Ramcharitar

Ramcharitar was born in 1920 in La Paille Village, Caroni. He was the older of two children of indentured immigrants and because of poverty, left school prematurely at the primary level.

Following the death of his father, Ramcharitar joined his mother working on the sugar cane estate. The family also augmented its income by growing vegetables, rice and rearing animals. During this time Ramcharitar received ethical and moral training in accordance with the family's traditions. He was also taught Hindi and Sanskrit, which helped him absorb and appreciate the music of his parents. As his interest in music grew, his participation in yagnas, satsangs and socio-cultural events did as well.

Blessed with a rich, soothing voice, Ramcharitar's services were in great demand and the adoration of his fans only encouraged him to strive for greater heights.

The introduction of film songs to Trinidad in his earlier years only compounded his popularity as a singer. Many felt that Ramcharitar was probably the best local singer during his time. He was also an accomplished classical singer and often competed against the veterans at the highest level. The beautiful voice of Ramcharitar was silenced in 1973 when he succumbed to heart failure at the age of 54.