A former Mayor of Colwyn Bay and the Founder and Chair of North Wales based North Wales Association for Multicultural Integration (NWAMI), which went on to become Networking for World Awareness of Multicultural Integration, Dr Sibani Roy, has launched her book ‘The History of Indentureship and South Indian Slavery’ in the Senedd today.
North Wales MS Mark Isherwood, who is President of NWAMI, sponsored and spoke at the launch. He provided a summary of the book and encouraged people to read it.
He said:
“Dr Sibani Roy is originally from Calcutta, currently known as Kolkata, but now she calls North Wales her home, after she arrived as an international student and fell in love with the place and its people.
“Sibani states that she has not been a victim of racism herself, but many of her friends have, and that this is why she founded NWAMI.
“The book being launched today does far more than offer a historical account – it brings to light a story of suffering and survival, of resilience and reinvention, and of the millions of South Asians whose journeys helped shaped the modern world.
“After the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833, plantation owners faced a significant labour shortage.
“To address this, the then UK Government turned to India, recruiting over 1 million Indians between 1834 and 1917 to work as indentured labourers across 19 colonies, including the Caribbean, Mauritius, Fiji, and South Africa.
“While indentured labourers were technically free and received wages, the reality was starkly different.
“Many were illiterate and signed contracts they couldn't read, often with just a thumbprint, and ended up working much longer than five years and had to remain in the colony they had been taken to because they could not afford the journey back home. Some were even kidnapped or deceived into signing.
“The living and working conditions were harsh, with minimal pay and poor accommodations, making the system closely resemble slavery.
“The indentured labour system led to the establishment of significant South Asian communities in various parts of the world.
“Despite the significant contributions of indentured labourers, their stories have often been overlooked in mainstream history.
“Dr. Roy's book sheds light on this neglected chapter, emphasizing the resilience and endurance of those who endured such hardships.
“By documenting this, the book ensures that the sacrifices and experiences of these individuals are acknowledged and remembered.
He added:
“In an age when migration and displacement are once again central global issues, this book could not be more relevant.
“I congratulate Dr Roy on this vital contribution, and I encourage all of you to read it, share it, and continue the conversations it will undoubtedly inspire.”