The University of Trinidad and Tobago's (UTT) Academy of Arts, Letters, Culture and Public Affairs (ALCPA), recently hosted its Ramlila Heritage Symposium at the NCIC Nagar in Chaguanas. This two-day event brought together cultural leaders, scholars, practitioners and community stakeholders for a comprehensive exploration of Ramlila's past, present, and future in Trinidad and Tobago.

Professor Selwyn Cudjoe O.R.T.T., Chairman of the Board of Governors, UTT, delivered Remarks, highlighting the importance of the Ramayana narrative in shaping the social and spiritual consciousness of Indo-Trinidadians. Professor Cudjoe revealed that "The University intends to introduce a Certificate in Ramleela Studies as a standalone, permanent programme, ensuring that the sacred tradition continues to be preserved, researched, and passed on to future generations".  He added that UTT remains committed to positioning Trinidad and Tobago as a leader in the preservation and creative interpretation of Indo-Caribbean traditions and culture. Dr Kela Francis, Assistant Professor, ALCPA, also brought Remarks followed by greetings from Mr Amit Prakash Thakur, Second Secretary, High Commission of India.

A presentation titled "Gender Fluidity in Trinidad Ramlila" by Dr Natalie Persadie, Associate Professor, Centre for Maritime and Ocean Studies (CMOS) and Ghansham Mohammed, Programme Assistant II, ALCPA examined how Trinidad's Ramlila tradition reflects, challenges, and reimagines gender norms in Hindu performance culture. Presentations by Dr Jorrel Bisnath, Assistant Professor, and Mr Ronnie Bickramdass, Instructor II, both of UTT's Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship (MME) Unit, generated interest among Ramlila groups in partnering with the University's MME Unit to develop eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions for raw material use and waste management in the staging of Ramlila.

The event emphasised that Ramlila in Trinidad and Tobago is not merely a theatrical art form, but a living heritage tradition - one that supports national identity, intergenerational learning, community development, and cultural sustainability. It also demonstrates UTT's commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of Trinidad and Tobago's rich cultural landscape and diverse traditions.  UTT commends The Academy of Arts, Letters Culture and Public Affairs on a successful symposium and looks forward to many more cultural initiatives.