The Heritage Library Division of the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) joins the national community in celebrating Indian Arrival Day by hosting programmes throughout the country on the theme “The Journey, The Survival: Celebration of the Indian Presence in Trinidad and Tobago”.

Primary school children have been invited to Tunapuna Public Library on Monday 22 May 2006, at 10.00 a.m. for a programme that will include storytelling, a mehendi demonstration and a talk on “The Significance of Indian Arrival Day to the Development of Trinidad and Tobago”.

Carnegie Free Library in San Fernando hosts its annual Indian Arrival Day Programme at 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday 24 May with Mr. Sham Shudeen, renowned author and researcher on our Indian heritage presenting a lecture on “The Importance of History and Family Values”.

Also on Wednesday 24th, at 6.30 p.m. in the Amphitheatre of the National Library, our event will feature Indian music and dance, as well as a lecture by Professor Brinsley Samaroo on “Dr. Kenneth Vidia Parmasad: the Man and his Contribution”; supporting this lecture will be readings from Dr. Parmasad’s work by Mr. Ralph Maraj. A dramatic interlude in keeping with the theme of the celebration will be performed by the Shiv Shakti Dancers. The Honourable Joan Yuille-Williams, Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs has been invited to bring greetings from her Ministry.

Climaxing our celebration will be the opening of our exhibition highlighting the contribution of the Indo-Trinbagonian to the literary heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. The exhibition will be declared open by Senator the Honourable Dr. Linda Baboolal, President of the Senate.

The public is warmly invited to join in our programmes, and further information may be obtained by calling 624-4466 ext.2317