Indian Heritage Day to be celebrated on October, 7

THE INDIAN POPULATION in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) will mark another celebration of Indian Heritage Day on Tuesday, October, 7, 2025.

A release from the Indian Heritage Foundation states that the commemorative activities, marking the 18th anniversary of the recognition, will also involve Indians in the diaspora.

By an Act of Parliament on March, 26, 2007, Indian Heritage Day was officially ushered in.

It commemorates the October, 7,1882, event when 50 Indians marched barefooted from the Argyle Estate into Kingstown, in defiance of the estate manager,Mc Kenzie, and the laws of St Vincent, to take their several grievances of harsh conditions of work and living, directly to the Lieutenant Governor. Following this protest, conditions changed somewhat on the estates, and the Indians were later able to buy their own lands, and look after their families independently.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the hardships, struggles, persistence and suffering that our fore-parents endured, to be in this part of the world, so that we can be here today.We are endeavouring to pass on what we know to our children and grandchildren, who are now interested in their roots and heritage,” the release from the Indian Heritage Foundation states.

Sites have been established for persons who wish to establish their family trees, and discover their ancestry.The Foundation notes as well that many persons of Indian heritage have made tremendous contribution to the development of SVG, and abroad in diverse disciplines. “We congratulate and salute them.”

The SVG Indian Heritage Foundation said it is continuing its series of ‘Conversations with our Elders’, and ‘Conversations with outstanding persons of Indian Heritage in SVG and the Diaspora’, in honour of their ancestors, by interviewing elders and outstanding persons of Indian heritage in SVG and abroad, and sharing their interesting stories on You-Tube and on their website: www.svgihf.org.

To date, 27 stories have been shared.Two will be released to mark Indian Heritage Day 2025 involving Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, and Dennis Gaymes.

The Foundation has also honoured 14 outstanding persons who made significant contribution towards its success over the years.

“As we commemorate this historical day, we ask members of the public, our supporters and friends to join us by wearing something Indian, and eating some Indian food on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.,” the Foundation urges in its release.

“Share your photos / videos of your outfits, food and artefacts, with us by sending them to Mr Colvin Harry, PRO of the SVGIHF at: koolkiddsvg@gmail. com WhatsApp 1 784 530 9864.”