Cabinet approves time-off for public sector workers for Ram Navami – VP

…as Dharmic Sabha calls for values-based living

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday joined devotees at the Ogle Sanatan Dharma Sabha Mandir, East Coast Demerara for Ram Navami observances, where he announced that Cabinet has approved time-off for public sector employees to participate in the religious activities.
Dr Jagdeo said the decision will take immediate effect and continue in the future, enabling workers to observe the occasion without work-related constraints.
Ram Navami, one of the major observances in the Hindu calendar, commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, regarded as the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. The festival is observed on the ninth day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra and is marked by prayers, devotional singing, and readings from sacred texts, including the Ramayana.
In a message to mark the occasion, Human Services and Social Security Minister, who is also the President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud, extended greetings to the Hindu community and all Guyanese.
She described Ram Navami as a celebration of “the descent of the Divine into our world,” noting that the life of Lord Rama represents adherence to Dharma, or righteousness, with integrity. She said the observance marks the culmination of Chaitra Navratri and reflects the example of “Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram,” whose life demonstrated moral discipline and balance.
Persaud noted that in Guyana, the observance of Ram Navami is deeply rooted in the country’s social and spiritual traditions, with the Ramayan continuing to serve as a source of guidance. She highlighted that activities such as bhajans, satsangs, and readings of the Ramcharitmanas promote unity and reinforce shared values.
She also urged citizens to apply the principles associated with Lord Rama’s life to modern challenges, including strengthening family structures, addressing social issues such as violence and substance abuse, and promoting selfless service. Emphasis was placed on engaging young people in community service and leadership, drawing inspiration from figures such as Hanuman.
Persaud called on Guyanese to work towards building a society grounded in righteousness, where the vulnerable are protected and ethical conduct is prioritised.
Ram Navami holds both religious and cultural significance, symbolising the triumph of righteousness over wrongdoing. Its continued observance in Guyana reflects the country’s multicultural character and the role of religious traditions in shaping social values.