The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, in collaboration with Indo–Grenadian Heritage Foundation Inc. and The Belmont Foundation Inc., hosted a landmark celebration of Indian Arrival Day on 1 May at Belmont Estate. The event brought together members of the Indo-Grenadian community, government officials, diplomats, students, and the wider public to honour the enduring contributions of Indo-Grenadians to national development.
The event commenced with a Flag Raising Ceremony at 10 am, presided over by Master of Ceremonies Dr Vajinder Singh. Lauren Salim, Personal Assistant to Minister Dennis Cornwall, raised the Grenadian flag, while Mr Sagar Maitra, Head of Chancery, raised the Indian flag on behalf of the High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago. The Grenadian National Anthem was rendered by Mrs Naomi Roberts, and the Indian National Anthem was led by Mrs Priya Thomas. Special remarks were delivered by His Excellency Gitakishore Kumar Pasupuleti, Non-Resident High Commissioner of Grenada to India. Students from 7 participating schools performed the Grenada Pledge, underscoring the next generation’s connection to the island’s multicultural heritage.
The ceremony was followed by the official opening of “Roots and Resilience,” co-curated by Dr Angus Martin and Teddy Frederick. The exhibition launch was chaired by Dr Angus Martin. The exhibition presents a powerful journey through the lives of Indo-Grenadian families, documenting their arrival, the realities of indentureship, and the legacies built across generations. Through photographs, archival records, and personal histories, it brings visibility to a vital chapter of Grenada’s history and highlights the resilience and contribution of the Indo–Grenadian community.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell underscored the national importance of this work, noting: “We have built an inclusive society, one that celebrates diversity and embraces our shared identity. It is critical that we continue to document and teach the history, the accomplishments, and the struggles that have shaped who we are as a people.”
Mr Sagar Maitra reflected on Grenada’s unique cultural integration, stating: “Grenada stands as a powerful example of how cultures can come together to create something stronger. Different traditions, beliefs, and experiences have combined to shape a shared Grenadian identity, built on respect, resilience, and shared humanity.”
The cultural programme, chaired by Ms Jadey Bissessar, Belmont Estate’s Marketing Executive and Event Coordinator, was lively and engaging. Performances by the St Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School Choral Speaking Ensemble, Ms Amesiha Persaud, the Belmont Belles, and Mrs Mrittika Maitra added colour and depth to the celebration. Featured performances by Ms Vidushi Deepa Bhat and her daughter Nisarga Gurunandan, classical Indian dancers of Bharatanatyam, brought a captivating and refined expression of cultural tradition to the stage.
On 30 April, a symbolic reenactment at Kirani James Boulevard, organised by the Indian High Commission, brought history to life as participants recreated the arrival of Indian indentured labourers on Grenadian shores.
Indian Arrival Day commemorates the arrival of indentured labourers from India to the Caribbean following the abolition of slavery. In Grenada, beginning in 1857, these communities contributed significantly to the island’s agricultural, economic, and cultural development. Today, their descendants remain an integral part of Grenada’s multicultural identity.
Grenada stands as a testament to what is possible when cultures come together with mutual respect, building unity through shared humanity.
View stories from the “Roots and Resilience” exhibition and Indian Arrival Day celebrations.
