They call him the singing doctor, but it was the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica that sang the praises of Dr Winston Tolan on Tuesday.

A day after he was presented with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for his outstanding contribution to Indian culture in Jamaica, and also in medicine, Dr Tolan was fêted by council members at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

After completing his local tertiary schooling, he received an award from the Indian government to study medicine in Jaipur. He returned in 1983 and has served diligently in the accident and emergency department at the Mandeville Regional Hospital. But his contribution to the preservation and promotion of Indian culture is equally impressive.

The roots of his love for the music were evident from childhood, as he would lead the other children in Hindu prayers; pieces of tin his only instruments. Performing with the Naya Zamana band, he spread the Indian culture to diverse audiences as well as serving as a resource person for cultural development at the national level.

His citation also mentioned his service while epitomising his spirit of service, volunteerism, patriotism and humility.

Guests out included: Dr Tolan's parents, Arthur and Enid Tolan, brothers Michael and Rohan, Justice Mahadev Dukharan, Prof Verene Shepherd, Daryl Vaz, Sunetra Ramsingh, Ken Singh and wife, Beryl Williams-Singh, Nari Williams-Singh and Trisha Thompson, Kamla Duncan, Effie and Seragh Lakasingh, Elizabeth McGregor, Kiran Banhan, Dr Lennox Matadial and wife, Daphne, Suren Chutkan, Dr Prakash Kulkarni, Sudu and Gopa Ramani and Roy Banarsee.

dkelly@gleanerjm.com

Former chairperson of the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica, Beryl Williams-Singh (right), in animated conversation with Gopa Ramani at the reception for Dr Winston Tolan, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Tuesday.

The man of the moment, Dr Winston Tolan (left), greets CEO of the Culture Health, Arts, Sports, and Education Fund, Billy Heaven, while his brother, Vishu Tolan, looks on. Tolan was honoured by the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica forreceiving the Order of Distinction (Officer Class).