Modi in Guyana: All about the Indian Arrival Monument
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the Indian Arrival Monument in Georgetown, Guyana on Thursday.
The monument, situated at Merriman's Mall, was built in 1997 to commemorate the journey and contributions of Indian indentured laborers who were brought to Guyana by British agents between 1838 and 1917.
This visit is historic as it's the first time in over half a century that an Indian PM has visited this South American nation.
Historical significance
Monument commemorates Indian laborers' arrival in Guyana
The monument commemorates the arrival of the first batch of Indian indentured laborers on May 5, 1838.
The laborers were brought in to work on plantations, arriving on vessels named Whitby and Hesperus.
Before their arrival, Portuguese immigrants were employed on these plantations but were considered unsuitable for the work by plantation owners who then decided to bring in Indian laborers instead.
Cultural fusion
Monument symbolizes unity and shared history
The Indian Arrival Monument, a bronze sculpture on a black granite pedestal, symbolizes the unity and shared history between India and Guyana.
Designed with inputs from Guyanese architect Albert Rodrigues, the monument combines Indian elements with Guyanese design.
It was shipped from India to Guyana in 1996 and unveiled by businessman and philanthropist Yesu Persaud on May 5, 1997.
Diaspora impact
Monument honors Indian diaspora's contributions to Guyana
The monument pays tribute to the good work done by the Indian diaspora in fields like agriculture, politics, and culture, making them an inseparable part of the Guyanese society.
From 1838 to 1917, Indians came in large numbers and were settled in areas like Berbice, Essequibo, and Demerara. This mass migration contributed immensely to Guyana's growth and cultural diversity.