“The lights of Diwali must give us a reason to do better and be better” – PM Nagamootoo
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJbvbV5ADi8″ width=”100%” height=”315″]
DPI, Guyana, Monday, November 5, 2018
Guyanese were urged by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing the duties of president, to use the celebration of Diwali, ‘the festival of lights’, as an occasion to not only light diyas but their own inner lights.
“A light which tells us there is a vision which can take us forward.”
The Prime Minister was speaking this evening at the State House Diwali Celebrations.
He noted that as citizens move forward, as a nation, “we must look back with a sense of hope, not despair.”
He recalled growing up in a religious household where all races were accepted.
“We grew up in an environment of complete tolerance… We can bring back the values for a good life and honest living… We must light the pathway to develop the country for the younger generation. If we come together, we will have enough for everyone.”
Prime Minister Nagamootoo said the move by President David Granger to have the Baridi Benab constructed to host similar events must be appreciated.
The event featured poems and Satsangs with a variety of traditional Hindu foods including sweetmeats for tasting. There were performances by the members of the Lodge Hare Krishna Temple, Windsor Forest Arya Samaj Youths, Brahma Kumaris, Raj Yoga Centre and Leguan Mandir.
During the event, condolences were extended to the family of the former owner of Liberty Cinema, businessman Pradeep Samtani who passed away today. His contribution and efforts to preserve East Indian culture was lauded by the Prime Minister.
One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated.
Paul Mc Adam.
Images by Keno George.