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Do we need India to define our Indianness? And even within the notion of Indianness, how much of our identity is redefined by the countries that we find ourselves in?

In today’s podcast, Rajan travels to Trinidad & Tobago to speak to Dr. Sherry-Ann Singh, a Professor of Indian History at the University of the West Indies who speaks to us about her thoughts on where religion, especially Hinduism, sits in modern-day Trinidad & Tobago, culture and identity and how the Ramayan’s Sita has undergone a variety of interpretations throughout the ages; from being seen as subservient to being in control of her destiny.

A special thank you to Dr Sherry-Ann Singh for sharing her views and giving us a glimpse into a regional perspective of how religious scriptures and stories can be reinterpreted to replicate lifestyles today and the social impact that it can have.

Today, Indian-Trinidadians are the largest ethnic group in the country, (approx 40%), and have left their mark all over the landscape; on cuisine, culture and even music! With a variety of religions being represented across the region. Mix marriages are often the norm within the region with many placing notions of Indianness away from religious identity – but on cultural heritage.

What are your thoughts?  Share your comments below.

About Dr Sherry-Ann Singh:

Dr Sherry-Ann Singh is a lecturer at the University of the West Indies who brings a wealth of experience to the community in Trinidad and Tobago as a Professor of Indian History.

About the Global Indian Series:

Rajan Nazran is the chief chief explorer for the Global Indian Series, the official platform for people of Indian origin (PIO), because let’s face it, we are everywhere!

For almost 15 years we have travelled across the globe covering 58 countries to date whilst exploring the kaleidoscope of our remarkable global community.

Voyaging to the edges of the Amazon, facing Ebola in West Africa, being held hostage in Eastern Europe, tapping rubber in Malaysia, drinking chai with Heads of State and sharing laughter with local fishermen – I have been there, looking for us!

Our purpose is simple, to build a living encyclopaedia of the community and a safe mooring ground for open discussions, whether you are an NRI, Indian Diaspora, person of Indian origin (PIO) or a fan of South Asian anthropology, what we do is bring people and communities together.

We do this by plunging into the human experience of being a person of Indian origin (PIO), taking a second look at the countries we now call home and tackling the conversations we need to know more about.

Through our range of award-winning original content (print, podcasts, events and TV) and fascinating discussions, our impactful stories and platforms have spearheaded national and international conversations that have brought people together.

Our work is featured in global brands including The Indian Express, OWM, Manager, ABC and many more.

How to get involved:

Interested in getting involved in building the world’s largest living encyclopedia on the community? Whether you want to become a patron, buy us a chai in a new location or have your story shown, simply get in touch via our website, we would love to hear from you. www.GlobaIindianSeries.com

Social media:

You can reach Rajan via:

Instagram: @rajannazran
Linkedin: Rajan Nazran
Youtube: Global Indian Series
Twitter: @rajansnazran

Special thank you to TAIZU for the music

Episode details:

Episode: 40
Presenter – Rajan Nazran
Producer –Global Indian Series/NazranRoth
Guest – Dr Sherry-Ann Singh
Art Design – Vanisha Patel

Other podcasts:

If you liked this podcast, you may enjoy the following:

RELIGION AND SOCIAL IDENTITY – DR SHERRY-ANN SINGH: TRINIDAD

THE MAN WHO CHANGED COMMON-WEALTH: MOHAN KAUL

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