Preface
“My Journey” is the story of the major events in the early years of my life in Guyana,
formerly British Guiana.
It outlines the hardships which my parents and grandparents overcame to provide for
their families. Their roots are traced to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India.
I was one of the fortunate students to attend high school. At that time less than 5% of
all students received a secondary education. My parents, my oldest brother and two sisters
never had the opportunity.
“My Journey” brings me to Guelph, Ontario where I spent six interesting years at Ontario
Agricultural College.
Most of my working years were spent at Erin District High School. Those were busy and
exciting years. Unfortunately, ill health forced me to retire prematurely.
My Memoir is a story of people who have influenced my life and to whom I am deeply
indebted.
To my relatives and friends, I hope you will enjoy reading “My Journey” as much as I
have enjoyed writing it.
If there are any errors or omissions, I am responsible and do apologize.
Acknowledgments
“My Journey” took three years to complete. I am deeply grateful to my wife Lucy and
children Ramon and Sandya for their encouragement and support. They offered constructive
suggestions. I wish to thank Sandya for the countless hours she spent typing this story.
About six months ago, I was at a stand still. It was a relief when I happened to meet Ine
Schepers-Molijn. She volunteered to read and edit my draft copies. She provided
encouragement and has been a source of inspiration. I do appreciate her help.
I would also like to thank Emerson Lall for his helpful suggestions.
As always, my friend Khalid Khokhar helped in the organization, layout and printing of
“My Journey”. His suggestions and advice were most helpful. I am most grateful to Khalid.
Introduction
Six months ago I became a passenger on Hector Lachmansingh’s journey. For a few
months he passed on chapters of his memoirs, and I helped to edit. While doing so, I was
afforded glimpses of his large family, and learned about ancestors who, in the early 1800’s,
undertook the long and dangerous voyage from India to Guyana, then called British Guiana.
The journey is over. Hector’s memoirs are in bookform, ready to go to relatives and
friends. It’s a gentle and loving account of the history of his proud and persevering people.
The story of a man’s life, who, with the help of his family, and through his own determination,
overcame many obstacles to come to Canada where he studied in the University of Guelph and
became a respected high school teacher.
Thank you for sharing it with me, Hector. I didn’t really help you much, you did it
yourself. I’m sure your family will treasure your book “My Journey” and it will be invaluable for
the generations following in your footsteps.