From the Unknown to Our very Own

In 1838 from India, we set sail as strangers to this land

With our rich culture, traditions, and brotherhood

We kept strong; so that we managed on the sea and on land

A better life we were told… traveling across the Kala-Pani, awaiting the unknown

Five died at sea on the journey of 114 days

Packed tight like sausages, but who cares!

Separation began when we landed in Berbice…

Demerara and Essequibo- We came from the east

Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madras- the time had come

For our fore-parents to see their new battle-ground

Living in Logies – no bigger than a minibus

But we managed contentedly without any fuss

Whether either in the cane field, hospital, or in jail

If we ever resisted, we were given the cat-o-nine tail

But soon after we became leaders in many different ways

Though we were pressured each and every day

To change, convert and become strangers to ourselves

Our books, our beliefs, and our unity kept us from going astray

Rum shops were opened especially for paydays

And our monies earned were indirectly taken-away

Still, the mothers managed with the little cash and ensured we pray

Few returned to India after the five years agreement

While many stayed, developed, and made Guyana their settlement

We came as Indentured labours and are sometimes called Jahajis’ or Girmitiyas

Our contributions to Guyana and the world are enormous to mention..

Thanks to our leaders, May 5th was declared a national holiday… Kiska desh pyara hai-Guyana desh Pyara hai…our land,

our heritage, our own.