This webinar explored how Bhartiya diaspora families have maintained, adapted and transformed their cultural identities over the course of at least three or four generations in song and music. It discussed the ways family traditions, values and social practices have evolved across time and space, while also examining the challenges and opportunities that come with living between cultures. It also delved into how Indian diaspora families navigate the delicate balance between preserving ancestral traditions and embracing new cultural trends.
From the joint family systems of the past, to contemporary family dynamics, the presentations highlighted the resilience and adaptability of these communities as they forge identities that honour their heritage while engaging with their current environments in song and music.
The following are excerpts from an Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre (ICC) Thought Leaders’ Forum (4/5/2025). The ZOOM program was chaired by Shalima Mohammed and moderated by Shakira Mohommed, both from Trinidad. This program was partly supported by the Sport and Culture Fund in the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago There were (3) speakers in the program. The topic was “Intergenerational Families in Culture in the Indian Diaspora” See the unedited recording of the program: https://www.youtube.com/@dmahab/streams.
KEROLIN GOVENDER said: “My work of Indian Indo-African music collaborations seeks to build bridges between cultures that have long lived side by side, yet often have been divided by history. By blending Indian classical traditions with African rhythms and Zulu harmonies, especially poetry, I aim to reflect what South Africa truly is … a tapestry of stories, sound and the spirit. My performances at global stages like the Mahakumba Mela and the Varanasi Festival held in India, (Indo-African) showcases at the brick summit are testaments to the power of cross-cultural healing. I will never forget where it all began; in my family lounges or old cassette players, in borrowed instruments; in the echo of ancestors who sang not for applause but to remember who they were to the next generation. You are the continuation of the story. Never underestimate the power of your voice, your art, your story. Let us preserve and let us create and let us remember that through music we can rediscover our true selves. I honour these roots while expanding them in my work.”
DEVANI DEVI said: “The Ramayan is one of the most popular texts brought to Trinidad from India during the indentureship period, and together with the Hanuman Chalisa, the golden verses of the Ramayan fuelled the travellers across the Kalapani with faith and strength to face many challenges they encounter. Trinidad is actually dubbed “Ramayan country,” and its recitation is quite vivid today. My father Bridgerajh Ramlakhan conducted at birthday satsang celebrations, and regular Thursday night satsang at the village mandir and especially when someone passed away in the community. It was believed that the praises of Ramayan would send positive vibrations to the deceased and it would give comfort to those grieving family members. The Ramayan has changed by the Ramlakan family over the years, but its essence remains the same, and that remains untouched and very much alive and valued.”
ANN MARIE CHADEE said. “Times change a lot and we definitely need to accept the change, but at the same time, for example, not everybody will know Hindi or Sanskrit, and we have to also interpret it in English so the younger generation knows it. A certain percentage like myself … when I was young – will have the passion to go ahead and learn Hindi, learn classical music and pass it on, and that is what has been happening in my family. There is change in the music, yes, with time, but the depth of it is passed on to the younger people and they, in their way, are carrying it on. A lot of young people are doing it, and I am really very proud to see what is happening. I grew up in a family of music. Music was like eat, sleep … everything in my family, from my nanny to my grandmother, my father, my mother, and then myself, my brother, and now my nephew, you know. So, it is really five generations. But as I said, certain things change over time but the purpose is still there.
The music … it is like a virus; it is in your DNA; and that passion was passed down from my grandmother, my father and mother, and it grew in me and my brother. For approximately 17 years, I studied with Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Relations, learning classical music and Hindi vocals. One of my gurus from Bharat … he understood my journey and what I was all about; he was really impressed. He said, ‘Marie you got a melodic gift. Let us take this further, and so he helped me to take my career further.’”
