2025 Maha Shivaratri celebrations: Many are academically qualified but lack enlightenment – Pres Ali

On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, President Dr. Irfaan Ali made a clarion call for Guyanese to make a more conscious effort to be tolerant and extend goodwill to others, noting that while many are academically qualified, too many still lack enlightenment.
While taking part in the observance of Maha Shivaratri at the Cove and John Ashram on Wednesday, President Ali urged persons in society to be more open minded, and seek enlightenment. He reflected on the meaning of the observance, which celebrates the Hindu deity Shiva, and noted that everyone could learn something from its tenets.
“Shiva represents destruction, not in a sense of ruin, but in the profound way of resolving ignorance and paving the way for rebirth, renewal and enlightenment… rebirth in the sense of renewal and enlightenment.”
“We live in a society today; you will go berserk if you look at social media. Every fake news, this news, that news. But guess what? People enjoy this fake news. When you scrolling through social media, the negative headlines you want to read first,” the Head of State said.
According to President Ali, society’s fixation with the negative instead of the positives is emblematic of the social troubles modern society finds itself in.
A further example he offered was of those who are academically qualified, but lack enlightenment, and exude ignorance and malice.
“You see highly educated people, preaching hate and division. And you wonder, how can these people do that? Its simple. They’re academically qualified, but they never received enlightenment. There’s a big difference,” President Ali explained.
“They’re academically qualified, but they never received enlightenment. Enlightenment is a higher degree of consciousness, that does not come by theory. That’s the difference. It does not come by theoretical underpinnings. It comes by your individual consciousness,” he stated.
The President was adamant that choosing a path of enlightenment and tolerance is the only way for society to grow stronger. He expressed the importance that Guyanese continue to respect different religious practices.
“This occasion also invites us to remove negativity from our lives and to rid ourselves of division, hatred, ignorance, that holds us back. It is a time to embrace wisdom, compassion and unity. Allowing the light of divine consciousness to guide our actions and thoughts. I recall last year, Maha Shivaratri was also observed during the fasting of Muslims and Christians.”
“This year, we have a repeat of this coincidence. The coincidence of our various religious festivals, reminds us that we live in a multi-cultural society, where diversity is a fundamental part of our identity,” the President added.
After the satsang, the President and his entourage enjoyed seven curry and sweet meats.
“Shivratri”, or “night of Shiva”, is celebrated on the 14th day of every month of the lunar calendar. But once a year, in late winter in the northern hemisphere, Maha Shivratri is celebrated to commemorate the oncoming summer. Hindus offer special prayers to Lord Shiva on Shivratri.
In Sanskrit, ‘ratri’ means night hence, Maha Shivaratri literally means ‘The Great Night of Shiva’.
There are several traditions associated with the night: Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya (the dance of dissolution); he appeared as the Lingam; or he married Mother Parvati.
Maha Shivaratri is observed for one night but the preparations begin the preceding day.