Nalis, in collaboration of the family of the late Ranjit Kumar, will observe his 100th birth anniversary on Monday, July 9, at NAPA Theatre 1, UTT Campus, starting at 6 pm. Known as "the man who built Wrightson Road," Kumar was a brilliant civil engineer who migrated from his homeland in India and settled in Trinidad in 1935.
He brought with him the first Indian movie ever to be shown in Trinidad-Bala Joban-and so began the popularising of Indian movies locally. More importantly, Kumar's introduction of Indian movies in Trinidad proved to be pivotal in giving the East Indian diaspora an identity in its new surroundings.
It did not take him long to get deeply involved with the problems and issues of public life in T&T and to identify himself with the people of this country. In 1943, he was elected a Port-of-Spain city councillor, and in 1946 became an influential member of the Legislative Council, working with Capt Andrew Arthur Cipriani and labour union leader Tubal Uriah "Buzz" Butler who led this first industrial strike in the oil belt.
Kumar joined with Butler to fight for many causes such as electricity, water and drainage. In 1956, he fought the general election for the Caroni North seat, but lost to lawyer Mitra Sinanan. Monday evening's celebration will begin with a feature lecture titled, Ranjit Kumar: A Pioneer-His Legacy, by Primnath Gooptar, a historian who researched the life and times of Kumar.
A panel discussion, moderated by Hans Hanoomansingh on the impact of Kumar's life will follow. Other members of the panel will include Prof Brinsley Samaroo, Prof John La Guerre and Gooptar. This observance is timed to mark this country's 50th year of Independence, and the organisers of the tribute find it fitting that the contributions of outstanding personalities should be highlighted.