In one’s life, there are certain imperatives that demand attention. The creation of this website was one such requirement that had long been on my agenda. Like many of you, I share an enthusiastic curiosity and a profound yearning to delve deeper into the historical period known as the Girmit Era. Our shared aspiration is to gain insights into the lives, dreams, and aspirations of the Girmitiyas, amid the backdrop of their formidable challenges and tribulations. This website stands as a tribute to those resilient individuals, with the intention of kindling the flame of remembrance for as long as possible.
In the year 2006, I embarked on the journey of creating this website from scratch, I had the responsibility of its inception and subsequent development. It was a labour of love that demanded an extensive investment of time, effort, and financial resources. I made a conscious choice to abstain from pursuing any commercial interests through the website.
Creating a website of this nature required not only technical expertise but also a profound dedication to the cause it represents. I designed, developed, and maintained the platform, ensuring that it would serve as a valuable resource for those seeking knowledge and insight into the Girmit era. This personal investment went beyond financial contributions. It entailed countless hours of research, content creation, and collaboration with experts and contributors who shared my vision and I am forever grateful for their feedback, and insights. The absence of any commercial motive allowed me to maintain complete creative control over the website’s content and direction, ensuring that its integrity and authenticity were preserved.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to a select group of individuals whose invaluable support and guidance were pivotal in shaping and sustaining this website. Foremost among them is Satish Rai, whose unwavering assistance and permission to utilise his articles have been instrumental. I extend my gratitude for his invaluable direction. Thakur Ranjit Singh, your passion, contributions, and writings eloquently convey the essence of this historical period, akin to a gust of wind reigniting the flame of understanding. My sincere thanks also extend to Dr Kamlesh Sharma for generously providing financial support and sponsorship, ensuring the continued operation of Girmit.org for an additional year (2009 – 2010). Last but not least, the late Dr Brij Lal. Dr Lal shared his research, scholarly articles and books that he sent to me and allowed me to publish them and share them with the users of this website. To these gentlemen, I am truly indebted. Furthermore, I am grateful to the National Library of Australia for digitalising the immigration passes of the Girmitiyas and for honouring www.girmit.org as an accredited research website. Thank you.
Lastly, I wish to acknowledge the numerous emails of support and commendation received from individuals I may never have had the pleasure of meeting in person. Your emails serve as a wellspring of inspiration, and I encourage you to keep them coming.
Thank you kindly,
Vanita Kumar