'Express' reporter receives Indian award for excellence Wednesday, June 01 2011
TRINIDAD EXPRESS - By Kim Boodram - Express journalist Ariti Jankie was on Monday night honoured by the Mere Desh group for excellence in her field and for her coverage of East Indian culture.
Jankie was presented with a plaque before scores of audience members at the car park of Mid Centre Mall in Chaguanas as Indian Arrival Day came to a close.
In addition to journalism, Jankie also released a novel last year entitled Hush! Don't Cry, which centres on a young East Indian woman's tumultuous life and her subsequent victory over adversity.
The novel has sold over 600 copies locally so far.
As she accepted her award, Jankie said hers is a message of empowerment to all women.
The Mere Desh committee is a central Trinidad-based organisation, formed 22 years ago to promote and celebrate East Indian culture.
It's celebration of 166 years of the East Indian presence in Trinidad was open to the public and included several pieces of dance and song.
The other highlight of the night was a "table-knocking and singing" competition, in which 25 contestants took part.
Most appeared to take their table-knocking seriously, belting out classic Indian melodies while beating a rhythm on t he wooden table provided.
Some sang while being accompanied by a table-knocker, and few even brought along their own Chutney dancers, much to the delight of the audience.
The competition originated some years ago in Egypt Bar on Caroni Savannah Road where patrons had gotten into the habit of making music on the wooden tables.
The bar eventually decided to turn the impromptu acts into a competition, which was adopted this year by Mere Desh.
Monday's contest was won by Bery Baboolal of Longdenville, with a medley done entirely in Hindi.
Other features of the night included an open-air workshop where audience members were given various pieces of earthenware and tools, which were used to then decorate them.
This was a hit with children and adults alike as the pottery was gilded with glitter in all colours and patterns.
Mere Desh head Ajeet Praimsingh said the event was meant to provide entertainment and some insight into East Indian culture for families, and he looks forward to next year's celebration.
