The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) on Sunday celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Pandit Reepu Daman Sanskritik Kendra in Ganges St, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown.
President of the Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud, joined the procession of the praants and mandirs from the Shri Krishna Mandir, in Campbellville, Georgetown.
Thousands of persons from various regions joined the procession celebrating the milestone. After the procession, a symbolic diya was lit by Dr Persaud. She was accompanied by leaders of the the various Praants and President Irfaan Ali.
The programme featured songs, dances, and greetings from across the country with a special performance by Trinidadian singer, Neval Chatelall.
The President in his remarks noted that in understanding the GHDS, one must understand the significant contributions the Sabha has made to the country. He posited that the Sabha has helped to restore democracy and built the pillars for peace and unity.
“This organisation has produced for us, some of our finest diplomats, doctors, lawyers and ministers. If we look at the leadership of this organisation, it has produced good leadership, because of its guiding principles.”
Ali said that the Dharmic family is one that can be trusted because of the teachings of the founder, the late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.
“Today we live in many challenges and this organisation has helped build human character, that builds the human spirit to be an agent of positivity so that we can drive positive thinking and positive way of life.”
He urged the members to continue promoting the Indian culture and promote democracy.
Meanwhile, Dr Persaud asserted that the Sabha will continue to serve under its motto, “Action thy duty, reward not thy concern.”
She added, “The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has emerged to fill the void with a rich legacy, the late Pandit Reepu has built Sanatan Dharma in Guyana.”
Persaud assured that GHDS will continue to carry the torch of Dharma, while preserving the rich history and legacy of the Hindu religion.
“I say with pride that our leadership is 50 per cent of women, I recognize your efforts, what we can do now, I believe that pandit ji will say your dharma is the best prescription of life,” she added.
General Secretary of the GHDS, Chandra Gajraj, said that the Sabha was established with a clear vision and is to date the largest Hindu organisation in the country.
Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Shivkumar Telang, who also attended the celebration, said the Hindu religion is a way of life. He said he was extremely proud that the traditions of India have spread across the Caribbean and used the opportunity to congratulate the Dharmic Sabha for helping to propagate Hindu culture.
Dr Telang also presented a picture of Lord Rama and a shawl to Dr Persaud.
