Suriname Family Returns to Ghazipur After 132 Years
A family from Suriname visits Ghazipur to fulfill a 70-year-old dream of finding their Indian roots after 132 years.
In a deeply emotional journey spanning over a century, a family from Suriname has traveled to the heart of Uttar Pradesh to reconnect with their long-lost heritage. After 132 years of separation, John Mohanlal Ramanandanlal and Sharda Ramanandanlal arrived in the Ghazipur district to walk the soil where their ancestors once lived.
The visit was not merely a trip of curiosity but a mission to fulfill a 70-year-old dream held by a family elder who longed to see the land of his forefathers. The family has traveled to Khanpur village and Varanasi, seeking to bridge the massive gap between their South American life and their Indian origins.
A Journey Born from Historical Records
The trail began with historical documents that pointed toward a specific lineage. Research indicates that the family's ancestors, Ramanandan and his wife Rajvantiya, were residents of Khanpur village under the Saidpur police station jurisdiction in Ghazipur. At the time of their departure, Ramanandan was a young man of 24, the son of Horopursad (also known as Hari Prasad), while Rajvantiya was 22, the daughter of Baram Charilal. Belonging to the Kayastha community, the couple's lives changed forever in the late 19th century.
The historical timeline of their exodus is well-documented:
- August 25, 1894: The couple departed from Calcutta aboard the British ship 'Ames' as indentured labourers.
- The Voyage: They were part of a group of 400 to 500 passengers who endured an arduous 89-day sea journey.
- November 22, 1894: They finally arrived in Paramaribo, Suriname.
- Settlement: Upon arrival, they began working at the 'Waterloo' plantation in the Nickerie district.
- Marriage: After completing their contracts, Ramanandan and Rajvantiya were officially married on December 20, 1911.
The family name used today traces back to their son, Jaykaram, who officially adopted the surname 'Ramnandanlal' on October 15, 1934.
Using Science to Reconnect Bloodlines
While historical papers provided a roadmap, the family is turning to modern science to confirm their connection to the land. To move beyond speculation, they have submitted DNA samples to Professor Gyaneshwer Chaubey at Gyan Lab.
By utilizing genetic testing, the family hopes to achieve two major goals:
- Scientifically verify their lineage to ensure the historical records align with their biological reality.
- Locate potential Indian blood relatives living in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and the Ghazipur region.
With the assistance of Dr. Pawan and various local contacts, the family has begun the painstaking process of meeting residents in Khanpur village, hoping that someone might still hold a memory or a connection to the names Ramanandan and Rajvantiya. For this family from Suriname, the search for identity is finally nearing its conclusion.