International Jahajee Journal (IJJ), February 17th, 2008
Voice of the International Indian Diaspora
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Though we may know Him by a thousand names, He is one and the same to us all —- Mahatma Gandhi
Please contact TESHAWNA LALL, Tel# 347-247-3198, for all USA and CANADA donations for families and relatives of the LUSIGNAN MASSACRE VICTIMS.
Chemical-laced water was sprayed on some protesters.
They argue the government systematically favours the
Malay majority in jobs and education.
Malaysian security forces have used tear gas and water cannon to break up a protest by ethnic Indians in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
More than 20 people taking part in the banned march were detained by police.
The demonstration was organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force, which is demanding the release from jail of five of its leaders.
Activists say policies granting economic advantages to the ethnic Malay majority discriminate against Indians.
(Hindraf) that has been spearheading anti-government protests against alleged
In a fresh crackdown on ethnic Indians, Malaysian police on Saturday fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse over 200 protesters.
They tried to march to Parliament in defiance of a ban to give roses to premier Abdullah Badawi to ‘’seek justice”.
More than 100 people, including supporters and members of the Hindu Rights Action Force
(Hindraf) that has been spearheading anti-government protests against alleged
mariginalisation of the community, were rounded up by police and all but six were later
released.
 |
|---|
| Malaysian police break up ethnic Indian rally, detain more than 60 people |
Police had barricaded roads leading to Parliament house to prevent the rally, which had been denied permission.
Taking a cue from ‘Gandhigiri’ , the flower-clutching Indians, some of whom wore saffron T-shirts, attempted to gather at the Independence Square here.
http://www.ndtv. com/convergence/ ndtv/story. aspx?id=NEWEN200 80041480&ch=2/16/2008% 206:55:00% 20PM
The Malaysia government has rejected claims of unequal treatment
Some 2000 protesters defied a ban on public gatherings, and carried roses to symbolise what they said was a peaceful demand for justice.
A heavy police presence kept them in the city centre – preventing their planned march to parliament to give the flowers to the Prime Minister, Abdullah Badawi.
The protest was meant to be led by a group of about 200 children. There were no reports of any children being injured.
Police used water canons thought to be laced with chemicals and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The group behind the demonstration has become increasingly effective at rattling the government, says the BBC’s Robin Brant in Kuala Lumpur.
It was behind a large demonstration on the streets of the capital last November which saw 10,000 people gather.
That rally exposed increasing unhappiness among some of Malaysia’s minority Indians who
feel they have fallen behind after decades of government policy which gives preferential
treatment to the majority Malays, our correspondent says.
Five rights activists were arrested at that rally – the biggest protest involving ethnic Indians in
more than a decade.
They are being held under a rarely used security law that allows indefinite detention without
trial.
Malaysia Police Violence against INDIAN children
The demonstration was organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force, which is
demanding the release from jail of five of its leaders.
demanding the release from jail of five of its leaders.
160 arrested in Hindraf’s ‘rose’ rally
KUALA LUMPUR: Police arrested 160 Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters
who took part in its “rose” campaign Dataran Merdeka area Saturday and nine of
them, including a woman have been held for further investigations.
who took part in its “rose” campaign Dataran Merdeka area Saturday and nine of
them, including a woman have been held for further investigations.
They will be brought to court for remand orders to be made against them Sunday.
Of the 160 arrested, 138 were men and 22 were women, including an 11-year-old
girl. The girl was later released.
girl. The girl was later released.
Malaysian police have broken up a demonstration against alleged government discrimination by about 2,000 ethnic Indians in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
I want to give you something, my child,
for we are drifting in the stream of the world.
Our lives will be carried apart,
and our love forgotten.
But I am not so foolish as to hope that
I could buy your heart with my gifts.
for we are drifting in the stream of the world.
Our lives will be carried apart,
and our love forgotten.
But I am not so foolish as to hope that
I could buy your heart with my gifts.
Young is your life, your path long, and
you drink the love we bring you at one draught
and turn and run away from us.
You have your play and your playmates.
What harm is there if you have no time
or thought for us.
you drink the love we bring you at one draught
and turn and run away from us.
You have your play and your playmates.
What harm is there if you have no time
or thought for us.
We, indeed, have leisure enough in old age
to count the days that are past,
to cherish in our hearts what our
hands have lost for ever.
The river runs swift with a song,
breaking through all barriers.
But the mountain stays and remembers,
and follows her with his love.
to count the days that are past,
to cherish in our hearts what our
hands have lost for ever.
The river runs swift with a song,
breaking through all barriers.
But the mountain stays and remembers,
and follows her with his love.
The Gift, by Rabindranath Tagore
INDIANS MASSACRED IN LUSIGNAN, GUYANA
You are either for people slaughtering women and children
or you are not!’ -Dr. Luncheon
or you are not!’ -Dr. Luncheon
Georgetown, GINA, February 14, 2008
Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger
Luncheon yesterday was adamant that sections of the media and several panellists
on television programmes have been, following the brutal slaying of 11 persons at
Lusignan by gunmen, making an attempt to portray that there is some justification
for the killings on the grounds of discrimination and marginalisation.
“A suggestion that the perpetrators are somehow involved in whitening a
great evil that has been perpetuated against, maybe not them, because we are told that they are not so old people, but maybe against their forebears or countrymen
and contributes to fostering this notion that there is some justification,” the HPS told the media at yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President.
… MORE AT:
http://www.gina. gov.gy/archive/ daily/b080214. html#2Luncheon yesterday was adamant that sections of the media and several panellists
on television programmes have been, following the brutal slaying of 11 persons at
Lusignan by gunmen, making an attempt to portray that there is some justification
for the killings on the grounds of discrimination and marginalisation.
“A suggestion that the perpetrators are somehow involved in whitening a
great evil that has been perpetuated against, maybe not them, because we are told that they are not so old people, but maybe against their forebears or countrymen
and contributes to fostering this notion that there is some justification,” the HPS told the media at yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President.
… MORE AT:
Lusignan Massacre
Guyana Journal, February 2008
Gokarran Sukhdeo
Firstly, I extend my deepest sympathy to all the bereaved relatives of those killed at Lusignan, and I offer my prayers for peace for all Guyanese at this volatile time.
Now, my take on the situation.
Anyone who believes that a $50 million reward would entice the Buxtonian gang/s
to betray their bandit leader would be rudely disappointed. First of all, in general,
“there is an honor among thieves”, and bandits anywhere, not just in Buxton, would sooner eliminate rather than betray each other. Secondly, with specific regards to
Buxton, the leaders are not betrayed; it has been the other way round….
Adversity and prosperity never cease to exist. The adornment
Of great men’s minds is to remain unswervingly just under both.
-Tirukkural 12:115
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago:
Fundraising Dinner and Awards Ceremony
____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a chapter of GOPIO International.
P.O. BOX 2286, Chaguanas.
687-7529 GopioTT@gmail. com
Dear Friends:
As GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago moves forward to the formal inauguration, awards ceremony,
and fundraising dinner on February 29th 2008 at HCU Convention Center, Freeport, Trinidad,
we extend a cordial invitation to you to join GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago.
Tickets for this event are available from members of GOPIO Trinidad &
You may also apply to join the GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago online group at:
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/GopioTT/
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International, is approved by GOPIO
International, and is a registered NGO in Trinidad & Tobago. The High Commissioner of
India, His Excellency Sri Jagjit Sapra Singh will deliver the opening address and will present
GOPIO awards. ExecutveOfficers of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago will be inaugurated by Mr.
Ashook Ramsaran, General Secretary of GOPIO International, and Ambassador Mr.
Krishna Nandoe, the Regional Vice- President of GOPIO International, and
President of GOPIO Suriname.
Executive Officers of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago are:
President: Mr. Deosaran Bisnath
Vice President: Mr. Reuben Girdhar-Niranjan
Secretary: Ms. Rajnie Ramlakhan
Asst. Secretary: Ms. Sacha Mahabal
Treasurer: Mr. Venosh Maraj
Auditor: Mr. Davindra Singh
Directors: Pandit Jaganath Seeram Maharaj,
Mr. Doolarchan Hanoomansingh ,
Mr. Niranjan Bhaggan.
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International, is a nonpartisan, non-
political, and non-sectarian organization engaged in promoting the wellbeing of
people of Indian origin, and enhancing cooperation, understanding, and
communication between people of Indian
origin and other communities in Trinidad & Tobago.
The Global Organization of People of Indian origin (GOPIO) is a nonpartisan, non-
sectarian global organization engaged in promoting the wellbeing of non resident
Indians and people of Indian origin enhancing cooperation and communication
between groups of Indians living in different countries and in furthering their
Thanks,
Deosaran Bisnath,
President,
Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Trinidad and Tobago.
a chapter of GOPIO International.
GopioTT@gmail. com, deobisnath@yahoo. com ,
1 868 687-7529 PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas, Trinidad
Proudly Indian, a South African Indian site
http://proudlyindia n.co.za/
Mittalic magic
Lakshmi Mittal built the world’s biggest steel firm from scratch—at internet speed
FROM his grand top-floor office in Berkeley Square, Lakshmi Mittal commands a
westward view over London’s West End to Kensington Gardens, where he lives in
one of the city’s swankiest houses. The giant swimming pool in its basement is one
reason why the leader of the world’s steel industry, and Britain’s richest man, looks
so fit and relaxed. Born in India, Mr Mittal has long made London his home and first came to notice there in 2002 when Tony Blair, the prime minister at the time,
controversially put in a good word for him in a Romanian deal. When he made his
sudden and spectacular appearance on the European business scene in early 2006,
Mr Mittal was still a relative unknown. French government ministers, frightened by
his takeover bid for the largely French Arcelor steel firm, did not know whether they were under attack from America or India.
The answer was neither: Mittal Steel was a company from everywhere and
nowhere, which helps to explain why its integration with Arcelor to form
ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker, went so surprisingly smoothly. Most
mergers fail: from AOL Time Warner to DaimlerChrysler, the corporate landscape of the past decade is littered with wrecks. Just as surprising was the way in which Mr
Mittal managed to overcome opposition to the deal from the business establishment and the French government—and has now gone on to increase profits in the new
firm’s first full year. On February 13th ArcelorMittal announced that it had made
$19.4 billion, before tax and interest, on sales of $105 billion in 2007—up 27% on the two firms’ aggregated profits in the previous year. Mr Mittal’s 43% stake makes him
the world’s fifth-richest man, with a fortune of some £19 billion.
The younger Mittal’s emergence onto the world steel scene was not part of some
global vision, but was the result of opportunism, a bold eye for a deal and an ability to turn round failing firms. His supplier of DRI was a struggling state-owned steel
firm in Trinidad. When the Trinidadians spotted Mr Mittal’s success in Indonesia,
they invited him to turn their firm around under contract, and he eventually bought
it in 1994.
CARIBBEAN TALK
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Exposed: The long, cruel road to the slaughterhouse
Millions of animals are suffering unnecessarily at the hands of meat traders by
enduring cruel, drawn-out journeys across the world to be slaughtered on arrival.
The alarming evidence of their suffering has been revealed after a secret
investigation by 10 major animal charities, including the RSCPA, Compassion in
World Farming and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). In
shocking footage, animals including horses, pigs, sheep and chickens are seen
being transported thousands of miles across the world, when they could as easily
be carried as meat. Thousands of animals die en route from disease, heat
exhaustion, hunger and stress. The others escape the intolerable conditions only
to confront, immediately, the butcher’s knife.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food- and-drink/ news/exposed- the-long- cruel-road-to- the-slaughterhou se-781364.html
JahajeeDesi’ s Blogs:
INDOCARIBBEAN TIMES – Current issue is available here:
http://www.esnips. com/web/Indo- CaribbeanTimes
The Plight of Indians in Guyana
Background
This Article was written in 2002 to highlight the plight of Indians in Guyana . Although there have been changes, people may argue that improvements in the economic life of the country and its people have essentially been put on hold. To some extent this is a consequence of the high emigration rate and consequent loss of skilled workers. However, an underlying factor is the apparent breakdown of law and order as marauding gangs rob people and kill other. For its part, the government claims that these attacks affect all citizens, not necessarily Indian..
On January 26 2008in Indian dominated village of Lusignan ECD , eleven more innocent people were massacred in cold blood in the wee hours of the morning while sleeping. From all accounts, robbery was not the motive. To no one surprise, the victims were of Indian descent.
Below is a revised version of the 2002 Article:
Indians Replaced Slavery in British Guiana
Success usually depends on how well we can address and solve problems that confront us in our daily lives. Like other citizens in the South American country of Guyana , the Indian population is fully integrated into the mainstream milieu. Their ancestors were taken to the colony of British Guiana to work on the sugar plantations following the abolition of African slavery in 1838. In addition to saving the sugar industry from certain collapse, our ancestors single-handedly built the rice industry. By the time Indian immigration ended in 1917, nearly a quarter million Indians were taken from India to this colony.
Indians suffered under Various Regimes
As time progressed, their descendants actively participated in every facet of the country’s economic life. Today, they constitute the largest ethnic group in a politically independent country of Guyana . However, events in recent times have caused a lot of uneasiness. For one thing, all Guyanese had to endure nearly three decades of a black dictatorship from the mid-1960’s to the early 1990’s. Over the years, government corruption, political nepotism and overt racial discrimination led to declining opportunities— especially for Indians. A weak, corrupt and incompetent national government was unable to maintain law and order. Thus, highly skilled and educated Guyanese, were forced to immigrate to any country that were willing to take them, but mainly to affluent countries ( EU , USA and Canada ).
Social Problems facing Indians
Although Indians are in the majority, their numbers are actually dwindling due to emigration. Strange as it may seem, President Bharrat Jagdeo and members of his government may be ethnically Indian, but their efforts are directed to retaining power at all cost. Out of necessity, therefore, they must cater to the needs of opposition and their mainly non-Indian supporters. In the meantime ALL Guyanese suffer, but the brunt of the hardships are borne by Indian people who have supported the ruling political party in every national election since 1953.
Below are examples daily social problems that citizens have to endure under various governments.
(1) Alcoholism—There is no shortage of alcoholic beverages. Rum is one of the cheapest and most readily available beverages. It can be bought illegally at any time of the day in every corner store or “cake shop”. Anyone regardless of age can enjoy a drink at any time and place.
(2) Prostitution— Poor and destitute girls are forced into the world’s oldest profession at a young age. As a visitor returning to home after many years, I recall being accosted by girls younger than my own daughters. Of course, I dismissed these advances. But I vividly recall one particular instance. Here a helpless soul proposed that for $5 ( US ), I could have her services for one full day. And for $50 ( US ), she will be at my call for one entire week!
(3) Crime—Criminals wishing to get “easy money” pose as police or army personnel, and prey on unsuspecting overseas visitors/ returnees. Also, bandits armed with hi-tech weaponry attack private homes of Indians. In many of these encounters, not only are money and jewelry taken, but also victim who resisted sometimes lose their lives!
(4) Suicide—it is true that the helpless usually flock to houses of God to get (at least temporary) solace. However, many Indians have lost hope completely. A friend of mind recently narrated a very tragic tale of a young Indian woman who committed suicide to escape the daily beatings of her unemployed and constantly drunk husband. After the funeral, friends of the husband accused him of being responsible for his wife’s death. And because this was too for the husband to take, he did what many young Indian Guyanese find expedient to do—he took his own life!
Euphoria, Despair then Exodus Continues
There was much euphoria following the restoration of democracy in 1992 with the election of Dr. Cheddi Bharat Jagan as the President. But all this soon evaporated for various reasons. Perhaps, there was no Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate wrong doings committed by the previous black dictatorship. Even though Dr. Jagan publicly declares that he heads a national government, the main thrust of his policies is geared to appeasing black supporters and the opposition. The question is: Like other Indian leaders, was Dr. Jagan afflicted with a uniquely Indian disease—appeasing others while taking his own supporters for granted?
A recent incident (July 03 2002) may exemplify the present plight of Indian people. During an illegal procession to the presidential palace, the pro-Indian ROAR Party claims that hundreds of Indians were mercilessly beaten up, sexually molested, abused, robbed and several businesses torched. In one particularly gruesome incident, a gang of African men grabbed a young Indian girl off the street. Then beastly monsters took turns and forced her to perform oral sex —in broad daylight and in full view of the public. Does this incident indicate who is in charge here?
Guyanese Speak Out
This latest pogrom against Indians has provoked even conservative elements in the Guyanese society to speak out. Up to this time, people were silent. For the first time, they are now coming out openly and admitting the truth. In fact, they are saying that it was Indians who were targeted for the mindless racial violence in Guyana . This has always been the official position of the ROAR Party. Now, ROAR has renewed its call for a UN Peacekeeping Mission—a call that first went unheeded when it was first issued in 1998.
Isn’t it about time that the world wake up to the plight of Indians in Guyana , and take decisive action before it’s too late?
Guyana Blessed but Blighted
Guyana is blessed with abundant fertile agricultural lands where almost any crops can grow year round. On its vast savannahs are some of the largest cattle ranches. Its thriving mining industries (gold, diamonds and bauxite) are generating much revenue. Recently discovered offshore reserves of oil and gas can some day transform this struggling country into an energy powerhouse. Yet, things are not all roses these days. Our country remains blighted.
FREE ONLINE RADIO from TRINIDAD
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Vasant Panchami signals start of Phagwa
Dr Ruby Malik…
MEMBERS OF the Hindu Prachaar Kendra of
Longdonville, Chaguanas, Trinidad, launched
Phagwa 2008 with a religious ceremony, Vasant
Panchami, at the Divali Nagar Site, Trinidad, last Sunday.
The event featured songs by musicologist and
singer from India Dr Ruby Malik, who sang
praises to the Goddess Saraswatie. Dr Malik, who
holds two Masters Degree, one in Hindustani
Classical Music and the other in
English Literature, was assigned to the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Caroni and was
later appointed a tutor at UWI for students pursuing BA degrees in music.
“I sing to please Goddess Saraswatie. I don’t really sing to please my audience as
such. I guess when you sing for God you will do your best,” she told the audience
during her performance.
Dr Malik said she is encouraged by the devotion of the people of the kendra and the Hindus in TT on the whole.
“It is amazing how they have stuck to their religious beliefs through the years,” she
said, adding that she feels very much at home here.
The kendra members, headed by Raviji, did a traditional puja where the first abeer
(red liquid) was boiled, as well as the planting of the castor oil tree.
The tree represents Holika, a character made popular in the Phagwa story of the
prince Prahlad. The wicked Holika, who was the aunt of Prahlad, plotted to end his
life and instead she was burnt to death. It is said that the castor oil tree grew from
Holika’s ashes.
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Radio Mirchi
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MAURITIUS STOCKS SOAR TO RECORD HIGH
PORT LOUIS, Feb 12 – Mauritius‘ key stock exchange index, SEMDEX .MDEX, hit
an all-time high of 2,010.75 points on Tuesday, up 8.56 percent from the start of
the year, official data showed.
Other indexes for the Indian Ocean nation’s main stock exchange, which include
the SEMTRI .SEMTRI and SEM-7 .SEM7, have risen between 8.56 and 9.09
percent this year.
Last year, they surged between 53 and 81 percent driven by the banking and
tourism sectors.
~~~~~~~
HINDU WISDOM
In the city of Brahman is a secret dwelling,
the lotus of the heart. Within this dwelling is a
space, and within that space is the fulfillment
of our desires. What is within that space
should be longed for and realized.
-Chandogya Upanishad
As long as one has a body, one cannot renounce action altogether.
True renunciation is giving up all desire for personal reward. Those
who are attached to personal reward will reap the consequences of
their actions: some pleasant, some mixed. But those who renounce
every desire for personal reward go beyond the reach of karma.
-Bhagavad Gita 18:11-12
Having renounced every selfish desire,
He has found his rest in the Lord of Love.
Wisdom is the staff that supports him now.
Those who take a mendicant’s staff while they
Are still at the mercy of their senses
Cannot escape enormous suffering.
The illuminated man knows this truth of life.
-Paramahamsa Upanishad
~~~~~~~~~
Mauritius: A Nation of Laureates
L’Express (Port Louis)
In 1818, it was decided that the Mauritian student who performed best in the
final secondary school exams, would be granted a scholarship then known as “la bourse d’Angleterre” . This would enable him to pursue further studies in
England at the expense of the British Empire.
We were then a British colony where slavery was a reality and where only
those who were white and free could attend the few primary schools and the
College Royal, sole secondary school on the island.Tertiary institutions were
then non-existent !
Things have changed a lot since! The Mauritian population has not only
grown from around 100,000 to more than 1.2 million, but we are now all
free citizens of an independent republic which provides free primary and
secondary education to all of its people without discrimination.
The recent list of laureates and those who ranked just behind them shows
that racial discrimination is a thing of the past in Mauritius. We all can
succeed provided we enjoy the right conditions... MORE AT:
V S NAIPAUL: A Tribute
http://www.jahajeed esi.com/forums/ index.php? showforum= 56
Webpages and Forum dedicated to the NOBLE LAUREATE
http://www.jahajeed esi.com/index. php?page= laureatevsnaipau l
Mauritius PM to unveil his father’s statue in Bihar
Patna : Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam will
unveil here Feb 18 the larger-than- life-size bronze statue of his
father Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, who originally hailed from
Bihar and was PM of the island nation 1961-82.
The 600 kg statue has already been installed in the state capital. Noida-based sculptor Anil Kumar Suthar created the nine-foot
statue at a cost of Rs.1.4 million.
Ramgoolam, who belonged to Harigaon village in Bihar’s Bhojpur district, was the first prime minister of Mauritius and is
considered the father of the nation as he led his country to
independence from Britain.
Nondescript Harigaon became famous after being identified as
the late Ramgoolam’s ancestral village by the Mauritius
government. It is now set for a facelift.
The Mauritius PM along with his family members will visit
Harigaon Feb 19. During his visit to the village, he will lay the
foundation stones of various projects there.
Trinidad National Archives Online
Indian Immigration Page:
http://www.natt. gov.tt/ViewArchi veSearchResults. aspx?ArchiveID= TT+NATT+IM+ 2
FIJI: Economist warns on dereservation
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Economist Dr Biman Prasad says native land should be made available
on leases which address the concerns of landowners and tenants.
He was reacting to a proposal by an India-based consultant to de-reserve
native land and make it available for commercial sugar cane production.
Dr Prasad says the Interim Government is more interested in de-reserving
native land, rather than actually addressing the problems of the ailing
sugar industry.
He adds previous proposals have looked at the concept of a master lease –
where the government leases the land from the NLTB and then sub-leases
it to the tenants.
“So those kind of proposals have been made in the past and I don’t think
that this report has actually considered some of the recommendations that
were made in the past I would have loved to see that this report would
have looked at that but I’m afraid it hasn’t,” he said.
GUYANA: Online petition advocating UN help on crime
There’s an online petition targeting Guyanese at home and abroad to urge President
Bharatt Jagdeo to seek assistance from the United Nations (UN) in creating a commission
to revamp the country’s justice and security system.
It is likely, however, to fall on deaf ears as the government’s spokesman has said it is not
the administration’ s intention to seek UN assistance in this regard.
Meanwhile, the petition, found at
has over 400 signatures and webmaster, Sharir Chan, in introducing the petition said, “It
does not take a genius to see that political undercurrents help determine the crime
situation in Guyana.”
Indira Nooyi Elected Chairperson of USIBC
PepsiCo’s Indra K. Nooyi has been elected Chairperson of the US-India
Business Council (USIBC) – the first woman to ever serve at the helm of
this premier business advocacy organization. The USIBC comprises 250 of
the largest US companies investing in India , joined by more than two
dozen global Indian companies.
BIRTH AND DEATH
Birth and death, bondage and freedom, pleasure and pain, gain and
loss – all are mental creations. Transcend the pairs of opposites.
You were never born, you will never die. Thou art the immortal self
always, O Prem. Thou art ever free from the three periods of time. It
is the physical body that goes and comes. The self is all full, all
pervading, infinite and partless.
Recognise, O Prem, that you are the living truth. Realise that you
are always inseparable from the one essence that is the substratum of
all these illusory names and forms. Get yourself firmly established
in Brahman. Nothing can disturb you now. You have become
invulnerable. Feel this through intuition when you enter into deep
samadhi (the supreme silence), my child.
- SWAMI SIVANANDA READINGS
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/CaribbeanH indus/
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Indo-Canadian’ s restaurant blown up
A fast food restaurant owned by an Indo-Canadian was destroyed
along with a few other shops when an explosion ripped through a
commercial block in Vancouver in a suspected arson attack.
The suspect, who himself suffered 40 per cent burns in the incident, is
under treatment at the Surrey Memorial Hospital and has been
identified, but not arrested due to his medical condition, police said.
The explosion, which occurred at about 2.30 am on Wednesday (1600
IST) in the West Broadway area of Vancouver, destroyed the restaurant and a neighbouring Starbucks coffee shop.
It also damaged a fashion garment shop, a bus shelter, a medicine
store across the street and a nearby hotel.
http://69.36. 167.209/cgi- bin/dada/ mail.cgi/ archive/nll/ 20080216030321/
JahajeeDesi’ s Blogs:
The Burmese Ramayana
Date: Friday, March 7th, 2008
Saturday, March 8th, 2008
Location: At the Hudson Guild Theater
441 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001
Ticket Price: $ 100, $ 30 & $ 20 (All prices correspond to the different views
and seat sections)
Featuring new choreography by Shwe Man Win Maung, scenes
from the epic Ramayana will be portrayed in a dance-drama by the
master artist and his 14-member troupe, Shwe Man Thabin New
York (The “Golden Mandalay” Theater). This famous poetic about
the eternal battle between good and evil is enacted in traditional
Burmese dance style and authentic costume with both classical and
folk musical accompaniment.
Police crackdown on Hindraf rose campaign – another day of international shame for Malaysia
Another day of international shame for Malaysia – the firing of tear gas,
chemically-laced water cannon and use of excessive force by the
police against peaceful demonstrators and children during today’s
Hindraf rose campaign in Kuala Lumpur .
Over 200 people have been arrested, reportedly including children,
with allegations of manhandling by police.
Why was it necessary for the crude display of police force against
peaceful Malaysians and children who wanted to use the Valentine
Day to present roses to the Prime Minister at the Parliament grounds
and to appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of the five
Hindraf leaders unjustifiably detained in Kamunting Detention Centre
under the Internal Security Act?
Why couldn’t the Police show a humane and sensitive face
demonstrating its respect for human rights by allowing the peaceful
Hindraf rose campaign to be conducted without incident?
If the Police could be so high-handed, tough and insensitive for human rights when Parliament has just been dissolved for the conduct of the
12th general election, I dare not think what the Police would do after
polling day on March 8 if the Barisan Nasional wins another huge
parliamentary majority.
Word of the Week
ersatz \AIR-sahts; UR-sats\, adjective:
Being a substitute or imitation, usually an inferior one.
Meanwhile, a poor copy was erected in the courtyard; many an unsuspecting traveler paid homage to that ersatz masterpiece.
– Edith Pearlman, “Girl and Marble Boy”, The Atlantic, December 29, 1999
All we can create in that way is an ersatz culture, the synthetic product of those factories we call variously universities, colleges or museums.
– Sir Herbert Read, The Philosophy of Modern Art
Then there was the sheaf of hostile letters larded with ersatz sympathy, strained sarcasm or pure spite.
– “Time for GAA to become a persuader”, Irish Times, April 13, 1998
Ersatz derives from German Ersatz, “a substitute.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~
‘jahaj’ = ship; ‘desi’ = Indian
‘JahajeeDesi’ = The Indians who crossed the Kala Pani by ship,
the Indentured Indian Immigrants, and their descendents.
http://www.JahajeeD esi.com
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Lusignan Massacre
Guyana Journal, February 2008
Gokarran Sukhdeo
Guyana Journal, February 2008
Gokarran Sukhdeo
Firstly, I extend my deepest sympathy to all the bereaved relatives of those killed at Lusignan, and I offer my prayers for peace for all Guyanese at this volatile time.
Now, my take on the situation.
Anyone who believes that a $50 million reward would entice the Buxtonian gang/s
to betray their bandit leader would be rudely disappointed. First of all, in general,
“there is an honor among thieves”, and bandits anywhere, not just in Buxton, would sooner eliminate rather than betray each other. Secondly, with specific regards to
Buxton, the leaders are not betrayed; it has been the other way round….
Now, my take on the situation.
Anyone who believes that a $50 million reward would entice the Buxtonian gang/s
to betray their bandit leader would be rudely disappointed. First of all, in general,
“there is an honor among thieves”, and bandits anywhere, not just in Buxton, would sooner eliminate rather than betray each other. Secondly, with specific regards to
Buxton, the leaders are not betrayed; it has been the other way round….
Adversity and prosperity never cease to exist. The adornment
Of great men’s minds is to remain unswervingly just under both.
-Tirukkural 12:115
Of great men’s minds is to remain unswervingly just under both.
-Tirukkural 12:115
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago:
Fundraising Dinner and Awards Ceremony
Fundraising Dinner and Awards Ceremony
____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
a chapter of GOPIO International.
P.O. BOX 2286, Chaguanas.
687-7529 GopioTT@gmail. com
Dear Friends:
As GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago moves forward to the formal inauguration, awards ceremony,
and fundraising dinner on February 29th 2008 at HCU Convention Center, Freeport, Trinidad,
we extend a cordial invitation to you to join GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago.
and fundraising dinner on February 29th 2008 at HCU Convention Center, Freeport, Trinidad,
we extend a cordial invitation to you to join GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago.
Tickets for this event are available from members of GOPIO Trinidad &
You may also apply to join the GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago online group at:
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/GopioTT/
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/GopioTT/
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International, is approved by GOPIO
International, and is a registered NGO in Trinidad & Tobago. The High Commissioner of
India, His Excellency Sri Jagjit Sapra Singh will deliver the opening address and will present
GOPIO awards. ExecutveOfficers of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago will be inaugurated by Mr.
Ashook Ramsaran, General Secretary of GOPIO International, and Ambassador Mr.
International, and is a registered NGO in Trinidad & Tobago. The High Commissioner of
India, His Excellency Sri Jagjit Sapra Singh will deliver the opening address and will present
GOPIO awards. ExecutveOfficers of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago will be inaugurated by Mr.
Ashook Ramsaran, General Secretary of GOPIO International, and Ambassador Mr.
Krishna Nandoe, the Regional Vice- President of GOPIO International, and
President of GOPIO Suriname.
Executive Officers of GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago are:
President: Mr. Deosaran Bisnath
Vice President: Mr. Reuben Girdhar-Niranjan
Secretary: Ms. Rajnie Ramlakhan
Asst. Secretary: Ms. Sacha Mahabal
Treasurer: Mr. Venosh Maraj
Auditor: Mr. Davindra Singh
Directors: Pandit Jaganath Seeram Maharaj,
Mr. Doolarchan Hanoomansingh ,
Mr. Niranjan Bhaggan.
GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago, a Chapter of GOPIO International, is a nonpartisan, non-
political, and non-sectarian organization engaged in promoting the wellbeing of
people of Indian origin, and enhancing cooperation, understanding, and
communication between people of Indian
origin and other communities in Trinidad & Tobago.
The Global Organization of People of Indian origin (GOPIO) is a nonpartisan, non-
origin and other communities in Trinidad & Tobago.
The Global Organization of People of Indian origin (GOPIO) is a nonpartisan, non-
sectarian global organization engaged in promoting the wellbeing of non resident
Indians and people of Indian origin enhancing cooperation and communication
between groups of Indians living in different countries and in furthering their
Thanks,
Deosaran Bisnath,
President,
Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Trinidad and Tobago.
a chapter of GOPIO International.
GopioTT@gmail. com, deobisnath@yahoo. com ,
1 868 687-7529 PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas, Trinidad
President,
Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Trinidad and Tobago.
a chapter of GOPIO International.
GopioTT@gmail. com, deobisnath@yahoo. com ,
1 868 687-7529 PO BOX 2286, Chaguanas, Trinidad
Proudly Indian, a South African Indian site
http://proudlyindia n.co.za/
Mittalic magic
Lakshmi Mittal built the world’s biggest steel firm from scratch—at internet speed
FROM his grand top-floor office in Berkeley Square, Lakshmi Mittal commands a
westward view over London’s West End to Kensington Gardens, where he lives in
one of the city’s swankiest houses. The giant swimming pool in its basement is one
reason why the leader of the world’s steel industry, and Britain’s richest man, looks
so fit and relaxed. Born in India, Mr Mittal has long made London his home and first came to notice there in 2002 when Tony Blair, the prime minister at the time,
controversially put in a good word for him in a Romanian deal. When he made his
sudden and spectacular appearance on the European business scene in early 2006,
Mr Mittal was still a relative unknown. French government ministers, frightened by
his takeover bid for the largely French Arcelor steel firm, did not know whether they were under attack from America or India.
westward view over London’s West End to Kensington Gardens, where he lives in
one of the city’s swankiest houses. The giant swimming pool in its basement is one
reason why the leader of the world’s steel industry, and Britain’s richest man, looks
so fit and relaxed. Born in India, Mr Mittal has long made London his home and first came to notice there in 2002 when Tony Blair, the prime minister at the time,
controversially put in a good word for him in a Romanian deal. When he made his
sudden and spectacular appearance on the European business scene in early 2006,
Mr Mittal was still a relative unknown. French government ministers, frightened by
his takeover bid for the largely French Arcelor steel firm, did not know whether they were under attack from America or India.
The answer was neither: Mittal Steel was a company from everywhere and
nowhere, which helps to explain why its integration with Arcelor to form
ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker, went so surprisingly smoothly. Most
mergers fail: from AOL Time Warner to DaimlerChrysler, the corporate landscape of the past decade is littered with wrecks. Just as surprising was the way in which Mr
Mittal managed to overcome opposition to the deal from the business establishment and the French government—and has now gone on to increase profits in the new
firm’s first full year. On February 13th ArcelorMittal announced that it had made
$19.4 billion, before tax and interest, on sales of $105 billion in 2007—up 27% on the two firms’ aggregated profits in the previous year. Mr Mittal’s 43% stake makes him
the world’s fifth-richest man, with a fortune of some £19 billion.
nowhere, which helps to explain why its integration with Arcelor to form
ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker, went so surprisingly smoothly. Most
mergers fail: from AOL Time Warner to DaimlerChrysler, the corporate landscape of the past decade is littered with wrecks. Just as surprising was the way in which Mr
Mittal managed to overcome opposition to the deal from the business establishment and the French government—and has now gone on to increase profits in the new
firm’s first full year. On February 13th ArcelorMittal announced that it had made
$19.4 billion, before tax and interest, on sales of $105 billion in 2007—up 27% on the two firms’ aggregated profits in the previous year. Mr Mittal’s 43% stake makes him
the world’s fifth-richest man, with a fortune of some £19 billion.
The younger Mittal’s emergence onto the world steel scene was not part of some
global vision, but was the result of opportunism, a bold eye for a deal and an ability to turn round failing firms. His supplier of DRI was a struggling state-owned steel
firm in Trinidad. When the Trinidadians spotted Mr Mittal’s success in Indonesia,
they invited him to turn their firm around under contract, and he eventually bought
it in 1994.
global vision, but was the result of opportunism, a bold eye for a deal and an ability to turn round failing firms. His supplier of DRI was a struggling state-owned steel
firm in Trinidad. When the Trinidadians spotted Mr Mittal’s success in Indonesia,
they invited him to turn their firm around under contract, and he eventually bought
it in 1994.
CARIBBEAN TALK
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Exposed: The long, cruel road to the slaughterhouse
Millions of animals are suffering unnecessarily at the hands of meat traders by
enduring cruel, drawn-out journeys across the world to be slaughtered on arrival.
The alarming evidence of their suffering has been revealed after a secret
investigation by 10 major animal charities, including the RSCPA, Compassion in
World Farming and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). In
shocking footage, animals including horses, pigs, sheep and chickens are seen
being transported thousands of miles across the world, when they could as easily
be carried as meat. Thousands of animals die en route from disease, heat
exhaustion, hunger and stress. The others escape the intolerable conditions only
to confront, immediately, the butcher’s knife.
Millions of animals are suffering unnecessarily at the hands of meat traders by
enduring cruel, drawn-out journeys across the world to be slaughtered on arrival.
The alarming evidence of their suffering has been revealed after a secret
investigation by 10 major animal charities, including the RSCPA, Compassion in
World Farming and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). In
shocking footage, animals including horses, pigs, sheep and chickens are seen
being transported thousands of miles across the world, when they could as easily
be carried as meat. Thousands of animals die en route from disease, heat
exhaustion, hunger and stress. The others escape the intolerable conditions only
to confront, immediately, the butcher’s knife.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food- and-drink/ news/exposed- the-long- cruel-road-to- the-slaughterhou se-781364.html
JahajeeDesi’ s Blogs:
INDOCARIBBEAN TIMES – Current issue is available here:
http://www.esnips. com/web/Indo- CaribbeanTimes
The Plight of Indians in Guyana
Background
This Article was written in 2002 to highlight the plight of Indians in Guyana . Although there have been changes, people may argue that improvements in the economic life of the country and its people have essentially been put on hold. To some extent this is a consequence of the high emigration rate and consequent loss of skilled workers. However, an underlying factor is the apparent breakdown of law and order as marauding gangs rob people and kill other. For its part, the government claims that these attacks affect all citizens, not necessarily Indian..
On January 26 2008in Indian dominated village of Lusignan ECD , eleven more innocent people were massacred in cold blood in the wee hours of the morning while sleeping. From all accounts, robbery was not the motive. To no one surprise, the victims were of Indian descent.
Below is a revised version of the 2002 Article:
Indians Replaced Slavery in British Guiana
Success usually depends on how well we can address and solve problems that confront us in our daily lives. Like other citizens in the South American country of Guyana , the Indian population is fully integrated into the mainstream milieu. Their ancestors were taken to the colony of British Guiana to work on the sugar plantations following the abolition of African slavery in 1838. In addition to saving the sugar industry from certain collapse, our ancestors single-handedly built the rice industry. By the time Indian immigration ended in 1917, nearly a quarter million Indians were taken from India to this colony.
Indians suffered under Various Regimes
As time progressed, their descendants actively participated in every facet of the country’s economic life. Today, they constitute the largest ethnic group in a politically independent country of Guyana . However, events in recent times have caused a lot of uneasiness. For one thing, all Guyanese had to endure nearly three decades of a black dictatorship from the mid-1960’s to the early 1990’s. Over the years, government corruption, political nepotism and overt racial discrimination led to declining opportunities— especially for Indians. A weak, corrupt and incompetent national government was unable to maintain law and order. Thus, highly skilled and educated Guyanese, were forced to immigrate to any country that were willing to take them, but mainly to affluent countries ( EU , USA and Canada ).
Social Problems facing Indians
Although Indians are in the majority, their numbers are actually dwindling due to emigration. Strange as it may seem, President Bharrat Jagdeo and members of his government may be ethnically Indian, but their efforts are directed to retaining power at all cost. Out of necessity, therefore, they must cater to the needs of opposition and their mainly non-Indian supporters. In the meantime ALL Guyanese suffer, but the brunt of the hardships are borne by Indian people who have supported the ruling political party in every national election since 1953.
Below are examples daily social problems that citizens have to endure under various governments.
(1) Alcoholism—There is no shortage of alcoholic beverages. Rum is one of the cheapest and most readily available beverages. It can be bought illegally at any time of the day in every corner store or “cake shop”. Anyone regardless of age can enjoy a drink at any time and place.
(2) Prostitution— Poor and destitute girls are forced into the world’s oldest profession at a young age. As a visitor returning to home after many years, I recall being accosted by girls younger than my own daughters. Of course, I dismissed these advances. But I vividly recall one particular instance. Here a helpless soul proposed that for $5 ( US ), I could have her services for one full day. And for $50 ( US ), she will be at my call for one entire week!
(3) Crime—Criminals wishing to get “easy money” pose as police or army personnel, and prey on unsuspecting overseas visitors/ returnees. Also, bandits armed with hi-tech weaponry attack private homes of Indians. In many of these encounters, not only are money and jewelry taken, but also victim who resisted sometimes lose their lives!
(4) Suicide—it is true that the helpless usually flock to houses of God to get (at least temporary) solace. However, many Indians have lost hope completely. A friend of mind recently narrated a very tragic tale of a young Indian woman who committed suicide to escape the daily beatings of her unemployed and constantly drunk husband. After the funeral, friends of the husband accused him of being responsible for his wife’s death. And because this was too for the husband to take, he did what many young Indian Guyanese find expedient to do—he took his own life!
Euphoria, Despair then Exodus Continues
There was much euphoria following the restoration of democracy in 1992 with the election of Dr. Cheddi Bharat Jagan as the President. But all this soon evaporated for various reasons. Perhaps, there was no Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate wrong doings committed by the previous black dictatorship. Even though Dr. Jagan publicly declares that he heads a national government, the main thrust of his policies is geared to appeasing black supporters and the opposition. The question is: Like other Indian leaders, was Dr. Jagan afflicted with a uniquely Indian disease—appeasing others while taking his own supporters for granted?
A recent incident (July 03 2002) may exemplify the present plight of Indian people. During an illegal procession to the presidential palace, the pro-Indian ROAR Party claims that hundreds of Indians were mercilessly beaten up, sexually molested, abused, robbed and several businesses torched. In one particularly gruesome incident, a gang of African men grabbed a young Indian girl off the street. Then beastly monsters took turns and forced her to perform oral sex —in broad daylight and in full view of the public. Does this incident indicate who is in charge here?
Guyanese Speak Out
This latest pogrom against Indians has provoked even conservative elements in the Guyanese society to speak out. Up to this time, people were silent. For the first time, they are now coming out openly and admitting the truth. In fact, they are saying that it was Indians who were targeted for the mindless racial violence in Guyana . This has always been the official position of the ROAR Party. Now, ROAR has renewed its call for a UN Peacekeeping Mission—a call that first went unheeded when it was first issued in 1998.
Isn’t it about time that the world wake up to the plight of Indians in Guyana , and take decisive action before it’s too late?
Guyana Blessed but Blighted
Guyana is blessed with abundant fertile agricultural lands where almost any crops can grow year round. On its vast savannahs are some of the largest cattle ranches. Its thriving mining industries (gold, diamonds and bauxite) are generating much revenue. Recently discovered offshore reserves of oil and gas can some day transform this struggling country into an energy powerhouse. Yet, things are not all roses these days. Our country remains blighted.
FREE ONLINE RADIO from TRINIDAD
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Vasant Panchami signals start of Phagwa
Dr Ruby Malik…
MEMBERS OF the Hindu Prachaar Kendra of
Longdonville, Chaguanas, Trinidad, launched
Phagwa 2008 with a religious ceremony, Vasant
Panchami, at the Divali Nagar Site, Trinidad, last Sunday.
Longdonville, Chaguanas, Trinidad, launched
Phagwa 2008 with a religious ceremony, Vasant
Panchami, at the Divali Nagar Site, Trinidad, last Sunday.
The event featured songs by musicologist and
singer from India Dr Ruby Malik, who sang
praises to the Goddess Saraswatie. Dr Malik, who
holds two Masters Degree, one in Hindustani
singer from India Dr Ruby Malik, who sang
praises to the Goddess Saraswatie. Dr Malik, who
holds two Masters Degree, one in Hindustani
Classical Music and the other in
English Literature, was assigned to the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Caroni and was
later appointed a tutor at UWI for students pursuing BA degrees in music.
English Literature, was assigned to the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Caroni and was
later appointed a tutor at UWI for students pursuing BA degrees in music.
“I sing to please Goddess Saraswatie. I don’t really sing to please my audience as
such. I guess when you sing for God you will do your best,” she told the audience
during her performance.
Dr Malik said she is encouraged by the devotion of the people of the kendra and the Hindus in TT on the whole.
“It is amazing how they have stuck to their religious beliefs through the years,” she
said, adding that she feels very much at home here.
The kendra members, headed by Raviji, did a traditional puja where the first abeer
(red liquid) was boiled, as well as the planting of the castor oil tree.
The tree represents Holika, a character made popular in the Phagwa story of the
prince Prahlad. The wicked Holika, who was the aunt of Prahlad, plotted to end his
life and instead she was burnt to death. It is said that the castor oil tree grew from
Holika’s ashes.
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MAURITIUS STOCKS SOAR TO RECORD HIGH
PORT LOUIS, Feb 12 – Mauritius‘ key stock exchange index, SEMDEX .MDEX, hit
PORT LOUIS, Feb 12 – Mauritius‘ key stock exchange index, SEMDEX .MDEX, hit
an all-time high of 2,010.75 points on Tuesday, up 8.56 percent from the start of
the year, official data showed.
Other indexes for the Indian Ocean nation’s main stock exchange, which include
the SEMTRI .SEMTRI and SEM-7 .SEM7, have risen between 8.56 and 9.09
percent this year.
Last year, they surged between 53 and 81 percent driven by the banking and
tourism sectors.
~~~~~~~
HINDU WISDOM
HINDU WISDOM
In the city of Brahman is a secret dwelling,
the lotus of the heart. Within this dwelling is a
space, and within that space is the fulfillment
of our desires. What is within that space
should be longed for and realized.
-Chandogya Upanishad
the lotus of the heart. Within this dwelling is a
space, and within that space is the fulfillment
of our desires. What is within that space
should be longed for and realized.
-Chandogya Upanishad
As long as one has a body, one cannot renounce action altogether.
True renunciation is giving up all desire for personal reward. Those
who are attached to personal reward will reap the consequences of
their actions: some pleasant, some mixed. But those who renounce
every desire for personal reward go beyond the reach of karma.
-Bhagavad Gita 18:11-12
True renunciation is giving up all desire for personal reward. Those
who are attached to personal reward will reap the consequences of
their actions: some pleasant, some mixed. But those who renounce
every desire for personal reward go beyond the reach of karma.
-Bhagavad Gita 18:11-12
Having renounced every selfish desire,
He has found his rest in the Lord of Love.
Wisdom is the staff that supports him now.
Those who take a mendicant’s staff while they
Are still at the mercy of their senses
Cannot escape enormous suffering.
The illuminated man knows this truth of life.
-Paramahamsa Upanishad
~~~~~~~~~He has found his rest in the Lord of Love.
Wisdom is the staff that supports him now.
Those who take a mendicant’s staff while they
Are still at the mercy of their senses
Cannot escape enormous suffering.
The illuminated man knows this truth of life.
-Paramahamsa Upanishad
Mauritius: A Nation of Laureates
L’Express (Port Louis)
In 1818, it was decided that the Mauritian student who performed best in the
final secondary school exams, would be granted a scholarship then known as “la bourse d’Angleterre” . This would enable him to pursue further studies in
England at the expense of the British Empire.
We were then a British colony where slavery was a reality and where only
those who were white and free could attend the few primary schools and the
College Royal, sole secondary school on the island.Tertiary institutions were
then non-existent !
Things have changed a lot since! The Mauritian population has not only
grown from around 100,000 to more than 1.2 million, but we are now all
free citizens of an independent republic which provides free primary and
secondary education to all of its people without discrimination.
The recent list of laureates and those who ranked just behind them shows
that racial discrimination is a thing of the past in Mauritius. We all can
succeed provided we enjoy the right conditions... MORE AT:
V S NAIPAUL: A Tribute
http://www.jahajeed esi.com/forums/ index.php? showforum= 56
Mauritius: A Nation of Laureates
L’Express (Port Louis)
In 1818, it was decided that the Mauritian student who performed best in the
final secondary school exams, would be granted a scholarship then known as “la bourse d’Angleterre” . This would enable him to pursue further studies in
England at the expense of the British Empire.
final secondary school exams, would be granted a scholarship then known as “la bourse d’Angleterre” . This would enable him to pursue further studies in
England at the expense of the British Empire.
We were then a British colony where slavery was a reality and where only
those who were white and free could attend the few primary schools and the
College Royal, sole secondary school on the island.Tertiary institutions were
then non-existent !
those who were white and free could attend the few primary schools and the
College Royal, sole secondary school on the island.Tertiary institutions were
then non-existent !
Things have changed a lot since! The Mauritian population has not only
grown from around 100,000 to more than 1.2 million, but we are now all
grown from around 100,000 to more than 1.2 million, but we are now all
free citizens of an independent republic which provides free primary and
secondary education to all of its people without discrimination.
secondary education to all of its people without discrimination.
The recent list of laureates and those who ranked just behind them shows
that racial discrimination is a thing of the past in Mauritius. We all can
succeed provided we enjoy the right conditions... MORE AT:
that racial discrimination is a thing of the past in Mauritius. We all can
succeed provided we enjoy the right conditions... MORE AT:
Webpages and Forum dedicated to the NOBLE LAUREATE
http://www.jahajeed esi.com/index. php?page= laureatevsnaipau l
Mauritius PM to unveil his father’s statue in Bihar
Patna : Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam will
unveil here Feb 18 the larger-than- life-size bronze statue of his
father Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, who originally hailed from
Bihar and was PM of the island nation 1961-82.
The 600 kg statue has already been installed in the state capital. Noida-based sculptor Anil Kumar Suthar created the nine-foot
statue at a cost of Rs.1.4 million.
statue at a cost of Rs.1.4 million.
Ramgoolam, who belonged to Harigaon village in Bihar’s Bhojpur district, was the first prime minister of Mauritius and is
considered the father of the nation as he led his country to
independence from Britain.
considered the father of the nation as he led his country to
independence from Britain.
Nondescript Harigaon became famous after being identified as
the late Ramgoolam’s ancestral village by the Mauritius
government. It is now set for a facelift.
the late Ramgoolam’s ancestral village by the Mauritius
government. It is now set for a facelift.
The Mauritius PM along with his family members will visit
Harigaon Feb 19. During his visit to the village, he will lay the
foundation stones of various projects there.
Harigaon Feb 19. During his visit to the village, he will lay the
foundation stones of various projects there.
Trinidad National Archives Online
Indian Immigration Page:
http://www.natt. gov.tt/ViewArchi veSearchResults. aspx?ArchiveID= TT+NATT+IM+ 2
FIJI: Economist warns on dereservation
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Economist Dr Biman Prasad says native land should be made available
on leases which address the concerns of landowners and tenants.
on leases which address the concerns of landowners and tenants.
He was reacting to a proposal by an India-based consultant to de-reserve
native land and make it available for commercial sugar cane production.
native land and make it available for commercial sugar cane production.
Dr Prasad says the Interim Government is more interested in de-reserving
native land, rather than actually addressing the problems of the ailing
sugar industry.
native land, rather than actually addressing the problems of the ailing
sugar industry.
He adds previous proposals have looked at the concept of a master lease –
where the government leases the land from the NLTB and then sub-leases
it to the tenants.
“So those kind of proposals have been made in the past and I don’t think
that this report has actually considered some of the recommendations that
were made in the past I would have loved to see that this report would
have looked at that but I’m afraid it hasn’t,” he said.
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GUYANA: Online petition advocating UN help on crime
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There’s an online petition targeting Guyanese at home and abroad to urge President
Bharatt Jagdeo to seek assistance from the United Nations (UN) in creating a commission to revamp the country’s justice and security system. It is likely, however, to fall on deaf ears as the government’s spokesman has said it is not the administration’ s intention to seek UN assistance in this regard. Meanwhile, the petition, found at has over 400 signatures and webmaster, Sharir Chan, in introducing the petition said, “It
does not take a genius to see that political undercurrents help determine the crime situation in Guyana.” |
Indira Nooyi Elected Chairperson of USIBC
PepsiCo’s Indra K. Nooyi has been elected Chairperson of the US-India
Business Council (USIBC) – the first woman to ever serve at the helm of
this premier business advocacy organization. The USIBC comprises 250 of
the largest US companies investing in India , joined by more than two
dozen global Indian companies.
Business Council (USIBC) – the first woman to ever serve at the helm of
this premier business advocacy organization. The USIBC comprises 250 of
the largest US companies investing in India , joined by more than two
dozen global Indian companies.
BIRTH AND DEATH
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/CaribbeanH indus/
http://www.jahajeed esi.com/forums/ index.php? showforum= 10
Birth and death, bondage and freedom, pleasure and pain, gain and
loss – all are mental creations. Transcend the pairs of opposites.
You were never born, you will never die. Thou art the immortal self
always, O Prem. Thou art ever free from the three periods of time. It
is the physical body that goes and comes. The self is all full, all
pervading, infinite and partless.
Recognise, O Prem, that you are the living truth. Realise that you
are always inseparable from the one essence that is the substratum of
all these illusory names and forms. Get yourself firmly established
in Brahman. Nothing can disturb you now. You have become
invulnerable. Feel this through intuition when you enter into deep
samadhi (the supreme silence), my child.
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/CaribbeanH indus/
http://www.jahajeed esi.com/forums/ index.php? showforum= 10
Indo-Canadian’ s restaurant blown up
A fast food restaurant owned by an Indo-Canadian was destroyed
along with a few other shops when an explosion ripped through a
commercial block in Vancouver in a suspected arson attack.
The suspect, who himself suffered 40 per cent burns in the incident, is
under treatment at the Surrey Memorial Hospital and has been
identified, but not arrested due to his medical condition, police said.
The explosion, which occurred at about 2.30 am on Wednesday (1600
IST) in the West Broadway area of Vancouver, destroyed the restaurant and a neighbouring Starbucks coffee shop.
It also damaged a fashion garment shop, a bus shelter, a medicine
store across the street and a nearby hotel.
http://69.36. 167.209/cgi- bin/dada/ mail.cgi/ archive/nll/ 20080216030321/
A fast food restaurant owned by an Indo-Canadian was destroyed
along with a few other shops when an explosion ripped through a
commercial block in Vancouver in a suspected arson attack.
The suspect, who himself suffered 40 per cent burns in the incident, is
under treatment at the Surrey Memorial Hospital and has been
identified, but not arrested due to his medical condition, police said.
The explosion, which occurred at about 2.30 am on Wednesday (1600
IST) in the West Broadway area of Vancouver, destroyed the restaurant and a neighbouring Starbucks coffee shop.
It also damaged a fashion garment shop, a bus shelter, a medicine
store across the street and a nearby hotel.
http://69.36. 167.209/cgi- bin/dada/ mail.cgi/ archive/nll/ 20080216030321/
JahajeeDesi’ s Blogs:
The Burmese Ramayana
Date: Friday, March 7th, 2008
Saturday, March 8th, 2008
Saturday, March 8th, 2008
Location: At the Hudson Guild Theater
441 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001
Ticket Price: $ 100, $ 30 & $ 20 (All prices correspond to the different views
and seat sections)
441 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001
Ticket Price: $ 100, $ 30 & $ 20 (All prices correspond to the different views
and seat sections)
Featuring new choreography by Shwe Man Win Maung, scenes
from the epic Ramayana will be portrayed in a dance-drama by the
master artist and his 14-member troupe, Shwe Man Thabin New
York (The “Golden Mandalay” Theater). This famous poetic about
the eternal battle between good and evil is enacted in traditional
Burmese dance style and authentic costume with both classical and
folk musical accompaniment.
from the epic Ramayana will be portrayed in a dance-drama by the
master artist and his 14-member troupe, Shwe Man Thabin New
York (The “Golden Mandalay” Theater). This famous poetic about
the eternal battle between good and evil is enacted in traditional
Burmese dance style and authentic costume with both classical and
folk musical accompaniment.
Police crackdown on Hindraf rose campaign – another day of international shame for Malaysia
Another day of international shame for Malaysia – the firing of tear gas,
chemically-laced water cannon and use of excessive force by the
police against peaceful demonstrators and children during today’s
Hindraf rose campaign in Kuala Lumpur .
police against peaceful demonstrators and children during today’s
Hindraf rose campaign in Kuala Lumpur .
Over 200 people have been arrested, reportedly including children,
with allegations of manhandling by police.
with allegations of manhandling by police.
Why was it necessary for the crude display of police force against
peaceful Malaysians and children who wanted to use the Valentine
Day to present roses to the Prime Minister at the Parliament grounds
and to appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of the five
Hindraf leaders unjustifiably detained in Kamunting Detention Centre
under the Internal Security Act?
peaceful Malaysians and children who wanted to use the Valentine
Day to present roses to the Prime Minister at the Parliament grounds
and to appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of the five
Hindraf leaders unjustifiably detained in Kamunting Detention Centre
under the Internal Security Act?
Why couldn’t the Police show a humane and sensitive face
demonstrating its respect for human rights by allowing the peaceful
Hindraf rose campaign to be conducted without incident?
demonstrating its respect for human rights by allowing the peaceful
Hindraf rose campaign to be conducted without incident?
If the Police could be so high-handed, tough and insensitive for human rights when Parliament has just been dissolved for the conduct of the
12th general election, I dare not think what the Police would do after
polling day on March 8 if the Barisan Nasional wins another huge
parliamentary majority.
12th general election, I dare not think what the Police would do after
polling day on March 8 if the Barisan Nasional wins another huge
parliamentary majority.
Word of the Week
ersatz \AIR-sahts; UR-sats\, adjective:
Being a substitute or imitation, usually an inferior one.
Meanwhile, a poor copy was erected in the courtyard; many an unsuspecting traveler paid homage to that ersatz masterpiece.
– Edith Pearlman, “Girl and Marble Boy”, The Atlantic, December 29, 1999
All we can create in that way is an ersatz culture, the synthetic product of those factories we call variously universities, colleges or museums.
– Sir Herbert Read, The Philosophy of Modern Art
Then there was the sheaf of hostile letters larded with ersatz sympathy, strained sarcasm or pure spite.
– “Time for GAA to become a persuader”, Irish Times, April 13, 1998
Ersatz derives from German Ersatz, “a substitute.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~
‘jahaj’ = ship; ‘desi’ = Indian
‘JahajeeDesi’ = The Indians who crossed the Kala Pani by ship,
the Indentured Indian Immigrants, and their descendents.
http://www.JahajeeD esi.com
‘jahaj’ = ship; ‘desi’ = Indian
‘JahajeeDesi’ = The Indians who crossed the Kala Pani by ship,
the Indentured Indian Immigrants, and their descendents.
http://www.JahajeeD esi.com
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