Ethnic Indians in Guyana keep alive Hindi despite losing Devnagri

Georgetown, Nov 19 (UNI) Ethnic Indians, who comprise about 43 per cent of the population of Guyana, have kept alive the language of their ancestors, Hindi, though in an innovative manner.

Unable to understand the language in Devnagri script they 'anglicised' it to enjoy 'shlokas' and 'bhajans', they sing with an open heart.

Recent times have witnessed a revival of interest in Hindi, Sanskrit and Yoga, besides Bollywood movies and music and stars which was a huge rage among the Indian diaspora in this commonwealth nation.

In their bid to cling on to their roots, they have stuck to their religious beliefs, erected temples and engage priests to conduct prayers at marriages and funerals. Festivals like Holi, Diwali are celebrated with fervour and gaiety. Thousands take holy dip to mark Kartik Purnima.

Most of the Indian diaspora here are descendants of Indians who had come in the 19th and early 20th centuries to work as indentured labour in the sugarcane plantations here.

Mrs Radha Ali, who was part of the delegation which welcomed the Journalists accompanying Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat on a recent trip to the Caribbean islands, told UNI that Indians on this Island nation personify Hindu religion.

Cassettes and CDs of Hindu incantations as Ramayana, 'Durga sanstuti' and various 'aratis' are easily available in the market.

UNI AKU YA KP2037