonu Nigam and the
commemorative plaque unveiled by Dr.
Persaud, Excellency President Donald
Ramotar and Mr. Sonu Nigam. All those
gathered took the opportunity to go
on guided tours to explore the newly
constructed building. All were impressed
with the warmth emanating from the
building and the space and design.
Bal Nivas was designed by Architect,
Mr. Alvin Thorne and built by Mr. Rafeek
Kassim of Kascon Engineering Service.
It was constructed in large measure
with proceeds from mega concerts
featuring superstar playback singers
Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, AlkaYagnik
and Udit Narayan and complemented
by donations from local businesses,
individuals, families, the Sabha’s New
York Chapter and devotees of the
Minnesota Vishnu Mandir.
Bal Nivas is a 2 story, 10,000 sq. feet
concrete building expected to cater for
children of all back grounds and beliefs
92 - Horizons 2014
throughout the country who will have various facilities available
to them; counselling, residential, basic health care, computer
and library resources and most importantly a safe haven. A
broad-based Board will govern the running of the facility and a
residential administrator and caring staff will provide the warmth
and compassion the children need.
The Sabha wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to all those
who supported it in its efforts to construct such a facility through
encouraging words, financial contributions, and attendance at all
it mega concerts.
Horizons 2014 -
93
My Determined Path To Meditation
M
y first exposure to Meditation
and Yoga began in High
School when I discovered
two books in a drawer filled
with my mom’s books. One was on Hatha
Yoga and the other book was one written
by the famous stylist, Vidal Sassoon, and
his wife. I launched myself into the Yoga
exercises described in the book on Hatha
Yoga, and loved the sarvangasana pose
(shoulder stand) most of all. However,
the aspect of meditation itself escaped
me. In the other book, Sassoon and his
wife claimed to be able to meditate
anywhere, even on planes. I admired the
concept of meditation but wasn’t that
interested. As such, Meditation practice
waited until I started formal Yoga classes
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By: Joy Persaud
years later after I had begun working.
My Yoga teacher at the Indian Cultural
Centre was Radhika. She was quite
patient with us and taught us to meditate
by using visualization techniques. My
mind however did not seem to want to
co-operate. In fact, the closest I came to
meditation was that feeling of floating
one gets in savasana pose(corpse pose),
but of course that’s just what happens
after exerting oneself for an hour moving
from pose to pose. By then, the shoulder
stand was no longer my favourite pose.
The savasana had become my new
favourite. The floating feeling was so
restful and perfect for a lazy person.
Thankfully, I have evolved somewhat
and now my favourite pose is the Adho
Mukasvanasana (downward dog) and
my favourite technique is a one which
I learned at the Shambhala Meditation
Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.
One has only to Google “What are
the Benefits of Meditation” to find a list
of reasons why we ought to meditate.
It has been shown to help lower blood
pressure, promote relaxation and help
with stress. There are even studies
that claim that the relaxation one can
achieve in meditation can positively
impact fertility in both men and women.
Ultimately, studies show that combating
stress by meditation can boost immunity
thus positively impacting our health. My
reason for doggedly pursuing meditation
was to find a way to keep my mind clear
is comfortable. It can be straight ahead
or lower. We were then taught to focus
on the outward breath. When thoughts
invade we were told to just say
“thinking” to ourselves and to re-focus
on the outward breath. Keeping the
eyes open is recommended in order to
allow us to keep our awareness of daily
existence. The Buddhist Monk Pema
Chodron in her book “When Things
Fall Apart” put it very nicely. Chodron
writes, “Most meditation techniques
use an object of mediation- something
you return to again and again no
matter what’s going on in your mind.
Through rain, hail, snow and sleet, fair
weather and foul, you simply return
to the object of meditation. In this
case, the out breath is the object of
meditation – the elusive, fluid, everchanging out – breath, ungraspable
and yet continuously arising. When you
breathe in, it’s like a pause or a gap.
There is nothing particular to do except
wait for the next out-breath.” This is my
favourite technique because it helps
me to still my mind more effectively.
However another method may prove
more effective for someone else.
and calm while juggling work and study.
I experienced the same thing everyone
else does when meditating; the constant
flood of thoughts and images in my
mind. I learned different techniques
as I attended different Yoga classes. I
found the visualization techniques to be
relaxing and calming. Being guided in
class was very helpful, but when trying to
meditate on my own, my thoughts soon
took over, and I often ended up feeling
frustrated. Somehow I wasn’t getting
it right. Then, I read one of Deepak
Chopra’s books,where he describes the
meditation process so well that I was
determined to continue. He explained
finding a “gap” between thoughts. This
“gap” is the moment when there is no
thought in the mind. He went on to say
words to the effect that in that “gap”
one can harness pure creative energy.
This was intriguing to me, and was
further reinforced when my then Yoga
teacher in Brampton invited me to chai
at her house. It was there that I met her
brother- in-law, who told us that his daily
4 a.m. meditation was responsible for
his success as a businessman and in his
personal life. So I continued my practice,
but the ‘gap” would often elude me until
I found the Shambhala Centre.
At the Centre we were taught to sit
cross legged on a cushion. Hands rest in
the centre, palms upward, one palm on
the other. The eyes are not closed but
focused in front of you on a point which
I am sure that the question being asked
of me is “Have you been successful in
achieving your goal of calmness and clarity
of mind?” My answer is an unequivocal
“Yes.” Mediation works for me. It works
when I practice consistently. Like every
other human being on the planet, I have
highs and lows, good days and bad,
non-practising and practising days, but I
have found when I discipline myself and
practise consistently my mind is clearer,
my intentions are more powerful and
suddenly without effort things come
together perfectly, almost magically. Some
may still doubt, and perhaps laugh.
I say, the mind is a beautiful, powerful
thing. Why not develop, hone it and
unleash its full potential?
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95
yoga Asanas
Breathe. Stretch. Be Aware.
By: Deomattie Seeram & Renu Batra
"True yoga is not about the shape of your BODY, but the shape of your LIFE. Yoga is not to be PERFORMED; yoga is to be
LIVED. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have BEEN; yoga cares about the person you are BECOMING. Yoga is designed for a
vast and profound PURPOSE, and for it to be truly called yoga, its ESSENCE must be embodied." ~Aadil Palkhivala
Y
oga Asanas simply meaning yoga postures are more
than stretching as they open energy channels, purify
and strengthen the body. They also help to control,
focus and clear the mind.
A healthy and peaceful body is the starting point for advance
practices. This is the purpose of Asanas.
In Asanas, the body is subjected to different stretches,
bends, twists, inversions and strains. Then you try to maintain
the posture in a relaxed manner. Various muscles are
strengthened and functioning and efficiency of the internal
organs is improved.
In Asanas, you try and connect the mind to the body. You
try to increase the awareness of body parts, focusing on
stressed joints and muscles, maintaining awareness of the
breathing. One needs a lot of skill in trying to relax the muscles
and different parts under stress during asana practice. This
is strengthening of Body- Mind relationship. Without these
three essentials: asana, awareness of body and awareness of
breathing, you will not be performing yoga, but only a stretch.
Other benefits of the Yoga poses include increasing
flexibility, stamina, strength and endurance of various body
parts. Asanas also have positive effect on reproductive system
and the excretory system. Most important is asanas balance
nervous system and hormones.
The postures below are demonstrated by Renu Batra, yoga instructor for classes that are held at the Pt. Reepu
Daman Persaud Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar .
Veerbhadra Aasan
( Warrior Pose):
Natraj Aasan
(Dancing Shiva Pose):
Begin standing tall and straight.
Inhale and bend left knee and grasp
inside of left foot with left hand. Gently
bring right arm up and balance, deepen
the backbend. Hold for 5-10 breaths.
Exhale and relax. Fix your gaze on
something still in front of you. Repeat
with the other leg.
Benefits: Strengthens legs and core.
Improves balance, stretches shoulders
and chest, strengthens the legs and
ankles
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Begin standing tall and straight. Step
feet apart; three feet distance between
them. Turn the right foot and the torso
to the right and the left foot slightly
in. Bend right knee at 90 degree
angle so the right thigh is
parallel to the floor. Inhale
and reach arms above
head, palms facing each
other, lengthening spine.
Gently arch back while
gazing upward. Exhale
and repeat on left side.
Benefits:
Improves
balance,
strengthens
legs, back
and arms.
Opens the chest
and shoulders.
Dhanur Aasan (Bow Pose):
Lie on the belly with your hands by your side. Exhale and bend your knees
and bring the feet towards the buttocks. Hold both ankles with your hands.
Inhale, lift your thighs, head, chest and neck up from the floor. Continue to
lift, press the shoulder blades together and open the chest. Gaze forward.
Exhale and relax.
Benefits: Stretches the ankles, thighs and groins, abdomen and chest,
throat and hip. Strengthens the back muscles and stimulates abdominal
organs.
Vriksha Aasan (Tree Pose)
Stand tall and straight. Shift your
weight onto the left leg. Inhale and
slowly bend your right leg, and
place the sole of the foot onto
the inner side of the standing leg.
Bring your both arms up and join
hands together into Namaste
mudra (prayer position). Breathe
naturally. Hold for as long as you
feel comfortable. When you are
ready to release, exhale bringing
your foot back down gently and
alternate sides.
Benefits: Develops awareness,
balance
and
concentration.
Strengthens legs, ankles and feet,
and hips.
Naav Aasan (Full Boat Pose)
Sit on the floor with legs stretched out on the floor and
your hands on your sides. With your back straight and head
in line with the body. Inhale and raise the legs as high as is
comfortable. Keep neck and shoulders relaxed. Once you feel
balanced, you reach the arms forward up. Hold the pose
for as long as you can comfortably. Exhale and relax.
Benefits: Strengthens the abdomen and core, hips,
and lower back.
Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
Begin standing tall and straight. Step feet apart, having a three feet
distance between them. Turn the right foot to the right and the left
foot slightly in. Bend right knee at 90 degree angle so the right
thigh is parallel to the floor. Inhale and turn your body towards
right so your right hand can touch the floor by placing the
hand next to the right foot and at the same time left arm
is reaching up toward the ceiling in such a way that the
left leg, left hip and left arm are in one line. Breathe
and hold the positions for 3-6 breaths. Exhale
and repeat the same with other leg.
Benefits: Opens the side of the body
from feet to fingers. Energizes the body
and strengthens abdominal,
legs, knees and ankles.
Stretches hips, groins
and hamstrings.
Interested in joining the classes at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Sanskritik Kendra, call 227-6181 to register.
They are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
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