Paramaribo (Surinam): Surinam on June 5 celebrated the 130th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in the country. Local Indians took a trip on a ferry to mark the arrival of their ancestors on the "Lala Rukh" ship to the Caribbean country in the 19th century.

Nearly 35 per cent of the population are of Indian origin. India's Minister of State for External affairs Digvijay Singh, who attended the celebrations, said he was happy that Indians have integrated themselves with the mainstream society.

"I am happy and proud of the fact that wherever Indians reside, they make sure to contribute in the prosperity of a nation with sincere work and dedication. I am happy that in Surinam as well, they are an integral part of the country's development," Singh added.

Surinam's President Runaldo Ronald Lenetiaan stressed the need for people of Indian origin and the local population to work hand-in-hand.

"We have the spirit to build this country together, work together and let Surinam be and become a great and strong nation. It is our duty to teach this to our children and grandchildren so that we will go on to live in this spirit," said Lenetiaan.

Local Indians, commonly called East Indians, were happy to be part of the celebrations. "It is a great feeling because it is only because of their (Indians) arrival that we are here and today we are celebrating it," said Ramavtar Gangaram Pandey, an East Indian.

A large number of Indian labourers reached Surinam in the late 1870s when the neighbouring British colonies abolished slavery. Nearly 35 per cent of the population are of Indian origin.

ANI