Living in Holland and being a descendant of Indian indentured labourers from Suriname in South America, it was an honour for me to participate in the global conference Slavery, Indentured Labour, Migration, and their Impact on Present Societies in Paramaribo. It was organized in June by the Anton de Kom University of Suriname. Having studied anthropology, I had the opportunity to conduct fieldwork in Suriname back in 1992, alongside historian Dr. Maurits Hassankhan.
During our research, we had the chance to interview the last 15 individuals who had spent their childhood on the plantations and witnessed the indentureship system up close. At the conference, I presented our findings on rituals associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Although the scientific presentations and research at the conference were undoubtedly fascinating, it was the emotional and spiritual aspects that also left a great impression on me. During this year’s 150th commemoration of Indian indentured labour in Suriname a new statue was unveiled, honouring the three men who courageously fought for their rights and lost their lives at Mariënburg Plantation.
Freedom fighters Raygaroo, Ramjanee, Mathoora
Standing in front of the newly unveiled statue, alongside the statues of ‘Baba and Mai’ representing male and female indentured laborers, I couldn’t help but reflect on the immense hardships they endured to pave the way for my current circumstances. It demonstrated the direct connection between their history and my present existence. It empowers me to acknowledge the challenges they faced and to stand on their shoulders. Furthermore, at the conference’s farewell party I danced to Hindustani folk music with people from around the globe who look just like me. It reinforced the notion that we are all interconnected, united by a common history and a collective journey.
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