It was an emotional journey back in time for the proud inheritor of a
legacy of grit, sweat and tears. Hon.Kamla Persad Bissessar, Prime
Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who is on a 10-day official visit to
India, chose to spend a day tracing her roots. After an eventful trip
to her ancestral Buxar village in Bihar she paid a historic visit to
Kolkata Memorial symbolizing the emotional and cultural bond among
the descendants of millions of indentured labourers who had left the
Indian shores from 1834-1920. The memorial was erected through the
initiative of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
at the spot from where the multitude of labourers set sail to far off
lands including Trinidad.


On January 11, the banks of Hooghly river reverberated with echoes
from the past as the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of Trinidad
and Tobago paid glowing tributes to her ancestors’ courage to brave
adversities to ensure a better life for their progeny. Draped in a red
sari, she walked around the memorial offering flowers in full media
blaze. She also planted a sapling at the harbor. She remarked, ‘’I
wish my grandfather and father were here holding my hand,’’ while
struggling to hold back tears.


Earlier the visiting Prime Minister attended a dinner hosted in her
honour by GOPIO. Addressing the gathering she lauded the efforts of
GOPIO in bringing the global Indian diaspora closer. She shared the
global perception that PIOs have become highly successful in their
chosen fields as business men or professionals. She said the people of
Indian Origin who constitute 42 per cent of the population of her
country have managed to keep alive the values, traditions and
festivals of their forefathers. While thanking the GOPIO for the
gracious hospitality, she assured the organization of her government’s
help in all its efforts towards a better world and a better Trinidad
and Tobago.


Mr.Sunny Kulathakal,Executive Vice President, GOPIO, in his address
explained the historical and cultural significance of Kolkata
Memorial. ‘’The Kolkata Memorial is of meaningful significance with



shared sentiments among millions of descendants of those who left
India as indentured labourers from 1834-1920. The memorial has been
well received by the global Indian diaspora. Cogratulating the Prime
Minister on her being conferred the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya
Samman award, he termed her visit to the memorial as a great honour to
the memory of indentured labourers.

Mr.Malay Mishra, India’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago,
urged GOPIO to broaden its activities in Trinidad to make it more
effective. Mr.Chanderdatt Singh, High Commissioner of Trinidad and
Tobago in India, West Bengal minister Mr.Sudarshan Ghosh, Mr.P.Roy,
Director, Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Minister
for Foreign Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago, Dr.Rambachan, spoke. While
Mr.Aravind Sood welcomed the gathering Mr.Mridul Pathak, GOPIO
co-ordinator, proposed a vote of thanks.
(EOM)

160 interviews on VISION 2030 of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Shaikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa CEO of Bahrain International Circuit applauded the latest edition of the Gulf Who's Who Directory 2011- 2012 with 160 interviews on VISION 2030 of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
After receiving the Directory from the Managing Editor, Mr.Sunny Kulathakal , Shaikh Salman said that the timing of this publication has a global importance as the whole world will have a glimpse of what the Govt
of Bahrain has envisaged for its citizens. The BIC has agreed to support distribution of the Directory globally.
Mr. Kulathakal presented a memento of a snake boat to Shaikh Salman who evinced keen interest in seeing the famous annual snake boat race in Kerala.

Gulf Who's Who Directory 2011- 2012

Shaikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa CEO of Bahrain International Circuit applauded the latest edition of the Gulf Who's Who Directory 2011- 2012 with 160 interviews on VISION 2030 of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
After receiving the Directory from the Managing Editor, Mr.Sunny Kulathakal , Shaikh Salman said that the timing of this publication has a global importance as the whole world will have a glimpse of what the Govt
of Bahrain has envisaged for its citizens. The BIC has agreed to support distribution of the Directory globally.
Mr. Kulathakal presented a memento of a snake boat to Shaikh Salman who evinced keen interest in seeing the famous annual snake boat race in Kerala.

Give Respect for Work

interview with sunny kulathakal



[Born in 1944. Native of Marammon. After completing journalistic training in Malayala Manorama, became a dynamic activist in YMCA. Travelled widely in India and abroad, he had served as Development Director of Bangalore U T College for eight years. Settled in Bahrain at present, he is running an own publication house named Sunlis Publications. He has made commendable marks in the fields of public relations, media consultancy and advertising. He is Managing Editor of Gulf “Who’s Who directory and Gulf Asian Magazine. He had served as feature editor of the Anglo-Arab Magazine named “Nazreth Al Khaleej” and worked as correspondent in different newspapers being published from Dubai. His books: “Story of a martyr”, “The world of Drugs” and “The World of prostitutes.
Wife S K Elizabeth is Project Manager, “Gulf Who’s Who”directory.]



Shailesh Thrikkalathur

What is your notion about labour?

You should be ready to do any work. False ego is not good at all. The important thing is our capability and sincerity. What is important is how we perform.
In Kerala, there is a tradition of farmers dating back to ancient times. Malayalees who go abroad will not mind farming jobs even in the worst of the conditions. They will not do it Kerala. This attitude has to change.


What is the lesson you have learnt as a non resident Keralite?


In fact I lived a non resident life with my mind rooted in my homesoil. I had never remained without contact with my native land for a long time. I have never lived in air conditioned atmosphere only. There are people who imposed a particular diet and culture on their children without giving them the freedom of choice. I have seen people who lived a life of luxury here. There is no use in living without coming into terms with the realities. There are people who try to command respect which they never used to get in Gulf when they come home. This is enough to tempt others to migrate to Gulf. I have seen people who build houses worth 1.5 crore and struggle when they lose job. This is nothing but thoughlessless.


What happens when one comes back?


You should realize that you will not get any thing exclusively for yourself. You should understand that others also have a claim for whatever you earn. It we have such a perception of things life will be easy.


Only if you have this kind of an attitude you will be able to behave normally without any head weight when you meet your old friends on coming back.


What about personal friendships?


I forget everything, put myself in others position and do a lot. I always think what it would have been had I been in their position.


I have an experience related to M M Jacob who was the Governor of Meghalaya. He once landed at the Railway station in Bangalore. Congressmen have already reached there to receive him. He asked me how I came. I said that I came in my scooter. He opted to travel on the pillion of my scooter. He also stayed at my home. The same love is still there.


Of the people you got acquainted who gave you the best message?


When A C George visit Bangalore, I used to provide him with a collection of Malayalam Newspapers. Once he came as the Union minister to inaugurate the tiles factory of his sister’s son at a place called Hoondskar. I too went there. When he went back, I bought some chilled water and food from a nearby restaurant and gave to him in the train. When I told him that I have brought food he hugged and kissed me. He said that he would have starved if I had not brought the food. He used to help me a lot without asking. I also remember A M Thomas.


Any memorable incident while staying in a foreign city?


I remember one youth named Lawrence. He started a printing press in Bahrain. A Policeman who was his sponsor tried to take him to police station by framing him in a false case. Coming to know about this I called him to the the Indian Embassy. Got in touch with the police station. Fixed a time for talks with him at the embassy. The youth who arrived at the embassy premises was hijacked to the police station by the policeman who came without uniform. I complained to the embassy. It was due to the intervention of the ambassador, he was released from the police station. I was the one who took initiative for the same.

Please tell something about your world of writing


The feature series I wrote in the Illustrated weekly about the world of drugs in 1978 was discussed a lot. I had come to know that Mrs Gnadhi had made a reference about this article to A C George. I had written that if a job is assured in Dubai, the Malayalees would not mind reaching there by swimming across the sea and they could even bag an Olympics gold medal in swimming. I was the first to write in the media about the Indians in Gulf. I had written it on the request from the then editor, Kushawant Singh.


What about yours in interest in literature?


It was not selective reading that I had. I used to read anything that I could get hold of. I had read the books of E M Kovoor and Parappurathu at a very young age itself. Parapuurathu’s “Aranazhikaneram” was a favourite of mine. I used to read again and again the books of MT and Uroob. I also used to visit Thakazhichettan at his house. I have visited his house with family and taken photos of the visit.


Your trips?




I have visited all the European countries and traveled widely in the US. While meeting more and more people I used to think that I should have known their languages too. Their language is needed for them to understand us. What I am referring here is the situations wherein English is not enough.


What helped me was my adherence to the concept of “World as my home’. The people are the same everywhere and they are different only in their outside appearance.


I had the occasion to acquaint with Edamaruku since my early days of youth. This helped to have a change in my attitudes. My stint as Balajanasakhyam president I had the opportunity to closely mingle with a lot of people. This helped me to develop a world outlook.


How was your entry into the publishing?


It was in the 80s that the English magazine “Gulf Asian” started publication with Dubai as its base. The publication of Gulf Directory in 1978 proved to be of immense help to this venture. I had a somewhat good idea about the Malayalees with my first visit itself to the Gulf. It was through the discussions with D C Kizhakkemuri, I developed the idea of the Gulf Directory. It was at the Oriental Rissing press that the Directory was first printed. KC Varghese was the founder of that press. T K A Nair who is presently the principal secretary of the Prime Minister had extended his help from Punjab for bringing out the Asian Magazine.


Which is the best population in the world?
There is good and bad everywhere. What I liked most in the US was the absence of walls between houses. Since we had grown by seeing houses with compound walls, the absence of the same in the US are certain to amuse us. This indicates mutual confidence and love.


Any new projects?
I have plans to set up a village for the aged. Most probably it will be in Bangalore. India is the best place to take care of the aged persons. The quality of care is the best in India. One also can be assured of quality healthcare in Bangalore.


Tell me about your philosophy of life?




My family has a priestly tradition. My father was the 44th priest in our family. My father never compelled me to become a priest. What he did was to make me more independent. While going through the books authored by Rev Martin Luther King, I was convinced about the impossibility of me becoming a priest. The husbands of both my daughters are not Christians. If Christians only could go to heaven, then my relatives could not be there. I don’t want a heaven where they don’t have a place. Each one thinks that only his religion is great. This thinking should be broadened somewhat more. You should be able to imbibe the virtues of all religion. God is there in everyone and everything. I am always guided by the philosophy that everything is one and the same.



I recall the statement of Dr Kaj Bonda that the religions and religious concepts that we see today were never been there even in the dreams of Jesus. When I wrote this in one of my books, the members of my church disagreed with me. I believe that there is a beam of light in my mind. This very beam of light is leading me through my difficulties. The great thing is that this light will never burn off. In the marriage of my children what I considered important was the mental parity. I allowed this because I have witnessed the marriage between individuals belonging to the same religion ending in a wreck. I have always taken care to point out wrong things whenever I find them.


It is always good to do your job without caring for the reward. Reward will never fail to come through some other way.

GOPIO APPEALS FOR REVIEW

GOPIO APPEALS FOR REVIEW OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES SENTENCING ON HUMANTARIAN BASIS

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) strenuously objects to the recent judicial sentencing of 17 Indians in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and considers the sentencing as extreme and unusually harsh punishment contrary to Article 5 and Article 7 of the United Nations Human Rights Charter (United Nations “Universal Declaration of Human Rights, December 10, 1948). GOPIO voices its deep concern over the severity of the sentencing which is viewed as contrary to universally accepted norms of any progressive society.

GOPIO International urges the Government of United Arab Emirates to promptly take all necessary actions to remedy this situation for substantial reduction of the sentences imposed on the basis of humanitarian consideration and to facilitate and accommodate all legal efforts by others to seek redress in the courts and appropriate agencies of the United Arab Emirates.

GOPIO International urges the Government of India to continue vigilant efforts and seek all means necessary towards reduced sentencing on behalf of those Indians being punished with this unusually harsh sentencing and to provide confidence and reassurance to their respective families in India.

GOPIO International solicits the assistance and cooperation of the United Nations (UN) and international agencies of Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International (AI) to use their respective international positions and offices of influence to be engaged in efforts to seek substantial reduction in the unusually extreme sentencing imposed on the 17 Indians in the United Arab Emirates.

“We view the sentencing imposed on the 17 Indians in United Arab Emirates as extremely harsh and call on the Government of UAE to take all necessary steps to bring about an equitable reduction as soon as possible”, said Lord Diljit Rana, President of GOPIO International.

“Remedial actions by the government of United Arab Emirates would be tremendously helpful to reducing the undue pain and distress of those sentenced and their respective families in India”, stated Inder Singh, Chairman of GOPIO International.

GOPIO Middle East International Coordinator Sunny Kulathakal observes that “it is crucial that the legal appeal process lead to reduced sentencing that would further enhance peaceful co-existence among all ethnic groups in the United Arab Emirates”.

GOPIO International’s Executive Vice President General Ashook Ramsaran requests that “due consideration must be given to the fact that Indians working and living in the United Arab Emirates are generally a peaceful, law abiding ethnic group and have contributed tremendously to the economic development of the UAE”.

GOPIO International fully supports and encourages all efforts for fair and equitable treatment of all citizens, visitors and workers in any country, especially a country with a significant population of people of Indian origin. GOPIO International urges the Government of United Arab Emirates to promptly take all necessary actions to remedy this situation so that the rights of everyone in United Arab Emirates can be guaranteed and protected on an equitable and humanitarian basis. We also urge the people of United Arab Emirates to voice their collective concerns and objections to actions that can adversely affect their entire society.

GOPIO is a non-partisan, non-sectarian global organization with chapters in several countries, actively promoting the interests of people of Indian origin worldwide by monitoring and addressing current critical issues of concern, and by enhancing cooperation and communication between groups of Indians living in various countries.

Reference:

United Nations “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”, December 10, 1948

Article 5. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 7. All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

For more information, please contact Inder Singh, Chairman of GOPIO International at +1-818-708-3885, Email: GOPIO-Intl@sbcglobal.net