Trinidad’s family-tree detective, and his Indian quest

Shamshu Deen has helped thousands trace their roots and reunite with distant relatives. It all started with his great-great-grandfather's map.

Munradin was one of the first people in Shamshu's family to come from India to Trinidad under the indentured labour system. Shamshu tried to track him down in the official records, and became obsessed with unearthing details of his family tree and those of thousands of other Trinidadians.

Shamshu then had an idea, he would try to identify distant relatives of people in Trinidad who were still living in India. The results led to emotional family reunions, and even some that he didn't expect.

Presenter: India Rakusen
Producer: Rob Wilson

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

(Photo: Shamshu visiting India for the first time. Credit: Courtesy of Shamshu Deen)