Look to India for political, economic lessons: Dookeran

The concept of a new partnership in the continuous development of the nation-state of Trinidad and Tobago must be forged with all members of the national citizenry as we celebrate the 166th anniversary of Indian Arrival Day, Monday May 30, 2011.

In developing our society, occasions such as Indian Arrival Day, Emancipation Day, Spiritual Shouter Baptist Liberation Day, Eid Ul Fitr and others, must not be celebrated in isolation, rather be viewed as each other’s opportunity to revalidate our patriotism. As citizens, our focus must be to create a modern state spurred within the perimeters of civic responsibility and good governance.

It is 166 years since our arrival from principally, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, in India. 147 thousand originally made the journey across the Kala Pani. The past is over. 

Even though we may reflect on it, our energies should be directed towards the enactment of a new society, one whose people were sourced from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The challenge facing our country, the Caribbean, and even beyond is how each sector of the populace shapes this new society.

Change is inevitable.

What matters is creating a balance where each citizen not only contributes to the change but feels that he or she has benefited as a consequence of change. 

The Indian Diaspora must therefore move forward accepting the fruits of change and establishing targets to reach this new level of equilibrium. Additionally confronting us, not only the Indian Diaspora is the maintenance of our sanity against the backdrop of a faltering humanity in a world society which remains in turmoil in several areas of leadership and philosophy.

It is noteworthy that our first Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams, 50 years ago had called on the University for the study of the philosophy of people like Indian Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. 

I think it is still appropriate for us to ensure that the Chair we set up is structured in a way to approach the enquiry of truth. 

Truth must now be engaged in the Universities by establishing or using an existing Chair for the study of political philosophers like Tagore, Nehru and Gandhi as well as those from Africa, Asia, Europe and outside Europe.

We must continue in the noble philosophy of our grandparents and great grandparents whereby the inheritance we pass on to our children, will be be superior to the one we received. 

Not only in a personal sense, but in the sense of governance, politics, and our society at large. And by so doing, we will be able to engender a stronger aura of patriotism. 

It is both historical and philosophical, that the peoples of the east could come to the west, and live in such beautiful harmony whether we are Hindu, Christian or Muslim. This ideal is another reason why we must celebrate Indian Arrival Day, as one of Divine glorification.

Economic powerhouse India now stalks the international arena as a key player in several areas of world leadership. In this context especially as we approach 50 years of independence, we must look to India for lessons in political and economic philosophy, while at the same time India could learn from us in Trinidad and Tobago, in terms of our unique creativity, endurance and harmonious mode of living.

Happy Indian Arrival Day 2011 to all, and may God bless our nation.

Winston Dookeran | Political Leader, Congress of the People