The High Commission of India in Port of Spain on Saturday celebrated 180 years of Indian Arrival on Nelson Island—the very site where those early labourers first disembarked.

The historic event honoured the resilience and lasting contributions of the Indian diaspora.

The program included music, dance, and reenactments of the labourers’ arrival.

A standout moment came from Bhojpuri singing sensation Dr. Shailesh Shrivastava and her troupe, whose performances captivated the audience.

Distinguished attendees included Honourable Jagdeo Singh, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Dr. Aiyna Ali, Deputy Speaker; Honourable Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs and Chief Guest; senior Cabinet Ministers; Parliamentary Secretaries; Members of Parliament; Justices of the High Court; Mayors; community leaders; and members of the public. Their presence underscored the event’s role in fostering cultural unity and strengthening bilateral ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago.

The ceremony began with a poignant welcome, reflecting Nelson Island’s historical significance as the initial disembarkation point for Indian laborers arriving on ships like the Fatel Razack. H.E. Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago, delivered a heartfelt address, highlighting the enduring impact of Indian immigrants on the nation’s cultural, economic, and social fabric. “This commemoration honors our ancestors’ struggles and triumphs while celebrating the vibrant Indo-Trinidadian identity that enriches this nation,” he stated.

Honourable Jagdeo Singh and Honourable Sean Sobers received plaques in recognition of their contributions to cultural harmony and India-Trinidad and Tobago relations, emphasizing the event’s significance as a bridge between communities and nations.
Attendees explored an exhibition of artifacts and historical displays chronicling the journey of Indian indentured laborers, their lives on the estates, and their role in shaping modern Trinidad and Tobago. Hosting the event at Nelson Island, a former quarantine and processing station for 19th-century Indian immigrants, added profound symbolic resonance, inviting reflection on the community’s sacrifices and contributions.

The celebration concluded with a call for unity and continued collaboration between India and Trinidad and Tobago. The High Commission expressed gratitude to all participants, organizers, and attendees for making the event a resounding success. This milestone commemoration not only honored the legacy of Indian immigrants but also reaffirmed the strong cultural and diplomatic bonds between the two nations.