Indian Arrival 2015

Indian Arrival Day
2015 Trinidad and Tobago Volume 16, Number 1
http://icctrinidad.wordpress.com/
Mastana Bahar
The longest running (45 years)
local talent show on TV in
Trinidad & Tobago
ISSN 1683-4143
bbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd. (ICC) 2015 Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd. (ICC) 2015 Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd. (ICC
INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY 2015 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
On May 30th 1845, the Fath al

Razak docked near the lighthouse
in the Port of Spain harbour in
Trinidad and Tobago. There were 225
immigrant passengers on board who
had left India to come to the British
colony to work on the sugarcane
plantations after the abolition of
African slavery. They had spent 103
days at sea, enduring a long and
dangerous journey that spanned
14,000 miles (36,000 km). The
immigrants were contracted to work
for five to ten years on the sugarcane
estates in a system of indentureship
that finally ended in 1917.
A total of 147,596 Indians came to
Trinidad over this 72-year period.
Although they were promised free
return passage back to India, at least
The 2005 edition of
the ICC magazine on
the theme Temples
and Tourism in
Trinidad and Tobago
won an Excellence-inJournalism Award
75 per cent of them stayed and settled

in the New World. In many ways,
they brought India to the Caribbean
through their religious traditions of
Hinduism and Islam, and eventually
transformed Trinidad and Tobago
into a colourful, cosmopolitan society.
Descendants of these Indian
immigrants, who now comprise about
half of the islands multi-ethnic 1.3
million population, commemorate
the arrival of their ancestors annually.
The commemoration occurs in the
form of prayers, speeches, songs,
music, dances and plays which are
held in communal as well as public
spaces. At various beaches, the spirit
of history is invoked with the reenactment of the landing of the first
boat-load of pioneers who gave birth
to the Indian community in Trinidad.

The historic day has been a national
holiday since 1994.
The entire month of May has been
deemed Indian Heritage Month, but
May 30th holds special historical
significance. On this day, participants
gather to honour their ancestors who
had crossed three oceans and travelled
halfway around the world to reach
the Caribbean. The descendants
gather to pray for the souls of their
fore parents, and to seek guidance
and blessings for the future. Scholars,
teachers, elders and activists continue
to share their knowledge of the past
and remain committed to increasing
public awareness on this important
aspect of the nations history and
heritage.
ISSN 1683-4143 Volume 16, Number 1.

Cover and page design: Preddie Amit Partap
Advertising: Mera Heeralal and Ramona Harripersad
Proofreader: Rebecca Cave
Chief consultant and informant: Khayal Mohammed
Consultants: Sardar Mohammed, Jamal Mohammed, Rafi Mohammed,
Shamoon Mohammed and Holly Betaudier Jr.
Interview transcriptionist: Taruna Seebaransingh
Photographers: Preddie Amit Partap, Kumar Mahabir and Fiyaz Hosein
Researchers: Vindhar Suraj and Samantha Jagdeo
Contributor editor: Shekhar Mahabir (in London, UK)
Editor-in-Chief and Chairman: Dr. Kumar Mahabir
Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd. (ICC),
10 Swami Avenue, Don Miguel Road,San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean
Tel: (868) 674-6008 Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707
E-mail: dmahabir@gmail.com, mahab@tstt.net.tt
Website: http://icctrinidad.wordpress.com
Copyright ICC 2015. All rights reserved.
No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form whatsoever
without the written permission of the Chairman of ICC.
Cover depicts singer Amit Sooknanan on the set during the taping in Penal in 2014.
He eventually won 4th place in the Mastana Bahar Grand Final in 2014.
Mastana Bahar the longest running (45 years) local talent show on TV in Trinidad & Tobago
Editorial
Since its inception in 1970, Mastana has broadcasted 1,274

episodes (shows), featured approximately 22,650 performers,
10,192 performances and 15 orchestras.
Mastana Bahar is the theme of this years edition of

our Indian Arrival Day commemorative magazine. It
captures the history and evolution of Mastana Bahar
[Joyful Season] which is undeniably the longest running
(45 years), locally-produced TV talent show in Trinidad
and Tobago, and perhaps the Caribbean.
Mastana is the longest running talent show compared to
competitive and non-competitive shows as well as Indian
and non-Indian cultural TV programmes. Its closest local
rival is Scouting for Talent which ran for 30 years (1963
1993) and was hosted regularly by Holly Betaudier.
In 1962, Indian Variety premiered with the memorable
television host, Pat Mathura. Eight years after its debut,
Indian Variety paved the way for the emergence of a new
show, Mastana Bahar.
It became an instant hit. Mastana attracted more
attention than Indian Variety, particularly because of
its innovative format which included a dynamic host,
intense competition and grand prizes. The show was
first produced by Sham Mohammed on July 4, 1970 and
aired live on Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT).
The popular talent contest TV series now comprises 14
preliminary rounds, 10 semi-finals, a grand final and an
all-star show. In 2014, the season finished on the 11th of
December.
At present, Mastana is aired on GISL TV 4 on
Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sundays from
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 9:00 p.m.
to 10:30 p.m. It is also broadcasted on IETV Channel 1
on Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Auditions take place on Sunday mornings at four
venues: Barrackpore, Chaguanas, San Fernando and
Valencia. As many as 60 contestants from all across the
country compete, and from this pool, eight persons are
usually selected for the preliminary episode. Rehearsals
and recordings for the Mastana Bahar series take place
at the Rampersad Brothers Ranch at Raju Trace in San
Francique Village in Penal.
Some of the grand final winners of Mastana who have
become national and international stars include Parvati
Maharaj (1970), Mungal Patasar (1974), Jameer Hosein
(1975), Polly Sookraj (1978), Virendra Persad (1985),
Michael Salickram (1986), Shiv Shakti Dance Group
(1988), Dragon Boys Tassa Group (1989), Kiss Natraj
Dance Group (2003), Pranava Maharaj (2005), and
Neval Chatelal (2006).
Since its advent in 1970, Mastana Bahar has never
received an annual subvention from any of the
government to help produce the series. Except for one
Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd. (ICC)
newspaper the popular weekly show does not receive

any print media attention.
Renowned US musicologist Peter Manuel (2000) stated
that Mastana Bahar has evolved into an institution in
Trinidadian culture. In her book entitled Music in Latin
America and the Caribbean (2004), Malena Kuss wrote
that since the 1970s, the local talent TV show has been a
central feature of local cultural life.
One significant by-product from the success of Mastana
Bahar is the immensely successful Children of Mastana
(COM). This distinctly-separate, but still closely-related
Indian cultural talent show premiered in 1995 and was
originally conceived by Shams second son, Jamal
Mohammed. COM runs for 12 weeks and Mastana
is aired for 26 weeks. Shams eldest son, Khayal
Mohammed, produces both series for 38 weeks. COM
begins annually in January and ends in May, usually on
the Indian Arrival Day weekend.
Other spin-offs of Mastana have been The Mastana
Bahar Travel Club and the now-defunct The Indian
Cultural Pageant. The pageant was a live annual concert
that was held for 25 years from 1975 to 2000.
Some of the Children of Mastana stars include Ravi
B, Nisha Bissambhar, Nadia Madoo and KI. In 1995,
Vishal Kris Persad (KI), son of JMC Triveni Orchestras
bandleader, Virendra Persad, became the first winner of
Children of Mastana when he was just eight years old.
Now, he has two Chutney Soca Monarch titles under his
belt.
Many of the finalists of COM have become popular
artistes in their own right with growing fan bases. For
example, Neval Chatelal won second place in Children
of Mastana in 1995 and first place in Mastana Bahar in
2006 as well as the first prize in the non-Indian talent
show, Digicel Rising Stars in 2010.
Sham Mohammed, the founder of Mastana Bahar,
also created other avenues for Indian cultural exposition
and competition. He realised that there was no annual
national beauty contest highlighting Indian attire. He
also noted that there were hardly any beauty pageants
in which women did not have to bare themselves
in a swimsuit. Therefore, he decided to establish an
innovative beauty show entitled Miss Mastana Bahar
Queen as part of his TV series in 1975. The popular
segment continues to flourish to this day.
Dr Kumar Mahabir is the

Editor-in-Chief and
Chairman of Indo-Caribbean
Cultural Centre Co. Ltd (ICC)
He is also an Assistant Professor at the
University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT)
Indian Arrival Magazine Day 2015
Greetings from the Prime Minister

of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
It is indeed an honour for me to bring greetings to the citizens of Trinidad and
Tobago as we celebrate Indian Arrival Day 2015. One hundred and seventy
(170) years ago our ancestors left their country of birth to come to a distant
land with a dream in their hearts and a desire to better themselves.
Through their perseverance and hard work, they were able to forge a
destiny and an identity for themselves and their children in this new land
which, for many of them, became their new home. Despite many hardships
and sacrifices, they were able to keep their customs and traditions alive, and
these have been passed down through the generations that followed.
As a descendant of those who came before us, and as a product of the
values and traditions of my forefathers, I am proud to lead a government and
a nation that uphold, defend and espouse the different and dynamic faiths of
all.
One of the most enduring features of Indian culture is the love of music.
Indeed traditional Indian music and songs and chutney music can be
heard emanating from many a home across the country throughout the year.
I am certain that many local artistes would have been influenced by Mastana
Bahar, the longest running, locally-produced TV talent show in Trinidad and
Tobago. I can vividly remember the days when my siblings and I, together
with my parents, would sit and watch the show every Saturday evening.
Through Mastana Bahar, we were introduced to Indian song, music, and
dance that were so ably performed by the many contestants on the show.
Tribute must be paid to the late Sham Mohammed, an Indian cultural icon
and son of the soil, who first produced the show on July 4th, 1970, and who
also hosted the show for decades. It was indeed a show that was designed to
bring to the fore, the talent of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Honourable Kamla Persad

Bissessar, SC, MP Prime
Minister of the Republic of
Trinidad and Tobago
Today, forty five (45) years later, Mastana Bahar is as strong as ever, and it
continues to give many citizens, young and old, an opportunity to showcase
their talents and to carry on the rich heritage and legacy of our ancestors. In
fact, in her book entitled Music in Latin America and the Caribbean (2004),
Malena Kuss wrote that since the 1970s, this local talent TV show has been
a central feature of local cultural life. Even renowned US musicologist Peter
Manuel (2000) stated that Mastana Bahar has evolved into an institution in
Trinidadian culture.
It is without a doubt that the Indian community has made, and continues
to make, a remarkable contribution to national development through many
disciplines. We recognize and remember the strength and fortitude of our
ancestors, and we celebrate their unwavering service and devotion to family
and country.
We will continue to follow in their footsteps and to make them proud.
Together, all of us, working side by side, and with a boundless faith in
our shared destiny, we will continue to transform our beloved country of
Trinidad and Tobago into a place which we are all proud of, and where there
is prosperity for all.
I wish you all a very Happy Indian Arrival Day 2015.
Greetings from the Minister of National

Diversity and Social Integration
Dr. the Honourable

Rodger Samuel
Minister of National Diversity
and Social Integration
It is my sincere pleasure to bring greetings and extend best wishes

to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago in general, and to those of East
Indian heritage in particular, as we collectively celebrate the 170th
Anniversary of Indian Arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. I am grateful
to the Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd (ICC) for providing me
with an excellent medium such as this to share my thoughts on this
significant occasion.
As Minister of National Diversity and Social Integration, I consider
Indian Arrival Day as an occasion and opportunity to acknowledge,
embrace and celebrate the presence, culture and contribution of one
of the many people groups, who today, make up the rich mosaic
of ethnicities that comprise our vibrant and cosmopolitan nation.
Divinity and destiny have collaborated to bring to our shores, people
of diverse origins, cultures and beliefs. Time has permitted synergies
among these diverse groups and produced results that could never
have resulted, had they remained in their lands of origin.
The circumstances surrounding the arrival of our Indian brothers
and sisters as well as their experiences as indentured labourers have
been well documented. We recognize that those 143,939 pioneers
who disembarked the Fatel Razack and other vessels between 1845
and 1917 came to Trinidad on a mission and with a purpose. Without
question, they have succeeded.
As we celebrate the heritage and contributions of the people of Indian
origin to Trinidad and Tobago, we can boast that few sandwiches
can rival the taste of a doubles with plenty pepper. The infectious
rhythm of the tassa drums can be found in almost every musical
genre, and we are all entranced by the illumination of thousands of
deyas at Divali. Phagwa and Hosay contribute in no small measure to
making Trinidad and Tobago the Festival Capital of the World. And it
would certainly be remiss of me to not recognize the Indo contribution
as well, to nation building, for they have excelled in many spheres,
such as sport, medicine, law, politics and business.
The World Values Survey (2006 and 2010) lists Trinidad and Tobago
as one of the proudest countries in the world, while the 2015 World
Happiness Report, ranks Trinidad and Tobago the happiest country
in the Caribbean. Without doubt, our pride and happiness lie in the
diversity of our people and the inherent potential and spirit within
each group. It lies also in our unique ability to coexist peacefully and
productively.
I note the theme of this magazine is Mastana Bahar and join with it
in celebrating a talent show that has become an institution of iconic
status in nurturing and preserving Indian culture and talent in Trinidad
and Tobago. I wish the magazine continued success and longevity as it
pursues its noble mandate.
In closing, and on behalf of the Ministry of National Diversity and
Social Integration, I pray Gods continued blessing for our IndoTrinidadian and Tobagonian community.
THE ARRIVAL OF MASTANA BAHAR

In 1962, Indian
Variety premiered
as the first groundbreaking Indian
cultural TV show.
In the early 1960s, there was

a general movement towards
independence sweeping across
the West Indian islands. The year
1962 was significant to the people
of Trinidad and Tobago for many
reasons. First, it was the year the
nation gained political independence
from the British Colonial Empire.
It was also the year that the stateowned company, Trinidad and
Tobago Television (TTT) was
established in this country. At the
time, TTT was the only TV station
in the country operating through two
channels. In the same year (1962),
Indian Variety premiered and was
hosted by memorable television
personality, Pat Mathura. This
ground-breaking Indian cultural
TV show had an enduring run as
a regular feature of the nations
weekly viewing experience.
Eight years after the premiere of
Indian Variety paved the way for
the expression of Indian cultural
experience, another Indian cultural
show debuted on television. This
new show, Mastana Bahar [Joyful
Season], attracted more attention
particularly because of its innovative
Pat Mathura
format which included a dynamic

host, intense competition and grand
prizes. Mastana became an instant
hit when it was first launched and
broadcasted on July 4, 1970. Mainly
Indo-Trinidadians were able to see,
hear and appreciate themselves
singing, dancing and playing
musical instruments on a blackand-white screen in the comfort of
their homes. Indians, along with the
other ethnic groups in society were
mesmerized by the show and many
people scheduled their domestic and
business activities so that they were
available in time to view it at 6:30
Co-producer Sardar Mohammed &

Liaison Officer Nazira Mohammed on the set
Presenter Sharda Siewsankar
p.m. on a Saturday evening.

In 1995, after 33 years on air, the
curtains finally came to a close for
Indian Variety. During its run, the
programme had been a household
feature for more than three decades.
On the other hand, Mastana Bahar
continues to persevere. Now in its
45th year and still running, Mastana
has become an integral part of the
cultural history of Trinidad and
Tobago. Today, Mastana Bahar
remains the longest-running,
locally-produced talent show on
television in the Caribbean.
Giveaways on set
SHAM MOHAMMED THE VISIONARY
a British-owned station in colonial

Trinidad. While studying law
in London from 1960 to 1966,
he gained foreign exposure and
experience as a scriptwriter and
broadcaster for the BBC World
Service. Upon Shams return to
Trinidad in 1966, he further honed
his skills by doing short stints as
a host withRadio Trinidad 730
AM,the oldest radio station in the
country.
Sham Mohammed rose from a

background of law, politics, and
show business which moulded
him into an enterprising, dynamic
and creative individual. He was
a dedicated gardener, a devoted
family man, and most notably, the
pioneering producer and presenter
ofthe ground-breaking, iconic
cultural phenomenon, popularly
known and revered by thousands as
Mastana Bahar.
For 24 years, until his death in
1994, he was the well-known and
beloved host of this memorable
forum for showcasing Indian talent
in song, dance and music. As
early as 1947, his brother Kamal
Mohammed had been a regular
household companion over the
airwaves, hosting the first Indian
radio programme, Indian Talent
on Parade onRadio Trinidad. He
filled the twilight evenings with
Indian film melodies and religious
songs that filtered memorably
through many a living room, taxi
and playground. As a result, both
the urban and rural environment in
Trinidad and Tobago were uplifted
with the sounds of India.
that became synonymous with the

show and even became part of the
local parlance. Catchphrases like
solid-liquid cash, the peoples
programme, and everybody wins,
nobody loses are still used today
on the programme. These familiar
expressions touched a chord in
many viewers and promoted Sham
to well-deserved legend.
At that time, Shams other brother,

Moean Mohammed was a popular
show-promoter who organized
concerts and talent shows in
cinemas throughout the country.
The highly motivated brothers
realized that there was a growing
thirst to see, perform and compete
in Indian cultural shows. Together,
they conceived the innovative idea
of using television to produce a
trailblazing Indian talent contest.
The concept germinated and
blossomed into the show known
as Mastana Bahar which first
airedon TTT on July 4, 1970.
Mastanabegan as a 30-minute
talent programme which ran for 13
weeks, on Saturdays from 6:30 p.m.
In his own inimitable style, Sham
coined many memorable phrases
Caricoms
highest award
for Kamaluddin
Mohammed
For 24 years, until

his death in 1994, he
was the well-known
and beloved host
of Mastana Bahar.
In 1954, at the age of 18, Sham

began his broadcasting career
atVoice of Rediffusion (also called
the B-station of Radio Trinidad),
10
, 628-HART
MEMORY OF THE FIRST SHOW
Khayal Mohammed
recalled his
experience on that
historic date, July 4,
1970, when the first
edition was recorded.
As impresario and host of Mastana
Bahar, Sham Mohammed made
an unforgettable impression on
the young minds of his children
and nephews. Khayal Mohammed,
Shams eldest son, recalled his
experience on that historic date, July
4, 1970, when the first edition of
Mastana Bahar was recorded live.
spectacle. Recording the programme

live meant that what was happening
in the studio on Maraval Road was
being seen simultaneously all over
the country.
Khayal also reveals: I remember
my father preparing a typed
programme script. The five-page
format still remains the same
today. It includes the following:
Introduction, Emcee to introduce
judges, Opening remarks,
Introduction of contestant #1,

Commercial break, Introduction
of contestant #2. Commercial
break, etc. Jamal, Sadro and I were
amazed and fascinated. That is how
I learnt to produce the show.
From this very first edition
of Mastana Bahar, Sham was
convinced that this performing arts
competition on TV was going to be
a huge success.
Khayal, who was just ten years old

at the time, recalls: I remember
my father holding my hand as we
walked into TTT on Maraval Road
in Port of Spain. My brother Jamal,
my cousin Sadro (Uncle Moeans
son), and Harry Mahabir (the music
director) were with us. We all
walked into this freezing cold studio
which was like a big hall. There
were bright lights and electronic
equipment. I was fascinated by the
12
EARLY VIEWING OFMASTANA

Viewers of Mastana Baharin the
1970s recalled that watching the
show on Saturday evenings at 6:30
p.m. was a family and communal
occasion. Women would ensure
that all domestic chores would be
completed in advance and men
would try to be home in time. Entire
families would gather around the
black-and-white television sets of
that era. People without television
congregated at their neighbours
house to enjoy the half-hour
entertainment. On occasions,
when there was only one TV in a
neighbourhood, the owner would
sometimes charge a fee: one cent
to stand and watch the programme
or five cents to sit on a bench that
was provided. Some people were
so inspired that, in true Indian
fashion, they scrimped and saved
until they could afford to purchase
their own television. With the
purchase of more TVs, more people
watchedMastana. The popularity
of the show propelled more

artistes to showcase their talent by
participating in the competition.
Dancer Seema Deokaran
The show has been running for

more than three decades and was
one of the most popular programmes
on state-owned Trinidad and Tobago
Television (TTT) in the 70s, 80s,
90s and beyond. TTT was the only
television station in operation until
1991 when the privately-owned
TV6 was established. According to
Wikipedia, TTT was best known
for its cultural presentations such
asMastana BaharandScouting for
Talent.
The owner of the TV

would sometimes
charge one cent to
stand and watch the
show and five cents
to sit on a bench.
Production team at work
Mastana Bahar Queen Finalists

Fazida Yathali and Vishani Murally.
14
AUDITIONS IN THE 1970S

The first groundbreaking audition
had 37 performers
competing for
6 spots.
Hamper giveaway on the set
Inevitably, it was discovered

through the auditions that there were
artistes whose enthusiasm exceeded
their talents. There were also those
whose performances fell short of
the standards required for a national
audience. These performers were
gently and diplomatically guided
to explore other fields of creative
expression. Artistes may think that
they enjoy performing before an
audience but when the moment
arrives, the presence of a crowd
presents a challenge. Performers
had to prove that they were up to the
task or they would not make it to the
final six for the upcoming episode.
Today, Mastana Bahar is the only
forum on television for Indian
cultural artistes to perform and win
a prize.
The first auditions of Mastana

Bahar in the 1970s saw
unprecedented enthusiasm from
scores of eager participants from
all across the country with as many
as 37 performers auditioning for
the premiere episode. The first
ground-breaking audition was held
at Trinidad and Tobago Television
(TTT) studios on Maraval Road
in Port of Spain on the morning of
Sunday June 28, 1970 at 10 a.m. Of
the 37 performers eager to compete,
only six contestants could be
selected to appear in the first episode
of the 30-minute programme. Due to
the overwhelming response from the
participants and patrons, subsequent
auditions were moved to the
Ascot cinema in Woodbrook. TTT
studios had become too small to
accommodate the growing numbers.
Khayal Mohammed, Shams eldest
son, recalled that as many as 120
persons participated in each audition
as the show became more popular.
In addition to the prospective
competitors, large groups of
families and friends came to offer
their support while others came
to lime [socialise] and enjoy
a new experience. People even
came to see what was happening
behind the scenes. Khayal was
always busy as he was responsible
for registering the contestants
personal information, and the type
of performance each contestant
was prepared to do, whether it was
singing, dancing, playing a musical
instrument or a combination of
them.
music director. Harry used to come

with a drummer who would play for
those who were singing.
Audience at Mastana recording
Khayal recounted: People used to

come to sing for Harry Mahabir, the
16
SHAM MOHAMMEDS DEATH
Kasturi Maharaj performing
NAMALCO Quiz in progress on set at the recording
Production team members

Reshma Doon and Sharda Siewsankar.
Pick-a-Pan on Mastana Bahar with

Purshotam Singh and Vishani Murally.
Sham passed away

on May 21, 1994. Just
before his death, he
said, The show must
go on even if I die.
enquired: So what is going to

happen to Mastana Bahar?
Sham Mohammed, the founder

of Mastana Bahar, passed away
on May 21, 1994. His unexpected
demise was the first of many
challenges encountered by Shams
successors on their journey to
continue sharing his legacy with
the nation. His eldest son, Khayal,
recounted: When his life left
his body, I said in my mind: Pa,
everything you used to be doing, we
are going to continue them.
Clearly surprised by Khayals

prompt response, Fraser queried,
Tomorrow? But dont you all have
to organise for the funeral?
At a press conference held at

the familys home on the day that
Sham died, journalist Tony Fraser
18
Khayal stood up and replied

confidently, Mr Fraser, tomorrow
morning we are going to have
auditions at the Woodland
Community Centre in La Fortune
Village in Woodland.
Khayal replied, Yes, but my father

used to say, The show must go
on.
Sham died on a Saturday. To
honour his word and with a sense
of commitment, Khayal rose early
the following Sunday morning. He
led a crew to the southland to work
at the audition. He also arranged
for the next televised edition of
the programme. The entire team
returned in time for the funeral on

the Sunday evening. On Thursday,
Mastana was recorded at the El
Dorado Hindu School and the show
was aired without a hitch at its
regular scheduled time.
Nothing was to hinder the
continuation of the programme.
This was one of many important
and valuable life lessons that Sham
had taught his children. Death is
a natural part of life and while
they must grieve, life must go
on. Khayal and his siblings and
cousins had been deeply inspired
by Shams enthusiastic persistence
to make Mastana Bahar succeed
and continue. Since the programme
began in 1970, their impressionable
young minds had become the fertile
ground which allowed Mastana
to grow and bear fruits for future
generations.
VOLUNTEERS AFTER SHAMS DEATH

After Sham passed
away, many
volunteers offered
their encouragement
and support.
When the imaginative founder of

Mastana Bahar, Sham Mohammed,
passed away on May 21, 1994,
many kind volunteers came to lend
their encouragement and support to
ensure that the series remained alive.
With great enthusiasm, they flocked
to Khayal, Shams eldest son, who
took up the mantle of responsibility
to continue to produce the show.
Khayal readily acknowledges this
groundswell of assistance when he
said, I had so much help, I did not
know what to do with it.
Queen Melissa Harrylal
Volunteer Sharda Siewsankar
Production Team Members Raffique Mohammed and

Chhitar Maniram preparing hampers for recording session
People from various walks of

life and places came to offer their
condolences. At the audition held
the day after Shams death, some of
them openly cried as they mourned
his loss. In the 24 years that it had
existed under Shams guidance,
Mastana had grown into an iconic
cultural institution. Even, in 2015,
20
people still offer their services in

support of the talent show.
The late prominent businessman,
Frank Ramnarine of Ramnarine
Industrial Supplies Ltd (RISL)
showed his avid support by vowing
that he would continue paying for
the rental of the chairs and tables
every week, and he kept to his word.

When the show was recorded at
NAMDEVCO near to his home in
Penal, Ramnarine covered the full
cost of renting the facilities. Today,
RISL is owned by Ramnarines
children who maintain that tradition
and the family remains one of the
oldest sponsors of the series.
THE NEW PRODUCER KHAYAL MOHAMMED

In 1994, Mastana Bahar entered
a new era of production and
management under the leadership
of Shams eldest son, Khayal
Mohammed. The new producer
came from an impressive
educational background. He
attended St. Marys College in
Port-of-Spain and then went on
to graduate from the University
of the West Indies, St. Augustine
with a BSc in Management Studies
in 1987. He has been teaching
Business Studies at St. Georges
College in Barataria for more than
25 years.
Producer Khayal Mohammed
Since he was 10 years old, Khayal

had accompanied his father, Sham,
to recordings of Mastana. He
eagerly anticipated attending the
Producer Khayal Mohammed
22
recordings every week as they

were always special and unique
experiences. Khayal was also
aware that with the excitement and
enthusiasm came responsibilities
to uphold professional standards.
When his father died at the age
of 58, Khayal vowed to face
and overcome the challenges of
producing the popular TV show.
Khayal was 34 years old when he
made the commitment to work hard
to honour the memory of his father.
To this day, his responsibilities as
producer include essential duties
such as securing venues, organising
the public address system, liaising
with supporting organisations to
rent chairs and tables, and soliciting
prominent businesses for giveaways
and prizes. He also regularly

petitions sponsors and constantly
negotiates numerous details with
the TV station. For 38 Thursdays
throughout the year, come rain or
shine, Khayal devotes more than
four hours to the task of driving
to and from the recording venue
in Penal. He leaves his home in
San Juan at three on Thursday
afternoons and returns at two the
following Friday morning.
For 38 Thursdays
throughout the year,
Khayal voluntarily
drives between San
Juan and Penal.
PICK-A-PAN
Running for more

than 40 years, Picka-Pan is still an
important feature
of Mastana Bahar.
Pick-a-Pan Contest segment on set
Pick-a-Pan is a popular Hindi/

English vocabulary game in
which members of the audience
participate for the chance to win a
much-appreciated cash prize each
week. Before the show begins, each
member of the audience is given
a number. During the show, the
Master of Ceremonies randomly
selects a number and the numberholder is given a small cash prize.
At the second stage, he or she
is called on stage to provide the
Hindi name for an English word or
expression. If the holder wins this
aspect of the game, he/she is then
called upon to select one of three
pans (hence the name Pick-A-Pan)
for a chance to win a highly-coveted
grand cash prize.
The value of the jackpot for the
Pick-a-Pan now ranges from
TT$500 to $9,000 and has been
consistently sponsored by National
Flour Mills (NFM) for more than
three decades. One of the pans
conceals the grand cash prize, the
second holds a consolation cash
prize of TT$50, and the third pan
contains a booby-prize of no value.
If no one wins the jackpot, there is a
rollover of TT$500.
The educational objective of the
game is to increase the knowledge
of, and appreciation for Hindi.
Running for more than 40 years,
Pick-a-Pan is still an important
feature of Mastana Bahar. It is
enjoyed even by non-Indians who
often submit relevant questions and
answers to this intriguing game.
24
SUNDAR CAPRA AND OTHER AUDIENCE ACTIVITIES

Presenter Sharda Siewsankar
Mastana Production Team members Mala Sookoo,

Fazida Yathali, Kimberly Lowtan and Nazira Mohammed
Sundar Capra is another popular

cultural feature for the audience
attending the TV talent show,
Mastana Bahar. For this feature,
members of the audience are
specially selected and generously
awarded prizes for wearing the best
Indian traditional attire. Sundar
Capra literally means Beautiful
Wear. For several years, Nestle
(Klim) sponsored the prizes. The
objective of Sundar Capra is to
increase the wear and appreciation
of traditional Indian garb.
Another popular aspect of
Mastana Bahar is an informative
national awareness competition.
This segment is appropriately
entitled Know Your Country and
is sponsored by NAMALCO, a
construction company in La Brea.
In the 2014 edition of the series,
NAMALCO sponsored the 6th prize
valued at $9,000 for the final round,
as well as the second prize for each
week of the competition.
26
There is also a nature knowledge

quiz which continues the trend of
educating the population about
their country while also helping to
increase patriotism. It focuses on
local tropical flora and fauna and
is supported by Super Industrial
Services.
Another segment of Mastana
Bahar is the audience-oriented
activity entitled Radio 90.5
Spotlight feature. In this item,
members of the audience are
randomly asked to sing an excerpt
of a Hindi film song. This feature
has proven to be well appreciated
by aspiring participants who get
an unexpected chance to showcase
their talents.
Members of the
audience are
generously awarded
prizes for the best
Indian attire.
Mastana Queen Vishani Murally
THE MISS NATURALLY FAIR MASTANA BAHAR QUEEN CONTEST

Sham realised that
there was no annual
national beauty
contest highlighting
Indian attire.
Sham Mohammed, the founder

of Mastana Bahar, created other
avenues for Indian cultural
exposition and competition. He
realised that there was no annual
national beauty contest highlighting
Indian attire. He also noted that
there were hardly any beauty
pageants in which women did
not have to bare themselves in a
swimsuit. Therefore, he decided to
establish a different kind of beauty
show entitled Miss Mastana Bahar
Queen as part of his TV series in
1975, which continues to flourish to
this day.
Mastana Bahar Queens on the set at recording session
Mastana Queens on the set at recording session
Mastana Bahar Queen and

presenter Raveena Kanhai
Mastana
Bahar Queen
Contestant
Stacy
Mohammed
of Santa Cruz
28
From September each year,

unmarried women from as young
as 17 years old are invited to
audition in an array of colourful and
intricately-designed Indian attire.
Eight women and teenage girls
are then selected as finalists and
proudly featured in two half-hour
segments on Mastana. One halfhour is featured in the last semi-final
round and the other in the All-Star
presentation. To win the queen
title, the contestants must model on
stage with poise. They must appear
wearing two separate Indian outfits:
a sari, shalwar or gharara.
The women are also required to
introduce themselves in a brief
but fluent and persuasive speech.
They must express their vision for
themselves as prospective fashion
queens and role models before a
panel of judges which consists
mainly of women. The prize for
the first-place is $10, 000 and is

generously sponsored by Indus
Merchants Ltd., distributors of the
Naturally Fair range of beauty-care
products.
In 2014, the first-prize winner
was Reshma Doon. Second was
Raveena Nandlal and third was
Sunasha Balkaran. The second and
third place prizes were donated by
Home Appliances Parts and Service
Limited, and Darren Car Sales
Limited, respectively. Other finalists
for the 2014 beauty pageant, now
titled Miss Naturally Fair Mastana
Bahar Queen, included Shalini
Juteram, Shivana Maraj, Venatri
Ramkissoon, Camille Ramdath and
Melissa Harrylal. Former wellknown Mastana Bahar Queens
include the former politician Hulsie
Bhaggan, current politician Diane
Baldeo-Chadeesingh, and UWI
lecturer Dr. Gabrielle Hosein.
AUDITIONS TODAY
Auditions take place

at four venues
with as many as
60 contestants
competing for
eight places.
Since 2004, the limited availability

of resources has prevented the
audition team for Mastana Bahars
preliminary round from travelling
throughout the country. If auditions
were held at many different venues,
more participants and patrons as
well as viewers of the TV show
could be attracted.
For logistical reasons, auditions
take place at four venues
(Barrackpore, Chaguanas, San
Fernando and Valencia) on Sunday
mornings at 10 a.m. In spite of this
limited number of venues, weekly
auditions attract as many as 60
contestants from distant locations
all across the island. From this pool,
eight persons are usually selected
for the preliminary episode that
week.
Auditions in progress at Corinth, St. Madeline
The producer, Khayal, realised that

some competitors were auditioning
regularly and were disappointed
that they were not selected. He
said, It is frustrating for someone
to come from, say, quite Arima to
Barrackpore to be turned down more
than once. Since last year, in order
to prevent this disappointment, I
started to place persons in a later
audition in the series. Recordings
only take place at the Rampersad
Brothers Ranch at Raju Trace in
San Francique Village in Penal on

Thursdays from 5:30 p.m.
Mastana is a popular talent contest
TV series which now comprises 14
preliminary rounds, 10 semi-finals,
a grand final and an all-star show.
In 2014, the season finished on the
11th of December. Mastana is aired
for 26 weeks while Children of
Mastana runs for 12 weeks. Khayal
produces all the episodes for the
total 38 weeks.
Preparing the
stage area for
Mastana Bahar
auditions
Auditions in progress at Corinth, St. Madeline
Registration in progress at auditions
30
Rehearsals in progress at auditions

THE AUDIENCE
The demographics of the live

studio audience of Mastana Bahar
have evolved mainly because of
the location of the venue. From
the 1970s to 1990s, the series was
recorded in the Trinidad and Tobago
Television (TTT) studio, and later
in the Gulf City auditorium. These
urban venues were well patronised
because they were air-conditioned
which encouraged the women to
wear lavish jewellery and clothes
such as shalwars and saris, and men
were able to wear kurtas. However,
the current venue at Rampersad
Brothers Ranch in the Penal
countryside is sometimes hot and
the mosquitoes tend to irritate the
spectators.
There is usually an average of 100

persons attending the recordings at
the ranch each week. Some people
from the neighbourhood walk to
the venue while others arrive on
bicycles. Some audience members
from distant places like Arima hire
a 12-seater mini-bus [maxi-taxi]
to travel to Penal to support their
favourite contestants at the ranch.
During school vacations, the number
of live spectators increases. The
number also swells as the season
comes to a climax, during the semifinals and the grand-finals.
During these times, the crowd
overflows, and tents and additional
chairs have to be placed in the
parking lot and driveway of the
Cross section of the audience
Cross section of the audience
32
There is usually
an average of 100
persons attending
the recordings in
Penal each week.
ranch. Most of the younger members

in the audience come to support the
dancers in the competition, who are
often young people themselves.
At every recording at the ranch
in Penal, two rows of chairs in the
audience are reserved for elderly
women who are regular attendees.
Some of them still wear orhnis
[scarves]. Although the show begins
at 7:30 p.m., the women arrive as
early as 4 p.m. Some of the elderly
women are Sumintra Gangapersad
from Quenca Street in San
Fernando, Kazeeman Mohammed
from Seukaran Trace in Siparia,
Sumintra Ramsingh from Fyzabad,
Soogrim Bhola from Penal and
Lalchan Raj from Debe.
Two elderly women from Central
Trinidad, Julie Rogers and Yasmin
Harricharan, are such dedicated
patrons that every week, they take
a bus to San Fernando, a taxi to
Penal, and finally another taxi to
San Francique. After the show ends
at about 10 p.m., they are offered a
ride with the Master of Ceremonies,
Sardar Mohammed, to the highway
near their homes. There are a few
non-Indians who are live spectators
and who participate as contestants,
mostly in dance. There is an AfroTrinidadian from Curepe known as
Marvellous Marva who attends
the show regularly in Penal.
Over 30 years of Service.
THE MASTANA BAHAR VOLUNTEERS

Their selfless service
derives from their
deep commitment
to Indian culture.
Since its inception in 1970,

Mastana Bahar has benefitted
from a team of volunteers that has
contributed significantly to the
success of the programme. In recent
years, the team has consisted of
about ten dedicated assistants who
volunteer their time and expertise
in a variety of ways on a weekly
basis. They have been motivated
to volunteer because of their
love for, and loyalty to Mastana
Bahar. Moreover, they make it a
special occasion by attending with
family and friends to see the actual
set as a form of excursion and
entertainment.
Some of these enthusiastic
volunteers were past contestants;
others passed on their involvement
to their children who have now
become keen participants. The
older volunteers range from 55
to 70. Some of them were even
dear friends of Sham Mohammed,
the founder of the TV series.
When Sham passed away in 1994,
Production team members
Mastana Family/Volunteers Sardar

Mohammed, Sunasha Balkaran, Reshma
Doon, Melissa Harrylal and Sham Sookdeo
these volunteers were inspired to

strengthen their resolve to prevent
Mastana from fading from our
memories.
The current producer, Khayal
Mohammed, has expressed his
gratitude to these supporters by
saying that he cannot thank them
enough for their help. As a form
of expressing his deep and abiding
appreciation, Khayal publicly
announces their names at every
show, and honours them during an
annual thanksgiving ceremony. Yet
in their humility, the volunteers
insist that they do not need any form
of recognition because they claim
that their selfless service derives
from their deep commitment to
Indian culture.
34
THE MASTANA BAHAR FAMILY
Volunteers Sunasha Balkaran,

Reshma Doon and Sharda Siewsankar
Since the TV talent

show began in 1970,
the family bond has
remained strong.
Each recorded programme of
Mastana Bahar involves detailed
preparation with a wide range of
duties that need to be executed.
These preparations entail the
cooperation and contribution of
a number of volunteers. Every
Thursday when Mastana is being
recorded, each member of the crew
has a scheduled duty to perform.
Their teamwork includes erecting
and dismantling banners, stacking
chairs and packaging hampers.
Deodath Juteram, Rahamat Yathali
and Purshotam Singh prepare

the stage. Chhitar Maniram and
Shamshuddin Mohammed assist
in shifting the signage. These crew
members hail from different parts
of the country. Chhitar Maniram
is from Manzanilla, Deodath
Juteram is from Sangre Grande
and Rahamat Yathali is from Rio
Claro. Some of the other volunteers
include Raffique Mohammed and
LindaNazira Mohammed from
Retrench Village, Sham and Mala
Sookdeo from Princes Town, and
Ramesh Jagmohan and Sharda
Siewsankar from Penal.
The producer Khayal Mohammed
collaborates with the television
director, Anthony Straker. Even
the families of the volunteers help.
There are five or six young women

who assist with administrative paper
work including Sharda Siewsankar,
Tricia Lalbeharry and Raveena
Kanhai. Young Amar Sookdeo also
lends his support.
Khayals niece, Salisha Ali helps
with uploads on Facebook and on
the website www.rafimohammed.
com. Rafi Mohammed created the
Facebook page which he updates.
He also announces the names of
the weekly contestants on his radio
programme. Khayals cousins,
Shamoon and Sadro Mohammed,
are always willing and available
to assist. Since the TV talent
show began in 1970, the family
connection has remained strong.
Host and Co-producer Sardar Mohammed
36
CHILDREN OF MASTANA
Conceived by Jamal,
it premiered in 1995
for competitors
aged 16 and under.
One significant by-product from

the burgeoning success of Mastana
Bahar is the immensely successful
Children of Mastana. This
distinctly-separate, but still closelyrelated Indian cultural talent show
was originally conceived by Shams
second son, Jamal Mohammed. It
illustrates the Mohammed familys
commitment and determination
to promoting, supporting and
sustaining the popularity of the
Mastana legacy. Children of
Mastana premiered in 1995 and it
is designed for competitors aged 16
and under to nurture the early signs
of Indian talent in the performing
arts. Viewers and contestants had
expressed concerns that it was
too challenging for children to
compete against adults. Therefore,
Vindanna Bhini performing

on Children of Mastana
Kadeem Emmanuel performing

on Children of Mastana
the Mohammed family decided to

level the playing field for the under
16s wherein they can be given the
opportunities to excel in competition
with their own contemporaries.

After Children of Mastana
premiered, it became just as popular
as the adult programme from which
it derived its format. Children of
Mastana begins annually in January
and ends in May, usually on the
Indian Arrival Day weekend.
Jamal has been educated in the
field of primary education and has
had a longstanding career devoted to
children as a primary school teacher.
From 1987, he taught for 20 years at
the El Socorro TIA School. In 2007,
he retired from the education sector
and entered the wider and more
influential world of politics.
The Amritam
Shakti Dance
Group performing
on Mastana
Every episode of the programme

begins with the announcement
which has become a familiar
refrain, Welcome to the Children
of Mastana, a programme created
by Jamal Mohammed in 1995
in memory of the late Sham
Mohammed.
This customary homage to the
founding father goes a long way
in securing the legacy of Sham
Mohammed in the national memory.
38
STARS OF CHILDREN OF MASTANA
7th Vandhanie Dwarika $

6,000.00 Sugars Woodwork Shop
8th Karina Sooknanan $ 5,500.00
NAMALCO Construction Ltd
9th Trinidad Multicultural
Dancers $ 5,300.00 KI Persad &
Triveni Band
Children of Mastana grand Final Winners The Swastika Dance
Group receiving their prize from Producer Khayal Mohammed
Children of Mastana was designed

to encourage and challenge
young contestants to exhibit and
nurture their talents in the Indian
performing arts. Some of the more
enterprising and promising talents
have not only competed in Children
of Mastana when they were under
16 years old, but they have also
climbed the ladder of success and
graduated to the grand final of the
parent programme. The following
are the winners of the grand final
of the 2014 season of Children of
Mastana, categorised by place,
name, prize and sponsor:
1st Nicholas Mohan $25,000.00

Ministry of the Arts &
Multiculturalism
2nd Rachel Dieffenthaller
$15,000.00 KARMA & The Band
3rd Liya & Divya Bachan
$10,000.00 Solo Beverages
Limited
4th Kamara Seecharan $ 8.000.00
2001 Carpet House Limited
5th Darshana Tulsie $ 7,000.00
Radio 90.5 FM
6th Nandita Dwarika $ 6,500.00
Darrens Car Sales Limited
Winners receiving their prizes from sponsor Mr. Krisha Lakhan
Chandana and Darshana Tulsie collecting their prize from Sharda Siewsankar
40
10th Neeshana Dance Academy $

5,000.00 Angels Jewellery Store
11th Penal Police Youth Club
Dancers $ 4,000.00 Xtra Foods
Limited
12th Kamelia Moonesar
$4,000.00 Michael Salickram &
Shiv Shakti
Some of the winners of Children
of Mastana have included popular
performers whose talents have
grown and blossomed as most of
them have now become household
names in the genres of chutney,
chutney soca and film songs.
They even perform in other talent
shows throughout the country.
For example, Neval Chatelal
won second place in Children of
Mastana in 1995 and went on to
win first place in Mastana Bahar
in 2006 as well as the first prize in
the non-Indian talent show, Digicel
Rising Stars in 2010. Some of the
other Children of Mastana stars
include Ravi B, Nisha Bissambhar,
Nadia Madoo and KI. In 1995,
KI became the first winner of
Children of Mastana when he was
just eight years old. Now, he has
two Chutney Soca Monarch titles
under his belt and is still going
strong with contending selections
in other competitions. Other grand
final winners have included Emritee
Ramnath and Abhijit Anchatassoo.
Some of the winners

have included
popular performers
who are now
household names.
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CONTRIBUTION OF PAST PARTICIPANTS TO THE SHOW

They donate their
time, talent and
energy to the
programme because
of their appreciation
of the significance
of the show
Many of the finalists of Mastana
Bahar have become popular artistes
in their own right with growing fan
bases. Some of them still contribute
generously to the series because
when they were participants, they
witnessed the immense challenges
as well as the rewards of producing
memorable editions of Mastana. As
such, they have decided to donate
their time, talent and energy to
the programme because of their
appreciation of the significance of
the show. Even entire families of
participants willingly contribute.
The Bissambhar family is a notable
exemplar of such magnanimity.
Teddy and Jeewanlal Bissambhar
provided excellent musical backup
and support with their well-known
band, D Rampersad Indian Art
orchestra for nine years from
1991 to 2000. Many of the young
Bissambhar family members such
as Anil, Ravi, Nisha, Nalini and
Akash were eager and enterprising
contestants in Mastana. Encouraged
by the tremendous response from
fans, Jeewanlal, Ravi, Nisha and
Anil eventually formed their own
band, Karma.
Every season, the Bissambhar
family donates two prizes: the
second prize for Children of
Mastana which is valued at $15,000
and a $5,000 prize for Mastana
Bahar. Khayal Mohammed, the
dedicated producer of both shows,
pays glowing tribute to their
benevolence: I am very grateful
for their assistance. This is an
42
Graham Akshay Singh

receiving The Peoples Choice
Hamper from Sharda
Ramraj Dookhantie receiving

a prize from Raveena Kanhai
example of artistes giving back to

a programme that threw them in
the spotlight. Jeewanlal Buzzy
Bissambhar passed away last year
but his children remain close to me.
His reflection testifies to the close
relationships that have emerged and
continue to emanate from within the
Mastana family.
Another well-known performing
family that has shown its
bounteousness to the series is the
Persads. Virendra Persad, who is
now famously known as the leader
of the legendary JMC Triveni
Orchestra, won the first prize in
Mastana in 1985. That year was the
last time the much-coveted Cressida
motor car was offered as the first
prize. His son, Vishal Kris Persad
Neeshad Sultan performing in the

2013 Mastana Bahar Grand Final
Sita Sonnylal performing

on Mastana Bahar
(KI) was the first grand final winner

of Children of Mastana in 1995.
Currently, the family contributes
$5,300 towards the 9th prize of
Children of Mastana and donates
another prize for Mastana.
Outstanding solo performer
Ramrajie Prabhu shot into the
limelight when she won the first
prize for the season of Mastana
in 1983 with her most memorable
song, Jeene Re Jeene. She
sometimes offers her services as a
judge. Other past participants who
have generously donated prizes
include Andy Singh and his father,
Ras Nancoo Singh. Anil Bheem and
his mother, Premattee, offer moral
support and have been friends with
the production team for years.
Available at Chakra Publishing
Indian
Diaspora
in the
Caribbean
Edited by Kumar Mahabir
Published by Serials Publications, India.
Distributed locally by Chakra. The
collection in this volume consists of 13
chapters written on a broad range of
themes such as indentureship, migration,
racism, violence, conversion,
acculturation, music, education, politics, identity and globalisation. Four of the chapters
are on Trinidad, four on Guyana, one each on St. Vincent, Grenada, Suriname and
Martinique, and one on the Caribbean in general. The volume is the latest, and one of
the most comprehensive works published on East Indians in the Caribbean.
2009. xiii + 234 pp. 5 x 8 inches. Hard cover only.

ISBN 978-81-8387-224-9
TT $260. or US $42.
(includes handling, registration and local/foreign postage)
Please confirm prices and availability before placing an order.
Chakra Publishing House Ltd.

10 Swami Avenue, Don Miguel Road,
San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies
Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
E-mail: dmahabir@gmail.com; mahab@tstt.net.tt
http://chakrapub.wordpress.com/
THE RECORDING VENUE IN PENAL

The venue has been
offered free of
charge every week
for the last ten years.
The venue for the final rehearsal
and recordings of the Mastana
Bahar series is Rampersad Brothers
Ranch at Raju Trace in San
Francique Village in Penal. It is
not the ideal place because it is not
air-conditioned, there are no soft
seats and it is not centrally-located
to ensure maximum attendance.
However, the venue has been
offered free of charge every week
for the last ten years. Moreover, it
enjoys the special importance of
being the home of the resident band,
the Rampersad Brothers Orchestra.
The Rampersad brothers only
payment-request is that their name
be publicly acknowledged.
Recordings take place under a
permanently built galvanized shed
that was once a cow pen in a sugar
estate. The shed is now alternatively
used as an auto parking garage
44
during the week and is situated

adjacent to the Rampersad family
house. The Gulf City Mall, which
used to host the show for a few
years until 2004, is no longer used.
There were complaints by storeowners that the show generated
large crowds congregating at
shop doorways which sometimes
inadvertently resulted in damage to
their products. Additionally, the cost
to use the venue was too high.
There have been numerous
offers from well-wishers, past
participants, sponsors, patrons
and friends of Sham Mohammed,
volunteering their premises to host
the programme. However, these

generous offers have had to be
declined because of the immense
challenges entailed in mounting,
dismantling and transporting the
props to new locations weekly for
every show for 38 weeks. With the
present arrangements, the equipment
is stored at the Rampersad Brothers
Ranch for the duration of the
season. Due to the same logistical
problems, using a community centre
or a centrally-located place like
the Divali Nagar is not an option.
Moreover, the cost of weekly rental
coupled with a caution fee proves
challenging.
The Legacy
of Indian
Indenture:
150 Years of
East Indians
of Trinidad
Mahin Gosine, Dipak Malik
& Kumar Mahabir
This book consists of a wide range of papers on the East Indian presence in Trinidad
and to some extant Guyana from a sociological, political, historical and
anthropological perspective. The themes include migration, the influence of Madan
Mohan Malaviya, Mahatma Gandhi and Cheddi Jagan, Political Pluralism, Hindi,
Women Laborers, Indian Culinary Dishes and the Indian use of Marijuana.
1995. 267 pp. Paperback.

ISBN 0-9689-818-74
TT$160. or US$25.

Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
PRIVATE SPONSORS
Since the inception of Mastana

Bahar in 1970, financial support
in the form of prizes and
advertisements for the programme
has been derived mainly from
the private sector. As each years
programming schedule begins, some
faithful sponsors call the producer
to remind and reassure him that
they will continue their funding.
This loyal support has facilitated
the continued success of the show
and made work easier for producer
Khayal Mohammed as he has said:
I do not have to do much hunting
for sponsors.
Some of the reliable regular
sponsors include Solo Beverages,
Chief Brand Products, National
Flour Mills, Kaleidoscope Paints,
Boodoos Funeral Home, SOS
Furniture and NAMALCO. These
private companies have been
sponsoring the series for over 40

years. In addition, many private
corporations such as Nestle and SM
Jaleel frequently donate hampers
and prizes for both members of the
audience and contestants. Some
major private sponsors have been
Sookhais Diesel Service Limited
and Sacha Cosmetics. For several
years, the well-known entrepreneur
Boland Amar of Toyota, offered the
sponsorship of the first prize for the
grand finals in the form of a brand
new Toyota Cressida car.
Some faithful
sponsors call
the producer to
remind him that
they will continue
their funding.
One of the sponsors Saffire Engineering
Hampers, Giveaways and Prizes on display on set
Performing area Backdrop and set
46
Medicinal
& Edible Plants
used by
East Indians
of Trinidad
& Tobago
Kumar Mahabir
This book contains valuable information on sixty-three local plants,
each of which is described and given a botanical name. Their
medicinal uses include arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure,
headaches, strokes, impotence, sterility, ulcers and skin infections.
1991, 2001. Third edition 2008. xx +167 pp. 5 x 8 inches. Paperback.

ISBN 976-8001-73-9
TT$100. or US$25.

Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
GOVERNMENT SPONSORSHIP
Since its inception in 1970,
Mastana Bahar has never received
an annual subvention from the
government to help produce the
series. However, under the previous
Peoples National Movement
government, Minister Joan YuilleWilliams who was the Minister of
Community Development, Culture
and Gender Affairs, granted two
prizes: the first prize of $75,000
for the grand finals of Mastana, as
well as the first prize of $25,000
for the grand finals of Children of
Mastana. Dr. Lincoln Douglas,
the present Minister of Arts and
Multiculturalism under the current
Peoples Partnership government,
has continued that tradition by
granting the same two prizes for the
same two positions.
While these financial donations

are given to the winners, it must
be mentioned that money is not
contributed towards the costly
production. The producers have
acknowledged the generosity of the
State television TTT, now GISL
which has always recorded, edited
and broadcasted the series without
cost to the production personnel.
However, an annual subvention
would greatly assist in defraying the
weekly cost of renting chairs, tables,
tents, lights, dcor and audio system
as well as securing the services
of the police and the orchestra.
These costs are continually met by
private sponsors for the 38 weeks
encompassing Mastanas run of 26
weeks and Children of Mastanas
run of 12 weeks.
Recording in progress
An annual subvention
would greatly assist
in defraying the
weekly cost of
running the show.
It is significant to note that

Mastana has never charged an
entrance fee unlike chutney and
soca concerts. These performances
run for only two nights and each
consists of one semi-final and one
final round. These concerts have
had the good fortune of private
sponsorship as well as a generous
government grant for the first prize
of two million dollars for the final
show. Moreover, it should be noted
that Mastana is purely a talent
competition while the chutney and
soca shows double as Carnival
fetes. These events are hugely
popular even though the content is
focused on alcohol and vulgarity.
On the other hand, Mastana is a
family-friendly event and hampers
and gifts are distributed to the
adults and children in the audience.
Interestingly and perhaps ironically,
almost all of the performers in
the chutney competitions have
originally participated in Mastana.
48
Traditional
Medicine &
Women Healers
in Trinidad:
Postnatal
Health Care
Kumar Mahabir
This book discusses the relationship between traditional healers and modern healthcare
practitioners in Trinidad and Tobago. It focuses on folk masseuses, and the new mothers and
newborns they treat. The two medical systems are presented in the context of racial, ethnic, class
and gender dynamics which give rise to issues of power and control. The study is located in the
political-economic context of the Third World which has a history of dependency on foreign
goods and services which has been rooted in the plantation economy.
2012. 212 pages. 5 x 8 inches. Paperback.

ISBN 978-976-95049-6-7
TT $100. or US $25.

Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
REHEARSALS WITH THE ORCHESTRA
The band plays as

many as four times
each week in the
38-episode series.
The band providing musical

backup for Mastana Bahar plays
as many as four times each week in
the 38-episode series. First, it plays
during the audition on a Sunday.
Only a few members of the band
50
play as a warm-up substitute for

the entire ensemble. The full band
performs for the first rehearsal on
a Monday. The second rehearsal
is then held earlier on the day of
the recording, and finally the full
complement of the band plays for
the recording/contest itself.
The Rampersad Brothers
Orchestra performs four times each
week. During the first rehearsal,
the contestants who are vocalists

and solo musicians play their music
tracks for the orchestra. These
competing artistes practise their
performances three or four times
with the band in order to ensure
that the rhythm and melodies are
harmoniously coordinated. The final
dress rehearsal is completed about
5:30 p.m. on the day of the contest
which begins at 7:30 p.m.
Indian
Caribbean
Folklore
Spirits
by Kumar Mahabir.
Illustrations by Aneesa Khan
This captivating book provides details of the presence of a brood of spirits believed to roam
the Caribbean since the abolition of slavery. For the first time in history, the existence of
these spirits is being revealed collectively to the general public, in this compilation. These
supernatural beings are (1) the raa-khas a deformed, demonic newborn child, (2) the
chu-rile a spirit of a deceased pregnant woman, (3) the saap-in a woman who transforms
into a snake, (4) Dee Baba a mythical protector of the house and land, and (5) the jinn,
Sheik Sadiq a spirit that can be captured in a bottle to grant wishes. Written for readers of
all ages, every page of the five stories is enhanced with beautiful coloured illustrations.
2010. 32 pp. 9 x 7 inches. Paperback.

ISBN 978-976-95049-5-0-2-0.
TT$45. or US$12.

Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
THE ORCHESTRAS
BWIA National Indian

Orchestra and
T&TEC Gayatones
were the first to
provide musical
accompaniment.
BWIA (British West Indian

Airways) National Indian Orchestra
was the first band to provide
musical accompaniment for
Mastana Bahar. It was led by the
professional and accomplished
Harry Mahabir. Since the band was
generously sponsored by BWIA,
the producer was not required to
pay for its services. As a form of
promotion for BWIA, the Master
of Ceremonies had to announce
the full name of the band. BWIA
subsidised and contributed the
musical instruments and uniforms
in addition to other expenses for
the bands eight or nine-member
ensemble. The performances of the
band were enhanced by the excellent
showmanship and charisma of its
leader, impresario Harry Mahabir.
T&TEC Gayatones succeeded
BWIA National Indian Orchestra
and performed under the same
promotional obligations. Over the
years, many bands followed after
the departure of Gayatones, all
of which had kind and generous
corporate sponsors. However,
the current band, The Rampersad
Brothers Orchestra, does not have
a business or company sponsor
and, therefore, has to be paid by
the producer of Mastana. It plays
three times per week. Although
The Rampersad Brothers is not a
professionally established band, the
harmonious quality of its rendition
is always superb. The orchestra is
comprised of five gifted brothers:
Vijay, Suresh, Steven, Sudesh and
Rajesh Rampersad.
52
Caribbean
East
Indian
Recipes
Kumar Mahabir
This cookbook represents a comprehensive
collection of over 70 traditional vegetarian
recipes. They have been handed down by
indentured immigrants from India by
word-of-mouth and practical example for over
four generations. From delightful snacks to
dinner-party specials each recipe has been
kitchen-tested and, therefore, meets a high
standard of accuracy. Some of the dishes are
beautifully illustrated in
color to tempt your appetite.
1992. Reprinted 2001, New edition 2009. xx + 120 pp. 5 x 8 inches. Paperback.
ISBN 976-8012-75-7
TT$100. or US$25.

Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
SELECTION OF THE PANEL OF JUDGES
are dedicated volunteers. Some of

the regular judges include:
Ramchand Mohan Past Finalist/
Musician/Businessman
Sham Sookdeo Musician/
Electrical Engineer
For the first competitive season of

Mastana Bahar in 1970, the contest
was adjudicated by members of the
live viewing audience through a
ballot system. Thereafter, a select
panel of judges in the studio was
chosen based on their knowledge
of the full range of performing arts.
Their experience centred on their
widely accepted and recognised
qualification in the performing

arts. Some of the judges are wellrespected teachers, committed
tutors, experienced conductors and
choreographers in the performing
arts. For the last few years, some
of them have even been successful
past contestants of Mastana Bahar,
performing in song, music and
dance. The 10 to 15-member panels
Judges Anthony Batson, Darrin Beharry and Ramlal Chunilal
Krishna Ramphal Musician/

Singer/Dancer/Actor/Past Finalist
Afza Mohammed Musician/
Businessman
Ramlal Chunilal Musician/Band
Leader/Past Finalist/Businessman
Hema Ramsubhag Dancer/
Choreographer/Past Finalist/
Businesswoman
Girlie Sahadeo Singer/Past
Finalist/Businesswoman
Mondira Maniram Dancer/
Choreographer/Singer/Teacher
Nisha Ramkissoon Singer/Past
Winner
Pravinda Persad Percussionist/
Past Finalist
Ravi Jagroop Singer/Musician/
Past Finalist
Savitri Rampersad Singer/Past
Finalist
Darrin Beharry Musician/Singer/
Past Finalist
Nankissoor Rampartap Drummer/
Singer/Past Finalist
Judges Hema Ramsubhag, Girlie Sahadeo and Brian Mangaroo
Amarnath Subnaik Musician/

Teacher
At the grand finals, there are 25
judges sitting around four tables.
said, The liaison judge will tabulate
marks and in so doing, eliminate the
highest and lowest so no one judge
could influence the final decision.
At the grand finals,

there are 25 judges
sitting around
four tables.
54
East Indian
Women of
Trinidad & Tobago:
An Annotated
Bibliography with
Photographs
& Ephemera
by Kumar Mahabir
This is the first book in the Caribbean which provides information on 236
successful Indian women. The 218 annotated references are accompanied by 130
carefully chosen photographs, some of which are in colour.
... the book is the outcome of intensive rummaging through local national archives, private libraries, and newspaper offices. -- Krisendaye Rampersad, Trinidad Guardian, July 20, 1992
Mahabir ... has published the first book in the Caribbean on the interesting, though neglected, subject of Indian
women. -- Angela Pidduck, Express, August 6, 1992
The information is certainly interesting; and certainly it is well classified... -- Professor Frank Birbalsingh,
Indo-Caribbean World, January 6, 1993
1992. vi + 846 pp. 5 x 8 inches. Paperback.

ISBN 976-8012-78-5
TT$70. or US$25. [soiled copies only at reduced price]

Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
SUB-TITLES ON MASTANA BAHAR

From 1982 to 2003, English
subtitles consistently appeared at
the bottom of the screen to support
the comprehension of songs that
were rendered in Hindi on Mastana
Bahar. The subtitles helped to
attract the wider English-speaking
television audience. At that time,
the series was broadcast live at
6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. However,
the translations had to be typed
an hour before the show and then
transferred to ticker tape. For many
years, this tedious technical task
was done by Sardar and Jamal
Mohammed. Currently, subtitles
are no longer added because of the
lack of financial and other resources
(time, typist, CG technician, CG

equipment, etc.).
To input the subtitles, the
translation of the song must first
be provided. Then, a stenographer
has to sit patiently at a console with
the director to type the meaning as
the song unfolds. The stenographer
listens to the live broadcast and
reproduces the words into a special
computer program that then adds
the captions to the television
signal. The typist has to be skilled
at dictation and spelling, as well
as knowledgeable in Hindi and
English. This process is a technical
and time-consuming exercise.
The subtitles helped

to attract the wider
English-speaking
television audience
Cameraman Randolph Merritt
56
The Still Cry:
Personal Account
of the East Indians
in Trinidad & Tobago
during Indentureship
(1845-1917)
by Kumar Mahabir
Published by Calaloux Publications.
Distributed locally by Chakra
The reports of five surviving ex-indentured immigrant laborers are recorded verbatim to read
like an epic poem. A woman, a Madras emigrant, a Muslim, a Brahmin and a cocoa/rubber
estate worker narrate the conditions of life in village India when they left, the trauma of
crossing the Kala Pani (Black Water), and the experience of adjusting to a new life among
strangers under a driver and overseer on the plantation ranges in the New World.
1985. 191 pp Paperback.

ISBN 0-91166-03-5
TT$100. or US$23.

Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
THE INDIAN CULTURAL PAGEANT

Another significant spin-off from
Mastana Bahar was The Indian
Cultural Pageant which showcased
the best of the performing arts
aired on Mastana Bahar during
the previous seasons. Tejaswini
Nirajana, in her book entitled
Mobilizing India, wrote that the
pageant was hugely popular with
East Indians (pg. 144, emphasis
added).
In tune with family tradition, the
pageant was the brainchild of Sham
Mohammeds brother, Moean. He
was ably assisted by Shams other
brother, Haidar and Shams son,
Jamal. The pageant was a live
annual concert that was held for
25 years from 1975 to 2000. The
venues ranged from the Grand
Stand in the Queens Park Savannah
to Skinner Park in San Fernando
as well as Centre City Mall in
Chaguanas and Rienzi Complex in
Couva.
The concert included segments
of tassa drumming; dancing;
local song compositions, folk and
classical chutney singing. On his
own initiative, Moean, who was the
owner of Windsor Record Shop,
brought several renowned artistes
from India to perform at The Indian
Cultural Pageant. These artistes
58
The pageant was a

live annual concert
that was held for
25 years from
1975 to 2000
included famous celebrities and

personalities such as Manna Dey,
Talat Mahmood, Mohammed Rafi,
Kumar Sanu, Vyjayanthimala
Bali and Suman Kalyanpur. There
were also a number of other local
cultural promoters such as Ballyram
Kuarsingh, Deokinanan Sharma,
Surujdeo Mangaroo and Hans
Hanoomansingh. They also brought
Indian playback singers to Trinidad.
After Shams passing in 1994, the
pageant managed to survive for only
six years (1994 to 2000), mainly
because of the lack of manpower
and financial and material resources.
The Indian Cultural Pageant came
to an abrupt end in 2000 when it
rained out and Shams two sons,
Khayal and Jamal were left with
a massive $200,000 debt. Khayal
found it impossible to persevere
with the pageant mainly because
of all the other responsibilities
that he had to bear as a full-time
teacher, householder and producer
of Mastana.

Published by Serials Publications, India.
Distributed locally by Chakra Publishing House, Trinidad and Tobago.
Caribbean
Issues in the
Indian Diaspora
Edited by Kumar Mahabir
The chapters in the book are classified into

four sections: emotions, assimilation, identity,
and adaptations. The first section illustrates
the neglect of emotions and feelings in the
historiography of the people of the Bhojpuri
areas in India who migrated to the plantation
colonies in the Caribbean, and elsewhere. The
second section analyses assimilation, mainly
in the form of Christian conversion of Hindu
and Muslim migrants, which resulted in the absence of mandirs and mosques, and the virtual
lack of traditional Indian festivals and ceremonies in Belize, Venezuela and St. Lucia. The third
section in the collection deals with the plurality of ethnic identities, which is in fact the opposite
of assimilation. The last section discusses the social adaptations and reproductions in forms such
as Islamic spaces in politics as well as Bollywood movies. This compilation of scholarly work
includes new areas of study and fresh perspectives of timeworn topics
2013. xvi + 270 pp. 5 x 8 inches. Hard cover only.

ISBN: 9788183876049
TT $260. (locally) or US $42.(foreign)

Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
MASTANA BAHARS TRAVEL CLUB
Akshay Khandoo performing in the 2014 Grand Final
Judge Rooplal Satnarine
Sham Mohammed was more than

just the founder of Mastana Bahar.
One of his favourite hobbies was
visiting tourist destinations all
over the world. He would often
go on these foreign excursions
with his close family and friends
who incidentally were some of the
sponsors of the show. Some of these
friends/sponsors included Hansraj
Ramhit, Doodoon Ramsaroop and
Frankie from Frankies Driving
Hardware. Eventually, there
were numerous requests by eager
participants and keen followers of
the Mastana brand to join Sham,
who willingly agreed. An informal
association was soon formed, and
called the Mastana Bahar Travel
Club. Announcements about tours
were made during the show. The
club was led by Shams nephew,
Shamoon Mohammed, who is a
well-travelled and accomplished
linguist. The club began with 20
persons but membership eventually
rose to 100. The members usually
travelled during the July/August
school vacation. It was not only
a source of fun but it was also
educational for everyone. However,
when Sham died in 1994, the club
ceased to function.
The members
usually travelled
during the school
vacation. It was fun
and educational
for everyone
Tassa
drummer
Dinesh
Rampartap
at auditions
60
Sat Maharaj
Hindu Civil
Rights Leader
of Trinidad
& Tobago
an authorised biography
by Dr. Kumar Mahabir
Satnarayan (Sat) Maharaj is a
religious and cultural leader
in Trinidad and Tobago. He is
the Secretary General of the
Sanatan Dharma Maha
Sabha, the major Hindu
organisation in the multi-ethnic
society. As much as he is criticised, Sat is also
hailed as a champion of Hindus and Indians
in the country, and is also described as the
most inuential and longest-serving Hindu
spokesman outside of India.
He struggled tirelessly to change the symbol
of the nations highest award from the Trinity
Cross to the Order of the Republic of
Trinidad and Tobago. In the High Court, the
Court of Appeal and the Privy Council, Sat
fought against discrimination when the Maha
Sabha was denied a radio broadcast licence
by the then Government. He has contributed
signicantly to national development in the
elds of religion, education and culture.
Available at major bookstores, and at Maha Sabha
schools and temples in Trinidad, and at Radio
Jaagriti, Corner Pasea Main Road Ext. and
Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Tunapuna.
I ... wish to congratulate Sat Maharaj for the

herculean efforts he has made to improve the
educational standards of his people, and his
determination to ensure that his people receive their
rightful share of the national pie. When the history of
the second half of the twentieth century is written, I
am certain he will take his place as one of the more
outstanding Trinbagonians of the era.
Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe, Professor of Africana Studies at
Wellesley College, Massachusetts, USA
TT$100. Paperback.
2014. xii + 250 pages.
8 x 5 inches Paperback
ISBN 978-976-8249-70-8
The author, Dr. Kumar Mahabir, is an Assistant
Professor in the Centre for Education Programmes
at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).
Order copies by contacting: 645-2745, 498-8657, 663-2250, 663-8743, 756-4961, 674-6008,

vkmaharaj@live.com, dmahabir@gmail.com
OTHER COMPETITIVE TALENT TV-SHOWS INDIAN

Madhur Awaaz [Sweet Music]
was aired on CTV and presented by
Neil Ramdath. In keeping with the
modern trend of talent shows across
the globe, this competition was also
judged by a live panel and involved
live text messages. Madhur Awaaz
was unique because the judges made
public comments soon after each
performance.
It is the longestrunning competitive

Indian talent
show on TV.
Mastana Bahar [Joyful Season]

is unquestionably the longestrunning, locally-produced TV talent
show in Trinidad and Tobago, and
perhaps even in the Caribbean. It
is the longest running talent show
when compared to competitive and
non-competitive TV programmes.
Mastana was first produced by
Sham Mohammed on July 4, 1970
on Trinidad and Tobago Television
(TTT).
Other locally-produced,
competitive TV shows in Trinidad
which highlight local Indian cultural
talent include Caribbean Tarang
(2004), Chhote Champs (2010
2011), Indo Muqabala (2012)
and Madhur Awaaz (2013). The
production of these competitive TV
talent shows has most likely been
inspired by the success of Mastana.
Indo Muqabala [Indian Cultural

Contest] was modelled after
American Idol, the popular US TV
show. Indo Muqabala was different
from Mastana in a number of ways.
Firstly, Indo Muqabala was judged
by both live panel and text messages
from the audience. Secondly, it was
produced and presented by Indianborn promoter Bishen Singh. The
show was first recorded in Gulf
City auditorium in La Romaine.
From among 100 contestants, Shiva
Lakhan copped the first prize of
TT $100,000. Unfortunately, Indo
Muqabala ran for just one year
(2012).
Over the last decade, the number

of television stations in the country
has increased, and as a result these
Indian cultural shows have emerged
to keep up with the demand.
Unfortunately, all of them have
had the limited run of just a year
because of the lack of sustained and
sufficient sponsorship.
Contestant performing on set Surindra Harrilal
Caribbean Tarang [Caribbean

Rhythm] was broadcasted on TV6
and was presented and co-produced
by Gillian Lucky, who is now a
High Court Judge. Chhote Champs
[Little Champions] was a talent
show for children and was presented
by Shirvani Sookhai on WinTv.
62
Hare Krishna
ISKCON Temples, Trinidad
hare ka hare ka
ka ka hare hare
hare rma hare rma
rma rma hare hare
Hare Krishna Temples in Trinidad

Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha Mandir
Endinburgh Road, Longdonville, Trinidad
Phone: 868-665-2249
ISKCON South Centre

Orion Drive, Debe, Trinidad
Phone: 868-647-6809
ISKCON Madhuvan Farm

LP 351, C umuto Main Road, Coryal Village
Phone: 868-332-2486 or 868-745-0294
Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai Mandir

Eastern Main Road, Garden Village, Arouca, Trinidad
Phone: 868-687-8492
Website: http://www.iskconradhagopinatha.com/index.html
OTHER NON-COMPETITIVE TALENT TV-SHOWS INDIAN

It is also the longestrunning TV show
even when compared
to non-competitive
programs
Mastana Bahar is unquestionably
the longest-running, locallyproduced TV talent show in Trinidad
and Tobago. It is the longest running
local, cultural TV programme
(45 years), even when compared
to non-competitive talent shows.
Locally-produced, non-competitive
TV shows in Trinidad which
showcase local Indian cultural talent
include Indian Variety (1962-1995)
and Apne Sitare (2012 present).
Locally-produced, non-competitive
TV shows which showcase foreign
Indian talent include Sitare and
Win Bollywood Countdown (2007
present).
Mastanas predecessor was the
talent show Indian Variety which
ran for 33 years, from 1962 to 1995.
Unlike Mastana, Indian Variety was
non-competitive. Indian Variety was
hosted alternately by three talented
presenters: Pat Mathura, Moean
Mohammed and Rafi Mohammed.
Although Indian Variety was not as
attractive and exciting to audiences
as Mastana, it provided a national
stage for Indian cultural performers.
Production Crew: Vitus Garcia,

Fiyaz Hosien and Dave Telesford
Apne Sitare [Our Stars], which

began in 2012 and still currently
exists, follows the format of
Indian Variety. It is broadcasted on
Government Information Services
Limited (Channel 4) and presented
by Zelisa Boodoosingh. Unlike
Indian Variety, it has the added
attraction of interviews with artistes.
Moean Mohammed
Some locally-produced TV
shows which highlight foreign
Indian performers include Sitare
and Win Bollywood Countdown.
Sitare [Stars] was hosted by
Sharda Maharaj. Win Bollywood
Countdown began in 2007 with
host Adita Narinesingh. However,
the show was revamped in 2013
Chandana and Darshana Tulsie of Clarke Road,

Penal performing on Children of Mastana
and is now called The All New Win

Bollywood Countdown, with host
Shirvani Sookhai. Unlike Sitare,
local singers are sometimes invited
to be a part of the presentation and
sing along to the Bollywood songs
in the videos.
Giveaways at the Children of Mastana audition

with Vishani Murally and Sangeeta Subnaik.
64
Indian Variety has most likely

inspired these non-competitive TV
talent shows. With the exception of
Indian Variety, Apne Sitare is the
longest running non-competitive,
locally produced Indian TV talent
show.
Job Vacancies
Part-time job opportunities
WORK IN AN OFFICE IN A RESEARCH AND PUBLISHING COMPANY.

NINE CATEGORIES OF JOBS ARE AVAILABLE:
1 Office assistant (hours flexible from Monday to Friday between 8 & 4).
2 Research assistants to write academic papers for journals (can work at home)
3 Creative writer to embellish dry factual articles for magazines (can work at home)
4 Proof-readers (can work at home)
5 Researches to go in the field to conduct interviews, administer questionnaires, etc.
6 Photographers to go in the field to shoot photos of people and events.
7 Artists and illustrators for books and magazines.
8 Biographer who must have a literary style
9 Film editors to convert footage into 15 minute documentaries
For positions numbered 2, 4 and 5, applicants must have a university education.
They must major in Literature, Education, History, Asian Studies, Communication Studies,
Journalism, Cultural Studies, Anthropology, Sociology or Psychology. They must be computer literate,
be exceedingly intelligent, have a high GPA score, and must have excellent writing skills.
Contact
Dr Kumar Mahabir,
Chairman, Chakra Publishing House Ltd (CPH)
https://chakrapub.wordpress.com/
Chairman, Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd (ICC)
https://icctrinidad.wordpress.com/about/

Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
OTHER TALENT TV-SHOWS NON INDIAN

Mastana Bahar (1970 current)
must be recorded in history as
the longest running, locallyproduced TV talent show in
Trinidad and Tobago (45 years),
even when compared to nonIndian programmes. Its closest
competitor was the popular Scouting
for Talent which ran for 30 years
(1963 1993).It was first hosted by
Holly Betaudier and later by Neil
Guiseppi.
The first prize was either
merchandise or $1,000 cash.
However, it was later increased to
include brand new cars and return
trips to foreign countries. There was
also the bonus of a token appearance
fee. The first series ran for eight
preliminaries, four semi-finals and
a grand final. Like Mastana, the
first season of Scouting ran for 13
weeks. The show also produced
numerous star performers such as
dancer Michael Salickram who won
the first prize in Mastana Bahar in
1992.
Mastana Bahar has also outlived
Twelve and Under which was first
hosted by Hazel Ward-Redman
(Auntie Hazel) and later by Neil
Giuseppi. Twelve and Under was
a talent show for children which
began in the 1960s and ran for
almost 30 years. Teen Talent was
also another TV show aimed at a
specific age group and hosted by
Ward-Redman.
Party Time was yet another teen
talent TV show in the late 1980s
and early 90s. From 1987 to 1989,
it was hosted by Lisa Wickham.
More recently, Bmobile Synergy TV
Soca Star was aired for seven years
(2004 2011). It was broadcasted
on Synergy TV and hosted by Supa
Jigga and later by Randy Mansoor
(Mr. Smooth).
Omar Samaroo receiving his

prize from Reshma Ramsaran
Mastana Bahar 2013 winner Nisha Ramkissoon celebrating on the set
audience. One of the judges was

Michael Salickram who was a 1992
Mastana Bahar winner. Vocalist
Neval Chatelal won first prize
in Digicel Rising Stars in 2010
after having won second place in
Children of Mastana in 1995 and
first place in Mastana Bahar in
2006. Indian radio personalities
Serala Ramlogan (106.1FM) and
Sheldon Ramgoolam (103.1FM)

were also a host and a judge of
Digicel Rising Stars respectively.
Mastana is the oldest

TV talent show even
when compared to
non-Indian programs
Mastana Bahar
Winner 2012 Rishi
Gaydeen being
congratulated by
supporters
Digicel Rising Stars (2006

present) was last presented by
Sophie Wight in front of a studio
66
Ramas
Voyage
[a novel]
Ron Ramdin
Ramas Voyage is the story of a boy who

is forced by circumstances to leave his
quiet village for a small town before he
makes his journey to Calcutta. The novel
is set in British India at the time prior
to and after the Indian Uprising or
Mutiny and on the high seas. Alone in
the great city, Rama is befriended by two
street children and he joins their group.
He learns hard lessons, and in
desperation embarks on a coolie ship bounded for the sugar plantations of the
Caribbean. The novel deals with themes rarely explored in fiction. It is a story assailed
by tragedy, by mans inhumanity to man, but it is also evocative of incredible courage
and endurance, love and romance, revelation and self-discovery, as Rama moves closer
to his destination.
2004. 280 pp. 5 x 7 inches. Paperback.

ISBN 976-95049-4-7
TT$100. or US$25.

Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
A VISION FOR MASTANA BAHAR

The Mastana Bahar
Cultural Centre
should be established
to archive Mastanas
45 years of service
to the nation
would motivate more people to

attend. Higher-valued first prizes
for contestants should be awarded
by sponsors. The prize would be
in keeping with the legacy of the
first prize in the early 1980s which
was a Toyota Cressida car. More
advertising and wider distribution of
instruments, etc. would have to be

transported from one centre to the
next.
The finals and all-star shows could
be held at prestigious venues, such
as NAPA or Queens Hall with
full radio and television publicity
to highlight the events. The state
Recording in progress
The resumption of the English

subtitles on the screen during the
broadcasting of Mastana Bahar
would be greatly appreciated.
Subtitles for the Hindi lyrics would
assist in the further comprehension,
deeper appreciation and broader
education of that ancestral language.
A professionally established
orchestra would attract more
listeners and viewers to the
recordings as well as the screenings.
The programme would greatly
benefit from having a centrallylocated venue with cushioned seats
and air conditioned facilities, which
the broadcasting rights of the talent

show on one of the more popular
local television channels would also
go a considerable way in drawing a
wider audience.
would like to see the series taken
to various communities throughout
Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry
of Arts and Multiculturalism could
also assist in defraying the costs
of moving crew and equipment
from one venue to the next. For 38
weeks every year, chairs, tables,
props, backdrop, speakers, musical
could donate abandoned Caroni

Ltd. lands to provide adequate
space to build a Mastana Bahar
Cultural Centre, which would
house an office, museum, archive,
library, auditorium, and storeroom
to archive Mastanas 45 years
of service to the nation. More
government and private sector
support could be made available to
subsidize the show in celebrating
Mastana as an important and
significant contribution to the
cultural identity of the people of
Trinidad and Tobago.
Production Crew member Verlisa Victory
68
Against
the Grain:
Balram Singh
Rai and the
Politics of Guyana
Baytoram Ramharack.
Introduction by Clem Seecharan
Balram Singh Rai was a leading figure in Guyanese

politics. His involvement in the political life of the nation
dates back to the pre-independence period when Guyana was
still a British colony. Rais most significant impact took place
during the late 1950s and early 1960s, when he joined the Peoples
Progressive Party (PPP) in the struggle for an independent Guyana. Rai was
the Minister of Community Development and Education, and was also
Guyanas first Minister of Home Affairs. He supported and promoted many
reforms, including policies that led to an Indian-African balance in the police force.
His cultural background and political views led him into open conflict with the leader of
the PPP, Dr. Cheddi Jagan. The book chronicles the political involvement of Rai in
Guyanese politics and exposes the reign of Jagan and the PPP as a series of missed
opportunities and contradictions.
2005. xv + 452 pp. 6 x 9 inches. Paperback

ISBN 976-9504-91-2
TT$200. or US$45.

Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 675-7707,
INDIAN SONGS MORE POPULAR THAN CALYPSO

and so on. If Shorty could say
that all he heard on the radio was
Indian music, Mighty Chalkdust,
with characteristic wryness, sang
about Mastana Bahar (Indian
Competition) (1978), suggesting
that it was becoming more popular
than Carnival or calypso because
of the monetary incentives it was
able to offer.
Pg.144
..
From 1962 on, Moean

Mohammed, the 1950s radio
presenter who is from the same
family that later promoted Mastana
Bahar, put on an Indian variety
show on TTT.
Pg. 248
Chalkdusts reference to the

growing importance of Mastana
Bahar as representing the visibility
of East Indians on the Trinidad
cultural land-scape was picked up
and elaborated many years later, in
1995, when the Indian-dominated
United National Congress came
to power in Trinidad. As Selwyn
Ryan says, The UNC was
variously stigmatized as a Chutney,
Mastana Bahar, Indian or Hindu
government.
Popular East Indian music that was

not confined to the domestic space
began to take shape with the advent
of the widely appreciated Mastana
Bahar, started in August 1970 by
the Mohammed brothers, well
known promoters and impresarious,
as a half-hour TV show on Trinidad
and Tobago television.
Pg. 179
Source: Mobilizing India: Women,
Music and Migration between India
and Trinidad.
Author: Tejaswini Niranjana
Publisher: Duke University Press.
Durham and London, 2006
Popular schoolteacher calypsonian,

the Mighty Chalkdust,
sings about Mastana
Bahar being more
popular than calypso.
Pg. 95.
.
As Afro-Trinidadians sought to
reinvent their African pasts, IndoTrinidadians also engaged in new
forms of cultural assertion. The
Indian Cultural Pageant organized
by the promoters of Mastana Bahar,
which included singing, dancing
and a queen contest in Indian
costume, was hugely popular
with East Indians from the 1970s
70
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UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PROFESSOR STATES:
The Bollywood Dance Group preforming on Mastana
Popular Indian music

began to take shape
with the advent of
Mastana Bahar.
Mastana Family
Queens Queen
Raveena Nandlal
The popularity of Mastana Bahar

is attested to by Mighty Chalkdust,
the school-teacher calypsonian
whose successful career has spanned
four decades. He sang Mastana
Bahar, or Indian Competition in
1978.
The primary addressee of the
calypso is the promoter of the
Calypso Monarch competition,
who, Chalkdust sings, must hang
his head in shame that an Indian
competition is overtaking
the annual calypso contest in
popularity and, more important,
prize money. (The first prize for the
Calypso Monarch was four thousand
Trinidadian dollars, whereas the
Mastana prize was twenty thousand
Trinidadian dollars.
Chalkdusts reference to the
prize money plays on the popular
prejudice that all East Indians are
wealthy. No wonder the Mastana
competition is able to lure all of the
singers, Indian as well as African,
72
the song says.

Chalkdust then sings, Dil deke
dekho, dil deke dekho ji (Give the
heart, give the heart and see) / Dil
lene waalon dil dena seeko ji (
Those who take the heart, you must
learn to give the heart), which
comes from the Hindi Film Dil Deke
Dekho (1959), by Nasir Hussain.
Sham Mohammed, Mastana
Bahars promoter, impressed by
Chalkdusts Indian song, ask the
calypsonian why he is singing
for mere chick feed/ In a national
competition.
Mohammed promises Chalkdust
airplay on radio and television if
he will forget the calypso crown.
(These lines give the impression

that East Indians control a lot of
space in these media.) Chalkdust
warns Mohammed that this is last
time he will participate, since it is
the promoter who gets the lions
share, not the singers. Even the
fifth prize on Mastana Bahar /Is a
trip to Barbados and back!
Pgs. 178 and 179
Source: Mobilizing India: Women,
Music and Migration between India
and Trinidad.
Author: Tejaswini Niranjana
Publisher: Duke University Press.
Durham and London, 2006

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Indian Arrival Day

2015 Trinidad and Tobago Volume 16, Number 1

INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY 2015 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

On May 30th 1845, the Fath al

75 per cent of them stayed and settled

to the Indian community in Trinidad.

ISSN 1683-4143 Volume 16, Number 1.

Since its inception in 1970, Mastana has broadcasted 1,274

Mastana Bahar is the theme of this years edition of

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd. (ICC)

newspaper the popular weekly show does not receive

Dr Kumar Mahabir is the

Indian Arrival Magazine Day 2015

Greetings from the Prime Minister

The Honourable Kamla Persad

Greetings from the Minister of National

Dr. the Honourable

It is my sincere pleasure to bring greetings and extend best wishes

THE ARRIVAL OF MASTANA BAHAR

In the early 1960s, there was

format which included a dynamic

Co-producer Sardar Mohammed &

Presenter Sharda Siewsankar

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd. (ICC)

p.m. on a Saturday evening.

SHAM MOHAMMED THE VISIONARY

a British-owned station in colonial

Sham Mohammed rose from a

that became synonymous with the

At that time, Shams other brother,

For 24 years, until

In 1954, at the age of 18, Sham

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd. (ICC)

Indian Arrival Magazine Day 2015

MEMORY OF THE FIRST SHOW

spectacle. Recording the programme

Introduction of contestant #1,

Khayal, who was just ten years old

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd. (ICC)

Indian Arrival Magazine Day 2015

EARLY VIEWING OFMASTANA

of the show propelled more

Dancer Seema Deokaran

The show has been running for

The owner of the TV

Mastana Bahar Queen Finalists

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd. (ICC)

Indian Arrival Magazine Day 2015

AUDITIONS IN THE 1970S

Hamper giveaway on the set

Inevitably, it was discovered

The first auditions of Mastana

music director. Harry used to come

Audience at Mastana recording

Khayal recounted: People used to

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre Co. Ltd. (ICC)

Indian Arrival Magazine Day 2015

SHAM MOHAMMEDS DEATH

Kasturi Maharaj performing

NAMALCO Quiz in progress on set at the recording

Production team members

Pick-a-Pan on Mastana Bahar with

Sham passed away

enquired: So what is going to