East Canje youth group hosts Ramleela – the story of Shri Ram

The Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation, an East Canje-based youth-centric body, hosted its long-awaited show Ramleela – the Story of Shri Ram in Music, Drama and Dance.

Over 500 patrons from across Guyana converged at the Reliance VEDA Centre on September 21, 2019 and on September 22 to witness the magnificent, colourful, theatrical adventure extracts from Baal and Ayodhya Kaands of the Ramcharitamanas.
Amongst the objectives of this show, was to bridge the gap of cultural knowledge and youths of today’s society with the assurance of preserving this treasured art within the realm of dignity and the Hindu culture.
At the Gala Opening, President of the Organisation, Pandit Deodat Persaud reminded all that Ramleela, since its introduction to Guyana, has been celebrated uninterruptedly, but over the last decade, there has been a decline in celebrations; hence, the need for resuscitation efforts.
He noted that Ramleela is multi-disciplinary festival exploring religious, cultural and social landscapes combined with contemporary understandings.
He urged that Ramleela be promoted on a national scale since it has the potentials of becoming a major international event in Guyana, and this can serve as an impetus to the tourism industry, since countries like India, Trinidad, Suriname, Fiji, Mauritius and New Zealand are all involved in such on a national level.
Pamela Nauth, representing the Minster of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, commended the group for involving the youths in the community in such production.
She emphasised that by allowing youths to use their creative talents, arts and performances helps youth develop a sense identity, independence, discipline, and self-worth. They, in turn, will have a positive influence on society. She recognised these acts bring social cohesion to our society as it allows for understanding of each other’s culture.
The Ramleela show forms part of a series of initiatives held to revive an appreciation for this form of art.
Ramleela has been declared a world living heritage by UNESCO in 2005. Only a few countries have preserved an abundance of groups participating in this art form.