Author and historian Dr Satnarine Balkaransingh visited the Heritage Library on Wednesday June 4, 2026 to present copies of his newest book: "Chanka Maharaj", to Jasmin Simmons, Director of NALIS’ Heritage Library Division. Accompanying Dr Balkaransingh to the Heritage Library were Narendra Maharaj and Rajesh Maharaj, son and grandson of Chanka Maharaj respectively, along with Jassie Singh and Harry Sooknanan.

The book is an authorised biography of Chanka Maharaj, chronicling the life and achievements of the Trinidad and Tobago sportsman, politician, religious leader and champion wrestler. The publication provides a wealth of information on Maharaj who was a prominent advocate for workers' right. He was actively involved in labour politics alongside Tubal Uriah "Buzz" Butler.

Dr Balkaransingh is a respected author whose works explore the history, culture and heritage of our country. Among his publications are: "The Shaping of Culture - Rituals and Festivals in Trinidad Compared with Selected Counterparts in India 1990 - 2014" (2016); "Reigniting The Ancestral Fires: Heritage Traditions and Legacies of the First Peoples" (2017); "Ramleela in Trinidad - 100 Years of Felicity Open-Air, Theatre Tradition" (2021); "Hosay Caribbean: Tadjahs on Wheels" (2024). These books are available for consultation by researchers visiting the library.

Dr Balkaransingh co-authored Kunuwaton: "The Culture and Cuisine of the Santa Rosa First Peoples of Arima, Kairi" ((2014) and "The Wanders" (2023). He also authored 11 peered reviewed, published works in journals and book chapters on a wide range of topics from economics and development studies to the creative performing arts.