Among the galaxy of musicians and singers who graced the golden era of Indian classical singing in the 1940s-50s in Trinidad and Tobago, the name James Ramsewak stands out as a bright star.

By the age of 12, Ramsewak had already learnt the art of classical singing from his father, who was himself a master of the genre. With a sound knowledge of Hindi and music, young Ramsewak launched his career in classical singing.

Ramsewak was born on December 5, 1917 in Barrackpore and lived al his life there. The primary education he received at the Inverness CMI school made it possible for him to join the Texaco oil company at the age of 19. There he worked as a gauger for over 40 years until retirement.

Apart from his proficiency in Hindi and song, Ramsewak was a very versatile musician playing the harmonium, dholak, dhantal and mandolin with great competence. He was a composer of songs and, with his melodious voice, he developed a style that carried his own personal stamp. He has never wanted for melody.

His favourite thumri, Gagre Mol, became his trademark. He sang it regularly during his long career that spanned six decades. And audiences enjoyed it thoroughly.

Ramsewak participated in numerous classical singing contests with such greats as Ramdhanie Sharma, Jhagroo Quawal, Henry "Tooloom" Dindial, Jang Bahadoor, Isaac Yankaran and Taran Persad.

He also founded his own orchestra called the Ramsewak Sangeet Saaj. Accompanied by his band, Ramsewak won many accolades and singing competitions. For example in 1964, he took on proven champions like KB Singh, Ramcharitar and others in a contest and emerged top singer.

Dhantal player Sam Jutam was a regular accompanist for Ramsewak. Jutam understood Ramsewak's style perfectly and attuned his playing on the dhantal to achieve harmony. Drummer Lochan Sultani also played an important part in the rhythm section of the band.

Indian cultural patron, Lionel Frank Seukeran reserved a special place for James Ramsewak during his evenings of Indian classical singing.

Every time Seukeran hosted a classical singing programme at his residence in San Fernando, Ramsewak's name was high on the list of performers invited. And "Seukie" would not take no for an answer. When Seukeran formed a musical team called the Anmole Ragni Sabha, Ramsewak was a prominent member, keeping company with other top classical singers and musicians in the country.

As a composer, Ramsewak's songs were sung by himself as well as by others. In later years, he joined the Community Development Department and taught Hindi, music, song and the art of composition to his students. Among his illustrious students are Sundar Popo, Heeralal Rampartap, Lily Ramcharan and Droopatie Ramgoonai among others.

Rampartap describes Ramsewak as a perfectionist. He would not, he said, send a student to a competition until he was quite sure the student was at a high standard and ready to compete.

Sundar Popo calls Ramsewak 'a true artiste' and 'a master of the art'. And Sundar Popo should know. Since the 1970s when he was a student of Ramsewak he has shot to international fame with his renditions of chutney numbers.

Although Ramsewak retired from his oil sector job in 1982, he certainly did not stop singing, composing or teaching others in the finer techniques of the art.

He continued to guide students until ill health finally took its toll on his aging body and confined him to a wheelchair.

For his contribution to Indian song and music, Ramsewak was honoured by the National Council for Indian Culture and the Mere Desh Awards Committee. A national award also came his way when in 1995 he received the Humming Bird Gold Medal for Culture.

It is now almost two years since January 7, 1998 when Ramsewak's earthly life came to an end. But it will take far more tan two years for the name James Ramsewak to be erased from the memory of those who take an active interest in Indian classical music.