Indians in SVG mark Heritage Day Celebrations on October 7

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Indian Heritage Foundation, will mark their 17th annual Indian Heritage Day celebrations next Monday, October 7, 2024.

The anniversary is commemorated each year since March 26, 2007, when an Act of Parliament granted recognition of the day.

Indian Heritage Day received its significance when on October 7, 1882, fifty Indians from Argyle estate marched barefooted into Kingstown in defiance of the estate manager and the laws of St Vincent, to take their several grievances of harsh living and working conditions directly to the Lieutenant Governor, a release from the Foundation explains.

On their way into Kingstown, they were joined by more Indians from Calder, Mt Pleasant, Stubbs, Diamond, Ratho Mill, Golden Vale, Harmony Hall, Carapan, Happy Vale, Belair, and Arnos Vale.

When they got into Kingstown, seven of the “ringleaders”, were arrested and charged for vagabondism; and for leaving the estate without permission; and for having gone beyond the two mile limit.

After two months, a petition was sent to the Colonial office on behalf of the seven Indians. The Secretary of State ruled that an injustice was done, and they were given the right to return to India, but they lacked the financial means to do so. When lands were offered to them instead, the planters rejected this move. The Indians who remained in SVG continued to live on the estates, while buying pieces of land in other areas, to move their families.

Next Monday’s activity is among the activities being observed by the Foundation to preserve the identity of their fore-parents, to recognize and understand their heritage and culture, to acknowledge their outstanding contribution to the development of the areas in which they settled, and to thank those who remained in SVG.

The Foundation is asking the Vincentian public to join them in the commemoration on Monday by wearing Indian clothing and, or eating some Indian food.