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| Indian Association of Trinidad and Tobago | |
|---|---|
| Name | Indian Association of Trinidad and Tobago |
| Founded | 1960s |
| Founder | Sahadeo Tiwari |
| Type | Cultural organization |
| Headquarters | Port of Spain |
| Region | Trinidad and Tobago |
Indian Association of Trinidad and Tobago
The Indian Association of Trinidad and Tobago is a long-standing cultural and civic organization centered in Port of Spain that has engaged with diasporic Indian diaspora communities, interacted with institutions such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations, and contributed to public life alongside groups like the Hindu Credit Union and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The association has interfaced with political entities including the People's National Movement, the United National Congress, and figures such as Basdeo Panday and Eric Williams while participating in national commemorations like Emancipation Day and festivals such as Divali and Phagwa. Over decades it has collaborated with cultural bodies such as the Maha Sabha, the Indian Cultural Centre (New Delhi), and academic institutions like the University of the West Indies.
Founded in the 1960s by leaders including Sahadeo Tiwari and contemporaries from sugar belt communities, the association emerged in the aftermath of colonial transitions involving the British Empire, the Indian indenture system, and migrations connected to the East India Company and later diplomatic links to India and Britain. Early activities intersected with movements led by activists similar to Tubal Uriah Butler and organizations like the Trinidad Workingmen's Association, responding to events such as labor disputes on estates tied to the legacy of Indentured labour in the Caribbean, while maintaining cultural continuity with traditions from regions like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab. The group adapted through periods marked by national policies from administrations of Eric Williams and A. N. R. Robinson and engaged with legal frameworks influenced by cases heard in the Caribbean Court of Justice and the Privy Council.
The association states goals that include preservation of heritage linked to India, promotion of festivals like Divali and Holi (festival), advocacy on civic issues before bodies such as the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago and collaboration with international partners including the High Commission of India, Port of Spain and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Objectives reference cultural education akin to programs offered by the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago, outreach comparable to work by the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, and public welfare initiatives reminiscent of projects by the Calcutta Rescue and the Red Cross (Trinidad and Tobago).
The association is organized with an executive committee (president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer) modeled on corporate governance practices seen in organizations like the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers' Association and maintains local branches reflecting civic frameworks similar to the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and the Inter-Religious Organization of Trinidad and Tobago. It liaises with diplomatic posts including the Embassy of India, Port of Spain and consults with legal counsel influenced by precedents from the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Court of Justice of Trinidad and Tobago. Advisory boards have included academics from the University of the West Indies and cultural experts familiar with scholarship published by the Royal Anthropological Institute and archives like the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago.
Programs span cultural festivals such as Divali Nagar, musical presentations featuring genres like chutney music and classical Indian music, educational workshops comparable to offerings by the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS), and social services aligned with groups like the Red Cross (Trinidad and Tobago). The association has mounted exhibitions tied to histories of Indian indenture and crafts from regions associated with the Ganges delta, hosted lectures referencing authors like V. S. Naipaul and historians addressing themes similar to research by Hilary Beckles, and partnered on initiatives with the Indian Cultural Centre (New Delhi) and student groups from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus.
The association has exercised influence in dialogues involving the People's National Movement, the United National Congress, and policymakers during administrations of leaders such as Basdeo Panday and Kamla Persad-Bissessar, contributing to consultations on cultural policy at forums like the Caribbean Festival of Arts and interfacing with civil society coalitions such as the Tobago Organisation of the People. It has been part of public debates around recognition of holidays like Indian Arrival Day and interactions with trade unions such as the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union, positioning itself alongside entities like the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha in negotiating cultural representation within national legislation adjudicated by the High Court of Justice of Trinidad and Tobago.
Membership draws from communities across regions including Couva, Princes Town, San Fernando, Siparia, and Sangre Grande, reflecting ancestral ties to districts in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra. The association's constituency includes professionals affiliated with institutions like the University of the West Indies, entrepreneurs connected to the Chamber of Commerce, and cultural practitioners who also participate in events organized by groups such as the Tobago Heritage Festival and the Caribbean Examinations Council.
Notable events include high-profile cultural celebrations linked to Divali Nagar and collaborations with visiting delegations from India and the High Commission of India, Port of Spain. Controversies have involved disputes over leadership and fundraising that attracted scrutiny comparable to matters involving the Charities Act (Trinidad and Tobago) and public criticism reflected in coverage by outlets like the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian and the Trinidad Express. The association has also faced debates over representation in multiethnic forums alongside organizations such as the Inter-Religious Organization of Trinidad and Tobago and legal challenges adjudicated within the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago.
Category:Organizations based in Trinidad and Tobago Category:Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian culture