Frank Kanhai received a royal award today for his extensive social work in society. He has been working as a reading room employee at the National Archives for 36 years. Kanhai is now a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau. He is pleasantly surprised by the award from Mayor Van Zanen (municipality of The Hague): ‘I never expected to receive such an award. Always thought: “That’s for bobo’s; not for the ordinary citizen”. I want to be of service, that makes me happy. And an example to others that everything is achievable for everyone. This is an appreciation that my citizen contribution has been noticed. And everyone, including someone at the distribution desk, can receive an award.’
Listening ear
When the question arose whether the National Archives would support the application for the award, the letter was written quickly. The management of the National Archives states in the letter of recommendation: ‘Frank is an extremely committed and enthusiastic colleague. He always puts others first, preferably the visitors in the study room. His friendly attitude and listening ear ensure that everyone is happy to let Frank help them.’
Boxes full of sadness
About his work as a reading room employee, he recently said at the presentation of the Council for Culture’s advice on colonial archives: ‘People share their sadness with me. Because they see someone they know in me. An Afro-Surinamese gentleman who was doing research in the archives once told me about this in a very emotional way. He knew that what had happened in the past was bad, but not that it was that bad. Now he saw evidence in the archives. I feel that because I am a Surinamese-Hindustani Dutch person. There are boxes full of sadness. This applies to war archives, but certainly also to colonial archives.’
Find the connection
Kanhai has an enormous network in the Surinamese-Hindu community and is happy to share it. He also likes to seek connections, at work, with visitors, colleagues and also beyond in The Hague and surrounding areas. For him, walking is an excellent connecting activity. Kanhai is a key figure in setting up walking groups, with colleagues, former colleagues, family, diplomats and friends from the Surinamese-Hindu community.
Healthy and moving
With the walks he encourages people to stay healthy and active. He also encourages people to delve into their own history. Kanhai: ‘Unfortunately, I still see too few people of color in the study hall. And the archive is a gold mine.’
Bas van der Goor Foundation
For several years now he has also been working for the Bas van der Goor Foundation, with which he drew attention to diabetes and the importance of sport earlier this year in Suriname, walking and talking. And he also tries to use his own networks for others.
Traveling photo exhibition
Kanhai has created a traveling photo exhibition from the National Archives that he presents in many different places in the country to show that we share a history together and by telling about it we get to know each other better.
The ribbon rain
Every year, many people receive a royal honor on the day before King’s Day. Colloquially called the ‘rain of ribbons’. These are volunteers who have long-term commitment to organizations in the field of sports, culture, religious life, nature or foster care. And people who deliver special achievements for society in their job or secondary position, which go far beyond what can be expected of someone.
The National Archives congratulates Kanhai on his royal award.
