Dear Partners,
I wanted to wish you all a blessed Christmas and give you an update as to what is happening during my stay in Guyana. I left in early November with the attention to move to Suriname to continue my translation and cultural work. However, due to Covid 19 the borders between Guyana and Suriname are closed.
I thought to make the best of the current situation and try to see what I can do in Guyana. I met with Mr. Persaud who
took me on television twice to discuss culture, language, music, and history. I spoke on the radio briefly and made sure during that
time to mention the need to research Madrasi-Tamil culture.
I was later invited by the minister of culture to share my project
and research. He was touched by the work and offered to provide some funding for m
y work in February of next year. I was also invited by one of
the ministers of agriculture to see where they were doing experiments on coconuts at Hope village. I was well treated to coconut water and flesh.
I was invited recently to go on a tour at Linden to see what the current government is doing there for farmers. I am pleased to see the development and growth in Guyana; as well as the opportunities that will be available.
I find that I can continue my work in Guyana for the time being as I am receiving recognition and help. I pray that you all will help continue to provide whatever help that is possible. A school has informed me they will hire me for a few months and one of the ministers said in January he might find some work for me within the ministry. I have decided to accept these opportunities until I am funded enough to only do my cultural work.
Some highlights pertaining to my work are as follows:
- I was able to meet an old Guyanese woman in her 90’s that spoke Bhojpuri near Enterprise
- I was able to translate the first 5 chapters of John into Shudh Hindi
- I was able to translate the Geeta Saar into Bhojpuri
- I am Almost finished Bhojpuri translation of 1 John
- I was able to form a Taan musical program
- I was able to find a dholak teacher who will assist me in developing a syllabus.
- I was able to find a drum maker who is also a nagara player.
- I was able to start the research on the Taj drum that was once played by Muslims
Once again, I thank you all for your love and support.
Thanks,
Raj
