CONTRIBUTION TO CULTURE

 

 

There was tremendous pressure by the churches on the Indians to abandon their traditional Hindu and Muslim customs. Many were converted to Christianity. Pressure, by the churches, schools and the administration, to adopt the English language, restricted use of Indian Languages to domestic situations.  This meant that over two or three generations, Indian dialects became virtually extinct. Distinctive Indian dresses "saris and blouses" for females and "Dhotis and Kurtas" for males were considered unsuitable for the labourers and were replaced by Western clothing such as trousers and shirts.

 

Hindu and Muslim marriages were not recognized in the eyes of the State and were, in fact, considered illegal. Christian marriage was the only form of wedlock deemed legal and so, many Indians were compelled to have two ceremonies, their own and another conducted by a Christian priest. However, illiteracy, poverty and the long journey from rural areas to the Immigration Office were such great obstacles that many marriages were not registered.

 

No child was accepted in school unless he! she could show a baptismal certificate with a Christian name. Many names were changed and registered at birth as Christian names, for example the author's grandfather was named Nathan Baleshwar Sharma. His father's registered name was Sanjay Nathan Baleshwar, while he registered as Lyle Nathan. This

was done to remove any semblance of heritage to Hinduism or India.

 

Religion:

Despite the ridicule and savage attacks by the Churches, Hinduism and the Islamic religion have survived and still carried on by a relatively small number of ardent supporters.

 

Presently, there are two Hindu priests in Jamaica, Pt. Ramadar Maragh and the newly ordained Pt. Lochan Nathan-Sharma. There are also two Mandirs! Hindu temples in Jamaica, the Sanatan Dharm Mandir and the Prema Satsangh of Jamaica, which are foremost in the propagation of the Hindu religion and festivals.

 

Divali and Holi are celebrated by some Indian groups in Jamaica. The temples celebrate them as religious festivals, but the business and professional Indian Nationals use it as a fund raising exercise. Regrettably, these festivals have little, if any impact on the larger society.

 

The prolific Rastafarian Movement has been, indirectly, influenced by Hinduism, so much so that their leader, claiming himself to be a prophet, changed his name to Gagun Guru Maragh. After forming their new religion, many Hindu beliefs and practices were adopted, such as animism, reincarnation, transmigration, a linear nature of the universe,

and yogic chakras.

 

The practice of sacramental smoking of ganja, honouring goddess Kali while smoking ganja, referring to their locks as jata, vegetarianism and many of their prayers have all been adopted from Indo-Jamaicans.

 

With the introduction of Sathya Sai Baba Centre, Ananda Marga Yoga Society, Brahma Kumari Centre and Krishna Consciousness coupled with the local Hindu organizations, Hinduism and Indian culture is becoming more accepted and is now making slow, but steady progress into the general society.

 

On the other hand Muslims seem to have done relatively well. The Islamic Society of Jamaica was formed in the 1950s to serve the needs of a few hundred Muslims. Today, there are 10 Mosques and the membership is comprised of both Afro-Jamaicans and Indo-Jamaicans and the Muslim festival Hosay has become very popular. Recent growth

is due to the influence of the Islamic Movement in the USA.

 

Up until the 1940s eight parishes with sizable Indian populations celebrated Hosay in a traditional manner. It had become an annual carnival for many mixed communities, as everyone participated in the ten-day street parade. Gradually, tazia builders started to vanish and Hosay celebrations declined.  Today, only two communities, in Clarendon,

build and celebrate the festival, which attracts a large mixed crowd, of which a vast majority are Afro-Jamaicans. The youths find the days' activities quite compelling and entertaining, as it is filled with exuberant dancing and rhythmic drumming.

 

Music and Dance:

Throughout the years music and dance has dominated the Indo-Jamaican cultural scene. There have been numerous dancers, singers and musicians, foremost of whom are Ramlal Malgie and Dr. Winston Tolan, who have passed down the tradition and are still very active.  Many have migrated and improved on their talents, and served their new communities.

 

Jamaica may be the only country, in the Caribbean, where the traditional Sarangie, Kathghora and Nachania dances can be found, along with the original folk styles. The Indian community of Cockburn Gardens, Kingston, although a low income community, has done much to retain the Indian culture.

 

Presently there are three organized musical groups, which supply entertainment on festive occasions, fundraisers, weddings, funerals and stage shows and it is through this medium that the Indian community maintains its cultural links.

 

The weekly radio programme "Indian Talent on Parade" is the longest running programme on the airwaves. Since 1968, listeners have been tuning into the programme as their primary source of information! entertainment on Indian culture, through the electronic media. Mr. Krishna Deonarine and Dr. Winston Tolan have given yeoman service in running this programme over the years.

 

In order to improve the quality of dance and entertainment, four students were sent to Trinidad, in 1999, to upgrade their skills in music and dancing, and a small number of dancers entertain the numerous audiences throughout Jamaica, which includes hotels, stage shows and festive occasions.

 

Raam Shankar Pershadsingh, a lawyer by profession, has not only contributed to his profession, but was also one of the founders of the Little Theatre. The Little Theatre is one of the most highly regarded cultural centres in the island, and attracts crowds from all corners of the country.

 

 

Culinary Arts:

The most popular dishes on Jamaican menus are curried goat, rice, roti and various callaloo (spinach) preparations. These dishes were originally ridiculed by the masses, but have now become the sought after meals, even at international functions.  Callaloo took to the sky in mid 1 980s, when the local carrier, Air Jamaica, served it as a regular

breakfast option, on all of their flights.

 

Chutneys, as well, have become very popular, and are used by much of the population as a substitute for their traditional dips. It is now so popular, that many varieties can be seen on supermarket shelves across the island.

 

Many medicinal plants, for example ganja, karela, neem, tulsi, imli leaves, coconuts, turmeric powder, and Bhanta, are still used, particularly by rural people, for curing numerous ailments and diseases. The Hindi terms, for the plants, have also been retained.

 

 

Hindi Teaching:

To help preserve and expose the general public to Indian culture, Hindi classes are conducted by Dr. Sitaram Poddar, one of the Indian nationals. In July 1991, he started Hindi teaching programme, under the Government of India Hindi scheme, through the Indian High Commission in Jamaica. He gives Hindi classes every Saturday and Sunday,

at Club India, Kingston.

 

Presently there are about 20 students who benefit from this programme, of which only 3 are Indo-Jamaicans. Since 1998, he also has been teaching Hindi on the "Indian Talent on Parade" radio programme. Similar programmes were in place in earlier years.

 

ORGANIZATIONS

Various Indian organizations have made efforts to help mould the Indian Community in their struggle to help preservation of the culture.

 

 

East Indian Association:

The first Indian organization, the East Indian Association, was founded in the mid 1920s and registered as a friendly society.  The ETA was an insular body, engage mainly in holding weekly poojas, celebrating festivals and training priests.  Later the East Indian National Union was formed, in the 193 Os, to improve the legal, economic and cultural needs of the Indians. In 1938, its lawyer Emanuel Rasut spoke about the unique cultural and economic needs of the Indian community before the Moyne Commission and pleaded for changes, which would improve their standard of living.

 

East Indian Progressive Society:

On the 2nd April 1940, the East Indian Progressive Society (EIPS) was founded with Dr. Varma as President. Soon after, EIPS opened office in every parish and formed various sub-committees to deal with specific matters, which should have been addressed at least two decades earlier. Its headquarters, in Kingston, was later called Varma Hall. Among the achievements of the EIP S were:

 

1. The repeal of certain immigration laws which discriminated against Indians.

2. The recognition of Hindu! Muslim marriage officers.

3. To repeal the USA labour laws which barred indentured Indians from seeking jobs as

   farm workers in the USA.

4. The establishment of an elementary school at Varma Hall

5. The award of scholarships to Indian children to attend secondary and vocational

   schools

6. The contribution of a monthly dole to the poor and aged

7. The publication of a monthly magazine "Indian"

8. Maintaining the celebrations of festivals

9. Lobbying for a cremation facility in Jamaica

10. Ban the use of the degrading term "Coolie" from the law books.

 

By the late 1960's the EIPS had achieved most of its original objectives.

 

 

Hindu Samaj of Jamaica:

This body was incorporated in 1958 with the aim to propagate the growth of Hinduism. This was a religious organization with headquarters at 3 Betune Avenue, Kingston 13. The spiritual leader was Pandit Rajkumar Tewari.  The organization was administered through an executive body.  When other religious organizations were founded in the 1970's this group was no longer functional.

 

 

Club India:

In the 1 950s Club India was formed to provide social and recreational facilities for Indians in the society. Being located in the centre of Kingston it is a convenient place for socializing. Functions and Receptions are quite often held at the Club, the foremost of which was that of the late Mrs. Indira Ghandi former Prime Minister of India. The Club has much potential to serve to community and operates a restaurant where the general public can attend.

 

Sanatan Dharma Mandir (SDM):

During the 1960's to early 1970's SDM was the hub of Indian activities in Kingston. The temple was officially opened by Swami Sathya Prakash, President of All India Arya Samaj, in the presence of His Excellency, Mr. Geeteshwar Raj, High Commissioner for India in Jamaica, in 1976. This mandir was reopened in 1995 and it remains open to the public. It is in the centre of the densest Indian population and helps to bring Hinduism to the community.

 

Prema Satsangh of Jamaica:

The Prema Satsangh of Jamaica was founded on 12 November 1972 and re-registered and rededicated as a Hindu Temple in 1994.

 

The aims and objectives are to:

1. Propagate activities by spreading the knowledge of Hindu scriptures.

2. To do social work, foster goodwill and unity among all races in the community.

3. To propagate recreational and other facilities such as temple, medical clinic and Hindi education.

4. To campaign against the use and abuse of alcohol and other dangerous substances.

 

The group has fulfilled all its objectives and continue to be the foremost Hindu organization in the society at this time.

 

The principle of sickness and death benefits incorporated in its regulations propelled the organization to start a free medical clinic on the 8 January 1978.  Subsequently every first Sunday of each month, the clinic serves the poor communities. Here medical check up, drugs, tests and prescriptions are given free of cost.  The clinic serves approximately 2,500 Jamaicans.

 

The organization meets for worship twice per week, and celebrates all Hindu festivals and Jayanthi.  Their outreach satsangh and teaching programmes in homes in various parishes are well received. They also conduct funeral services, havans, poojas and serve the Hindu community as required.

 

They have accommodated numerous Swamis such as Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Raama and a host of Pandits from other countries in helping to educate and elevate the general public.

 

Annually 700 persons look forward to their Christmas Treat, and 50 youths are trained in its Summer Camp since 1994.     The teaching of bhajans, music and dance has kept the culture alive for the past 28 years. The organization produces its own Hindu Devotional book with English translation.  This is used in Jamaica, the Caribbean and the United

States, and Canada.

 

The organization provides scholarships and book grants to needy students, funeral expense for the destitute, monthly seeda programmes to at least 25 families who receive groceries. The members of many Indian organizations were trained or received their cultural experience and exposure through the Prema Satsangh of Jamaica.

 

The celebration of the 150111 Anniversary of Indian Arrival in Jamaica saw this group taking a lead role in some of the activities by organizing Parade Floats, National Church Service and making awards to people Nationally who had made tangible contributions to the preservation of Indian culture.

 

Indo-Jamaican Cultural Society (ICJS):

The Indo Jamaican Cultural Society was founded in March 1978 with the following aims

and objectives:

 

1. To preserve and promote Indian culture and philosophy;

2. To study and understand religion;

3. To establish centres of learning and provides social and recreational facilities for    members.

However, the group concentrated on cultural activities.

 

 

In its early years the IJCS organized Divali fairs and Phagwa celebrations where groups of people ranging from 1000 to 3000 attended the fairs and had interactions.  They facilitated the formation of a musical band in 1979 by acquiring a tabla and harmonium for the group.

 

They have organized several exhibitions on the theme of Indo-Jamaican Cultural Heritage.   They have assisted the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission in organizing some festival parades, Independence Parade and the Queen's visit to Jamaica.

 

Additionally they have helped the less fortunate in the society by providing Christmas Treat and financial assistance in early years. Donations were made to the disabled at the Mustard Seed Community, Cancer Society and Cardiology Unit of the University of the West Indies Hospital.   They have collaborated with the Jamaica Heritage Trust and erected on May 8, 1983 a monument recognizing the arrivals of Indians in Jamaica in 1845.

 

An off shoot of the Indo-Jamaican Cultural Society, the Friends of the Indian Community has staged annually Mehfil Shows featuring entertainers from abroad. This show exposes the Indian community to high quality cultural performances. Indian movies are  also shown on a monthly basis by this group.

 

 

 Ananda Marga /Brahma Khumaris/Sathya Sal Baba Organizations:

 These organizations have attracted a wide cross section of the Jamaican population, from  the peasant to the politician. Their philosophy and teachings are well appreciated and  their membership has grown steadily. These non-racial groups not only teach the Hindu  religion but also yoga, meditation and service to the community as part of their planned

 programmes.  Ananda Marga Yoga Society also operates two kindergarten /primary  schools in the most depressed areas in Kingston, with an enrollment of 300 students. In  May 1999 they established their new Mustard Seed Children `s Home on a 40-acre  agricultural property. Here abandoned children will be raised and later taught shills  The Sathya Sai Baba Centre provides food and service to infirmaries and indigent people on a monthly basis.

 

 

 National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica (NCICJ):

 In 1998, the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica was founded by Pt. Lochan  Nathan Sharma together with Dr. Sitaram Poddar, Mrs. Babara Persaud and Lloyd Persaud.

 

 The objectives are to:

 1. Preserve and promote Indian culture in Jamaica on a national level.

 2. Bring about unity among all segregated Indian groups.

 3. Establish a monumental cultural centre and headquarters for the group.

 

 Presently the group composes of members from 9 organizations along with  representatives from the parish level and affluent Indians in the society.  It is chaired by Hon. Justice Mahadev Dukharan Supreme Court Judge and His Excellency Sir Howard Cooke Governor General of Jamaica is Patron.

 

 The Council is recognized by the Government of Jamaica as the apex Indian body, and has recently accepted its proposals to:

Erect a statue I bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Kingston,

Recognize and highlight May 10th each year on the National Calendar as "Indian    Heritage Day"

To bring about changes in the school cumculum in order to highlight Indian culture.

 

 Since its inception The Council has staged all national cultural celebrations which has  attracted large multi-racial crowds. It provided assistance for over seas training of young  people in music and dance and given financial assistance to The Ananda Marga  Children's Home.