Dear Editor,
I wish to compliment Mr and Mrs Parmal Singh from New York who sponsored the Phagwah Mela at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground on March 13. I was amazed to learn that he and his wife Ramrattie sponsored the Phagwah Mela some 18 years ago at this same ground. They bore all the expenses for food, refreshments, music and transportation for the thousands of people that I saw there. This man and his wife can be considered true patriots of Essequibo, and Mr Parmal told me that it was his duty to give back something to the community and the people of this region.
I am not a Hindu, but my wife belongs to the Aran Samaj Mandir at Cotton Field and is a staunch Hindu, while some of my roots are Hindu. I love the religion and I study it carefully, although I am a Muslim. I saw the great works of this religion while I was in India for 2 months seeking medical attention. I was really inspired by what I saw there and by the culture. Very few men and women can do what this couple has done over the past 18 years for Hindu society. This event had thousands of people on that day and nothing was in short supply: the food and refreshments were bountiful, and the people were treated to singing and skits.
The children from the various mandirs across the Essequibo Coast entertained the crowd with dancing and it was really astonishing to watch these talented youths perform. Mr Parmal and his wife told me that they wanted to provide the youths with a space to develop their passion for their religion. He noted that he is grateful for being a part of the Phagwah Mela every year among his Hindu brothers and sisters. Mr Parmal hails from Mahaica, and he saw his wife Ramrattie at Anna Regina and married her; he considers Essequibo his home.
The people of Essequibo have grown to love this couple over the years; they have become a part of their family. I could see the love for him and his wife on the part of this mammoth crowd on that day. At the beginning of the Phagwah Mela they both welcomed the crowd. Pandit Prakash from the Affiance Mandir did the opening prayers and urged all Hindus to unite as one and help to build Guyana. He gave a brief talk on the significance of Phagwah; music was supplied by the Ravi D string band, and the Mela ended with everyone throwing powder and abeer with lots of hugs and kisses.
It will be a day to remember and I wish to congratulate Mr and Mrs Parmal for taking time off from their busy schedule in New York to grace this occasion and join Essequibians.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan