The First International Girmit Conference "From Girmit to Permit"

The International Girmit Conference, "From Girmit to Permit," held on May 9th, 2024, at the Welsh Parliament, celebrated the enduring legacy of the Girmitiyas. This event, organized by INJAS Trust and supported by the Welsh Government through Diverse CYMRU, featured an array of distinguished speakers and the premiere of the first AI-generated Girmit song by Aniruddha Singhal. Explore the groundbreaking fusion of technology and heritage, and watch this unique video song here.

On May 9th, 2024, the esteemed halls of the Welsh Parliament (Senedd) were filled with vibrant discourse during the International Girmit Conference, "From Girmit to Permit." Hosted by the INJAS Trust and supported by the Welsh Government through Diverse CYMRU, the event convened scholars, dignitaries, and cultural enthusiasts to honor the Girmitiyas—indentured laborers who shaped communities worldwide.

The conference began with a compelling address by the Rt. Hon. Prof. Mark Drakeford MS, former First Minister of Wales, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions. Prof. Keshav Singhal, the visionary organizer, emphasized the importance of honoring Girmit heritage.

Lord Bhikhu Parekh of Hull provided a poignant reflection on the Indian diaspora's global influence, while Julia Morley, Chair and CEO of Miss World International, recognized the invaluable contributions of the Girmitiyas to cultural diversity. Jane Hutt MS highlighted the significance of preserving this legacy within Welsh society.

Dr. Niharika Singhal captivated attendees with her presentation on reimagining Girmit art through artificial intelligence, sparking discussions on innovation and creativity. Munish Gupta, Chairman of PIO TV, USA, and Ajay Chhabra also shared compelling narratives that resonated deeply with the audience.

A special highlight of the conference was the unveiling of a documentary on the Girmitiyas' resilience, produced by INJAS and directed by Prabhat Verma and Anand Kumar. This was followed by Aniruddha Singhal's exploration of Girmitiya musical signatures, blending tradition with modern AI techniques.

The event included enriching addresses by Rt. Hon. Vaughan Gething, First Minister, and Prof. Uzo Iwobi, who discussed Girmit's intersection with African slavery. A dynamic panel featuring Judge Ray Singh, Acharya Vyas Sharma, Dr. Akram Baig, and Dr. Chantal Patel provided diverse perspectives on Girmit's global impact. The day concluded with a stirring tribute poem by Mali Stone and a spotlight on South Africa's Girmit legacy by Dr. Kinesh Pather.

The International Girmit Conference "From Girmit to Permit" affirmed the Girmitiyas' profound contributions to humanity, celebrating their legacy through a blend of remembrance and innovation. The conference's digital materials, including documentaries, short films, and the groundbreaking AI-generated song, play a crucial role in preserving this history for future generations. The resilience and cultural richness of the Girmitiyas continue to inspire, demonstrating the enduring power of heritage in overcoming adversity.