Madhubani, December 13, 2025:
The Mahavir Singh Memorial Trust, through its GGLASC (Global Girmitiya Lineage Archive and Searching Centre), conferred the prestigious Girmitiyalogy Awards on December 13, 2025, honouring distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions to the preservation, research, and promotion of Girmitiya history and lineage studies.
The awards were presented by Dr. Binod Kumar Singh, Chairman of GGLASC, in the presence of eminent scholars and members of the Girmitiya community.
The awardees included:
Dr. Chan(Chandersen) Choenni, a world-renowned historian (born in Suriname; citizen of the Netherlands), a prominent Professor of History, at Amsterdam University, Netherlands;
Mrs Binarai Makhan (born in Suriname; citizen of Netherlands);
Dr August Choenni , a Psychiatrist (born in Suriname; citizen of the Netherlands);
Ms. Shirley Gobardhan (born in Suriname; citizen of the Netherlands), hence all Girmitya
and
Shri Satyendra Narayan Singh, an educationist from Muzaffarpur, India, honoured for his significant contribution in assisting Girmitiya lineage research; nominated by Dr. Shardanand Harinandan Singh, Founder of Girmitiyalogy, Netherlands
As part of the programme, the dignitaries participated in a symbolic tree-plantation ceremony at Dr. Binod Kumar Singh’s agricultural farm, where fruit saplings, including mango and litchi, were planted as a lasting memory of the occasion by all the above guests.
Certificates of honour were also presented to the awardees by Dr. Binod Kumar Singh, as per nominations made by Dr. Shardanand Harinandan Singh, acknowledging their exemplary service in the field of Girmitiyalogy and social services.
Speaking on the occasion, the distinguished guests praised Dr. Binod Kumar Singh’s dedication to couses of Girmitiya and stated that such initiatives play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and inspiring future generations. The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks.
The event concluded with a traditional welcome of the guests through the presentation of mementos, Mithila Paag, and traditional shawls printed in Madhubani, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Mithila region.
Family Chan Choenni plants fruit trees in Bishanpur in remembrance of their ancestral origins in the northern part of India. Here follows a message from me—shared to encourage lineage researchers worldwide who are seeking their roots in India. Yet, when archival trails do not yield complete results, this living act offers a meaningful reconnection with ancestral soil.
Yes, especially for Bina mam, I had a lychee sapling orderd from Muzaffarpur.
I truly believe that Bishanpur, in the Mithila region of Madhubani, Bihar, can grow into a place of pilgrimage for every lineage researcher who searches for ancestral villages yet cannot fully succeed.
It can become a sacred space where, in the name of our forebears, people plant valuable fruit trees—each bearing the names of the ancestors they honor.
It is deeply heartening that you have led the way with this pilgrimage initiative, inspiring others by example. I wish you a continued journey filled with purpose and inspiration as you proceed on your pilgrimage to South India.
With warm regards,
Baba Professor Shardhanand H. Singh, Rotterdam
© 2025 Shardhanand H. Singh, Rotterdam