Academic quells Arrival Day row in New York

In what was described as the most patronised event at the T&T Consulate in recent times—even rivalling the visit by PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar a year ago—hundreds of invitees reflecting the diverse ethnic mosaic of the twin-island state, celebrated Indian Arrival Day last Friday. Before the opening remarks by Vice-Consul Jennifer Siblal, controversy continued to swirl over the supposed renaming of the holiday to Arrival Day.

The introduction of guest speaker Dr Mahin Gosine, a noted professor of sociology and anthropology, ended the ambivalence, with a stirring address that chronicled the journey of indentured labourers to the Caribbean, and the germination of the Indian Arrival Day movement, to its present pan-Indian appeal. Gosine shared (speaking) honours with Tobago-born scholar, Dr Shaun L McKay, president of Suffolk County Community College whose presentation, “Educational as a conduit for social transformation,” was engaging and pertinent to the Caribbean experience.

But it was Gosine’s signature moment that set the evening’s theme of Indian identity amid diversity.
“Indian Arrival Day emerged in the 60s as there was greater competition for resources by the different groups in society,” Gosine explained. “But history,” he said, “had preserved the identity of Indian culture,” and “it is only fitting and relevant at the present time, to promote the ‘exclusivity’ of the holiday.” Gosine, who also presides over the Govinda mandir in the Indo-Caribbean stronghold of Queens, stated that he was wary of the political brouhaha over the purported name change, and appealed for sense over sensibility, and greater homogeneity.

“Our society,” he argued, “will eventually evolve with greater awareness and enlightenment,” conceding that he was not in disagreement with an ‘Arrival Day’ designation, as long as Indian history and culture are used as the point of reference. “I have no problem with that,” he said. The renowned academic and author of more than 20 books, extolled the struggles and contributions of the holiday’s pioneers, including the Society for the Promotion of Indian Culture at UWI, but chided those “bent on politicising this special occasion,” accusing them of fomenting discord.

Gosine later acknowledged the concessions to the Indian community by Dr Eric Williams and the role of the Manning and Panday administration toward the movement’s holiday status. Striking a delicate balance between two extremes—and  treading a diplomatic course, he emphasised the importance of promoting the island’s diversity amid an atmosphere of inclusiveness. “Diversity should not and cannot destroy one’s identity,” he opined. “We should be more accepting, less threatened and be free to discuss race relations.”

As Dr Gosine ended his address by formally welcoming the audience to Indian Arrival Day, officers from the powerful Shiva Temple of Queens, at one time to resistant to any alteration to this sacred holiday, showed their appreciation. An impressive showcase of Indian song, dance and music by an assemblage of Caribbean artistes soon followed. The controversy it seemed had ended, for now.