Cradled by Cunupia, Hans Hanoomansingh emerged as a doyenne among Caribbean journalists. In 1990, he was awarded the Hummingbird Gold Medal for his long and meritorious service in the areas of culture and broadcasting. On October 30, Hanoomansingh was bestowed with yet another accolade in his illustrious career. He was conferred with an honorary degree–Doctor of Laws (LLB)–and delivered the graduand address at the ceremonies for the Presentation of Graduates 2010, at UWI Spec, St Augustine. Among those present were Chancellor George Alleyne, Vice Chancellor Nigel and St Augustine Campus principal Prof Clement Sankat. When the Campus Orator Proj Surujpaul Teelucksingh read the citation, much ado was made about the shining star from Cunupia. Teelucksingh was doubly proud since he's from Cunupia.
An excerpt said: "No one will blame you for not having any idea of where Cunupia stands. For it is neither north nor south, nor east or west. It is not even central. Indeed that honour is singularly Chaguanas, the Naipaulian town just three miles to the South. It is neither African nor Indian. "Yet for all its undifferentiation and apparent confusion, our university in all its wisdom has singled out a quintessential Cunupian for celebration–Hans Hanoomansingh, one of Cunupia's most illustrious sons." The mellifluous voice the Almighty had blessed him caressed the airwaves. The citiation said: "It may have taken 70 million years of evolution to create the human voice but it took Hanoomansingh two decades to perfect it." "For when he speaks it is as if melody wafts from some magical flute. A pair of gilt-coated vocal cords is an innate and God-given gift."
Cunupian to the bone
In his address, Hanoomansingh made reference to his humble beginnings at Cunupia. His father Joseph Hanoomansingh died when he was age 11. He and his siblings Gideon, Eunice, Janice and Bernadine were raised by a single mother, Dorcas. Hanoomansingh felt his success saluted to all single mothers. The citation also gave a glimpse into Cunupia. It said: "His home lay just opposite the Hassarath Road Cemetery. This unofficious place was encircled by places of worship–the Roman Catholic Church to the east, a Spiritual Baptist tabernacle to the west and Mr Shoonon's home–hardly a house–but a place where about 300 congregate to hear stories from the Ramayan. "You are recognising a Cunupian who excelled as a broadcaster, cultural activist and businessman and who would want it to be said, very loudly, that he will graciously accept this most outstanding honour in the name of all single mothers like his own, and all primary school teachers like Kenneth Phillips who silently and often thanklessly, sow the seeds of greatness in young citizens.
The citation stressed Hanoomansingh's excellence in journalism along with his sterling contribution to East Indian culture and multiculturalism.
"He has led a prodigious life dedicated to journalism in radio and television. As a journalist, he was as versatile as he was competent–having worked as an announcer, producer, editor, news analyst and as an anchor of the then T&T flagship news programme Panorama. He interviewed South Africa's indefatigable anti-apartheid warrior Bishop Desmond Tutu." Divali Nagar remains a living testimony to his yeoman service. The citiation said: "Divali Nagar is but a lasting legacy of his vision for 25 years after he conceptualised and initiated the endeavour, it continues to flourish and attract a space dedicated to cultural expression. "In 2000 former Prime Minister, Basdeo Panday said: "Few gifts of greater value have been given by a single citizen to this nation, this region and this hemisphere, than this wondrous annual Divali Nagar celebration. Hanoomansingh, president of the National Council of Indian Culture, deserves T&T's gratitude for the enduring service he has given as a crusader for multiculturalism. Prof Sankat said: "He made a great contribution. I enjoyed Gems of India and Silver Screen. I enjoyed it when I first came to Trinidad. It reminded me of home."