CHANKA MAHARAJ: Sportsman, politician, religious leader, unsung hero of Trinidad

The modern history of Trinidad and Tobago, as it is revealed, without prejudice, is varied and exciting as its peoples and places and the stories that are woven therein. One name which stands out, conjuring images of respect, honesty, a down to earth, peoples’ man; is Chanka Chandrika Maharaj (1913-1966).

This biography provides a wealth of information on Chanka, a man of humble beginnings, schooled in religion, with strong cultural values and family life, rising up the sporting ladder, ‘Champion wrestler,’ progressing to social and community development, politics, seeking his roots and undertaking philanthropic work. He was in the bandwagon of labour politics with Butler, fighting for adult suffrage, arguing in the Leg Co. for primary and secondary educational facilities; for age reduction and increase in old age pension, and for the right to cremation. He was a patron of the Indian Arts: of literature, food prepartion, dance and music.