Rajkumar Krishna Persad

Born in Penal, South Trinidad, Rajkumar “Krishna” Persad has devoted his life to the preservation and promotion of Indian art and culture for more than fifty years. From very humble beginnings, he rose to become one of the most respected and influential ambassadors of Indian dance in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.

Krishna Persad made history as the first person in Trinidad and Tobago to receive a scholarship from the Government of India through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to study music and dance in India. He pursued his studies at the prestigious Kalakshetra in Madras (now Chennai), where he trained in the Classical style of Bharata Natyam under the world-renowned dance pioneer Rukmini Devi Arundale. In recognition of his dedication and mastery, he was awarded the distinguished title and honour of Natya Kala Ratna.

Throughout his remarkable career, Krishna Persad has travelled extensively, performing and representing Trinidad and Tobago in many parts of the world including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and several countries in South America. Among the proud highlights of his career was the honour of performing before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1965, as well as for the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.

In recognition of his outstanding cultural contributions, Krishna Persad became the first Indian artiste in Trinidad and Tobago to receive the prestigious Humming Bird Medal, awarded in 1969 by Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams. His lifelong dedication to the arts has since earned him many other accolades. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has honoured him as a “Living Icon,” while First Citizens Bank recognized his exceptional achievements by naming him a “Maestro Extraordinaire.”

In 1967, Krishna Persad founded the Trinidad School of Indian Dance, the first institution of its kind to be established in this part of the world. As its Founder, Director, and Choreographer, he has spent decades nurturing and training generations of students in the beauty and discipline of Indian Classical dance. In addition to his performances, he has conducted numerous lectures, demonstrations, and workshops throughout Trinidad and Tobago, continuing his teaching and mentorship well into the present time.

Over the course of his long and distinguished career, this celebrated dance Guru has appeared on stage alongside many outstanding artistes, including the legendary Taran Persad, Narsaloo Ramaya, Champa Devi, Haniff Mohammed, Isaac Yankaran, Deoraj Seunarine, Jameer Hosein, K. B. Singh, Gangadhar Vidoor Jagroop, Yusuff Khan, Mayodeen Ackbarali, Sookdeo Jagdeo, Polly Sookraj, Sagar Sookraj, Mungal Patasar, Nazimool Khan, Ramdeo Seelochan, Satrohan Maharaj, Rajdai Sookraj, Vishnu Rampersad, Capil Gayadeen, Dexter Raghunanan, Harold Boodoo, Isaac Mahaboob, Khamrune Ali and many other esteemed performers. Whether appearing as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, or cultural ambassador, his presence has always inspired admiration and respect from audiences and fellow artistes alike.

For more than seventy years, Rajkumar “Krishna” Persad has been a prominent public figure and a guiding light in the cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. A devoted husband, father of three children, and proud grandfather of four grandchildren, he continues to inspire all who come into contact with him.

From the dreams of a young boy who once promised his mother that he would one day become famous and travel the world, Krishna Persad has indeed made the world his stage. Today he stands as a true pioneer of Indian dance in the Caribbean, a gifted artiste, a dedicated teacher, and an enduring inspiration to generations.

“Do you have a special memory captured on film or audio? Please email any photos, videos, or audio recordings you may have to hindisongstt@gmail.com. We are looking to preserve the many beautiful moments shared with the world famous Rajkumar Krishna Persad.” (Copyright Nisha Sharma 2026).