One hundred and seventy years after the first East Indians arrived in Trinidad on the Fatel Razack, the East Indian culture has thrived and survived in an increasing globalised world.
This was the sentiment President Anthony Carmona shared in his Indian Arrival Day greeting which was celebrated on Saturday.
"In this rapidly evolving world of globalisation, indigenous culture has felt the brunt of erosive Western influence. The East Indian way of life, has not only survived but has soared over its 170 years of existence, entering mainstream culture without losing its quintessence. The mores of East Indian influence continue to maintain their vibrancy and rightful place in the heart of our Republic," Carmona said.
East Indian culture, Carmona said, is characterised by a deep sense of spirituality, and those teaching have fostered positive social values through out the country.
"The teachings of Indian holy texts have instilled and embedded in our citizens, positive social values such as humility, respect for elders, sacrifice, hard work and vision. These are essential tools for any nation on its path to meaningful progress," he said.
Carmona noted that through the generations, many people of East Indian decent have worked hard and sacrificed to make the future generations of their family and the country better.
"Through generational sacrifice and hard work, our East Indian brothers and sisters, have demonstrated that anything is possible and that ambitions can be realised from the humblest of backgrounds. One generational quality that has built this society of ours is the philosophy of thrift and sacrifice and the need to save for that proverbial 'rainy day,'" he said.
Stating that T&T is known as a "rainbow country" Carmona said people of East Indian decent have played an important role in helping shape the culture of the country.
"The prominence given to our nation as a rainbow country has its genesis and credence in our 'Callaloo culture' of which our East Indian brothers and sisters have played a principal part. Today, each of us in T&T, of every race, is a beneficiary of the sacrifice, work ethic and value system of the Indian indentured labourers who toiled this very land which we call ours," he said.
He noted that the East Indian presence has enriched the country, making the country's culture a richer place.
"The eclectic music, spicy foods, colourful dress, ideals and values, endemic to East Indian culture, continue to buttress and support the international uniqueness of Trinidad and Tobago culture, easily recognisable throughout the world," he said.
Noting that Indian Arrival Day 2015, represents a defining milestone that celebrates the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the first group of East Indians to our shores on the Fatel Razack, Carmona said the country is truly blessed to have an ethnically diverse culture.
"We are ever so blessed to be a part of an ethnically diverse culture allowing us to be a nation of tolerance which is a blueprint to all nations of what harmonious diversity is all about," he said.