Tarapatie Tara Singh Varma (born August 29, 1948) is a name synonymous with resilience, dedication, and pioneering spirit in Dutch politics. Her journey from the shores of British Guiana to the corridors of power in the Netherlands is a testament to her unwavering commitment to social justice, equality, and the betterment of marginalized communities.
Tara Singh Varma: Life Before Politics
Tara Singh Varma’s early life was shaped by the rich cultural tapestry of British Guiana, where she was born, and the educational foundations she laid in Dutch Surinam, then a colony of the Netherlands. Although she did not complete her formal studies in teaching and law, her pursuit of knowledge and justice never wavered.
Tara Singh Varma’s move to Amsterdam marked the beginning of a new chapter, where she immersed herself in the dynamic political landscape of the Netherlands.
In Amsterdam, Tara Singh Varma quickly became a prominent figure within the Communist Party of the Netherlands (CPN). Her activism and leadership skills saw her serve on the Amsterdam municipal council from 1982 to 1994.
During this period, she represented various leftist coalitions, including the Left Accord and later GroenLinks, a party born from the merger of CPN, the Pacifist Socialist Party (PSP), the Political Party of Radicals (PPR), and the Evangelical People’s Party (EVP).
Advocacy and Civil Society Engagement
Beyond her political engagements, Singh Varma was a relentless advocate for civil society. She held numerous positions on boards of associations and foundations dedicated to the welfare of migrants, women, and other underrepresented social groups.
Her leadership extended to founding and directing an Amsterdam information point, writing a column for the women’s weekly Furore, and participating in the VARA radio show Punch. As the treasurer of the Grenada Committee, she demonstrated her commitment to international solidarity.
A Political Trailblazer
The 1994 elections marked a significant milestone in Tara Singh Varma’s career when she became a member of the House of Representatives for GroenLinks. Her appointment made her the first female MP in the Netherlands born outside the country.
Despite facing questions about her integrity related to fundraising activities for the Grenada Foundation, an investigative committee found no evidence of embezzlement but noted neglect in her role as treasurer.
In parliament, Tara focused on home affairs, health, and welfare, with a particular emphasis on the rights and positions of migrant women.
Her dedication to these issues saw her take on various roles outside parliament, including chairing the Surinam Women’s Council and serving on the boards of the Volunteer Centre in Amsterdam, the migrant women’s centre Zami, and the prostitutes’ trade union, the Red Thread.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Tara’s tenure in parliament was not without challenges. In 1996, she reported being intimidated and attacked by far-right groups, though no evidence was found to support these claims. Despite such adversities, she remained steadfast in her mission to advocate for justice and equality.
In 1997, despite being placed ninth on the GroenLinks list for the 1998 elections due to criticisms of her parliamentary performance, Tara’s popularity and the party’s unexpected success saw her re-elected, bolstered by a significant number of preference votes.
Her role in the parliamentary inquiry committee on the Bijlmermeer airplane crash in 1998 brought her national recognition and underscored her capabilities as a dedicated public servant.