NETHERLANDS, February 9, 2006: After the unveiling of the national Indian immigration monument in June, 2004, the Sarnami Institute has now succeeded with its second important achievement: the opening of the Sarnami House. The Sarnami House is a center devoted to the immigration history, language and culture of the Hindustaanse, the Dutch Indian immigrants from Surinam. It also functions as a museum where all kinds of artifacts are exhibited from the period of the immigration into the Kingdom (1870 – 1930). In 2006 there are 160,000 Hindustanen who all come from the former Dutch Guyana, now called Surinam. Most of these immigrants live in the region of Haaglanden in Randstad. Almost ten per cent of the population of The Hague are of Hindustaanse source. Until now the history, language and culture of the Hindustanen has been insufficiently brought forward and preserved. The Sarnami House, located at Brouwersgracht 2 in The Hague now provides a place where information on the Dutch Indian immigrants is correctly presented in an approachable manner. It also represents a solidarity meeting place between Dutch Indians and the citizens of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With 500 square meters, the Sarnami House provides enough space for a museum, library, internet connection, conference rooms as well as administration and management offices.
A daily summary of world news for Hindus and non-Hindus alike