The online program discussed monuments and re-enactments in the Girmitiya indentured Indian diaspora. It explored how monuments, memorials and historical reenactments shape collective memory in the diaspora. In countries such as India, Fiji, Mauritius, Rėunion, South Africa, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, communities have created physical and performative spaces to commemorate the history and experiences of indentured labourers and their descendants. By examining these sites of remembrance, the discussion highlighted how heritage, identity and cultural resilience have been preserved and transmitted across generations.
The following are excerpts from an Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre’s (ICC) Thought Leaders’ Forum (14/06/26). The 316th edition of the ZOOM program was chaired by Aashirya Anroed of the Netherlands and moderated by Shalima Mohammed of Trinidad. There were (4) speakers in the program. The topic was “Monuments and Re-enactments in the Girmitiya Indentured Diaspora” See the unedited recording of the program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t26Sl3IdA40
KABERI ROY of India said in summary: “I am deeply honoured to speak in this platform about two significant Indenture Memorials situated in the port area of Kolkata, India, near the River Ganges. The first structure, inaugurated in January 2011, is the Kolkata Indenture Memorial, a project brought to life through a collaborative initiative involving the Government of India and representatives of GOPIO, specifically Shri Ashook Ramsaran and late Madam Leela Gujadhur Sarup. This was followed by unveiling of the Surinam Memorial in October 2015, a project inspired by the 2011Indenture Memorial, and driven by the Suriname Ambassador to India, Smt. Ashna Kanhai.
“Kolkata is the only city in Bharat with the distinction of having not one, but two memorial sites to Indian Indenture Labour. This city is of immense historical significance in the context of the Indenture Labour System, not only because this is where it all began and from where the largest number of migration took place, but also because this city served as the epicentre where the legislative framework of the indenture system was drafted and sustained.”
ASHOOK RAMSARAN of USA and Guyana said in summary: “Memorial monuments serve as essential public displays that acknowledge, honour and remember significant historical events for posterity. Throughout my global advocacy, I have fiercely supported and initiated various monuments to mark Indian arrivals and departures across numerous Girmitiya countries, including Guyana, Trinidad, Mauritius and Jamaica. Annual Indian Arrival Day reenactments, complete with traditional prayers, dances and vibrant public performances are vital for preserving cultural heritage and reinforcing ethnic cohesion within the wider Indian diaspora.
“In recognition of this true deep history, several nations have successfully enacted formal laws to designate these arrival dates as official national holidays. Our ongoing international efforts are highly focused on collaborating with the Archaeological Survey of India to secure prestigious UNESCO heritage designations for these historic departure depots. For families living across other countries, establishing physical markers ensure the sacrifices are never forgotten by future generations.”
DR. LÉNA ARMOUDOM of Réunion said in summary: “The Indian presence in Réunion Island dates back remarkably early to the original settlements, meaning the modern population is deeply marked by Indian ancestry. Unlike the British model of governance, the French colonial system heavily promoted a policy of forced cultural assimilation which unfortunately caused the traditional Tamil language to gradually decline across generations.
“Despite these intense systemic pressures, descendants successfully preserved their distinct cultural identity and ancestral memories through elaborate temple rituals, festivals and dramatic performances like the Balataum. This traditional performance allows actors to transmit historical and mythological memory across generations. I was incredibly proud to act as the initiator and committee president for the Barachois Memorial, which was officially unveiled in October 2015 to pay a lasting, formal tribute to Indian slaves, indentured labourers and other free servants.”
RIZWAAN ABBAS of Canada and Fiji said in summary: “Working alongside indigenous communities in Canada as an archaeologist has shown me that all colonised people share a profound bond forged by collective resiliency. In Canada, the Indo-Fijian diaspora faces unique cultural challenges because we are often dwarfed by a larger South Asian population, leading to a lingering fear of losing our distinct individuality and history. To counteract this, we have set out to actively decolonise our culture by shifting our focus away from the restrictive terminology imposed by political institutions and renaming the historic day as Girmitiya Day to directly honour our resilient ancestors who were once placed in bondage.
“Through these grassroots efforts, we are successfully building a strong foundation for our unique identity, which has already sparked an incredible surge of pride and curiosity among our youths. I am thrilled to share that the city of Surrey and the province of British Columbia have recently issued official proclamations recognising this day, putting Canadian communities at the forefront of global reconciliation. We are finally telling our own stories.”
— Dr. Kumar Mahabir & Shalima Mohammed, MBP
