Synopsis

Anita Chandradath Singh, through an engaging narrative and sensitive visualization, traces the history, sociology, religions, cultural practices and traditions of the people of Indian decent in Trinidad and Tobago. The documentary establishes the lasting legacy, vibrant even today, of the shiploads of Indian indentured workers, brought to the islands during British colonial rule. Their toil and hard work saved a failing sugar cane industry. ‘Yatra: The Journey of the Indian Presence in Trinidad and Tobago’ was created in 1995 to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Indian Arrival Day. Indian Arrival Day is a national holiday and falls on May 30th, each year. This is a compilation of the 25 part documentary series.

Details

Medium Length (66mins) Documentary Historical

Language:

English

Production

Directors:

Anita Chandradath Singh

Anita Chandradath Singh is a pioneer in Trinidad & Tobago television. She began her career in India, the land of her birth, on nationally syndicated channel Door Darshan. In Trinidad & Tobago Anita has authored, directed and anchored several landmark productions for TV, Stage and Radio. Wife of accomplished Trinidadian Ambassador Chandradath Singh, she has contributed substantially to the promotion of T&T culture while on diplomatic missions abroad. Host of TTT’s ‘Evening Magazine’ in the 1980s, her landmark productions ‘Mehefil’ and ‘Humsafar’ garnered her critical acclaim. In the late 1990s Anita scripted, directed and anchored ‘Yatra – The Journey of the Indian Presence in Trinidad & Tobago’: a 25-part Documentary series created to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of ‘Indian Arrival Day’ in T&T. The series traces the history, sociology, culture, festivals, cuisine and traditions of Indo-Trinidadians over 150 years. Now re-released as an hour-long compilation, ‘Yatra’ is the definitive documentary on the history of Indo-Trinidadians.