Foreign Affairs Minister calls for stronger India-Guyana relationship during Diwali observance

The High Commission of India and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Georgetown celebrated Diwali on Saturday last with a grand cultural show.
The event started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, Ministers of the Cabinet and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, HE Dr Srinivasa.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, HE Dr Srinivasa, Ministers of Government and other officials

This was followed by a medley of mesmerising music and dance performances by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre Kathak Dance Teacher Varsha J Chaudhari and her students; National Dance Company of Guyana; and students of Texila University.
The performances were a mix of classical, including Kathak and Kuchipudi, fusion, and popular Bollywood items, thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by the audience.

A student of Texila University performing a traditional Indian dance

Dr KJ Srinivasa, during his address, related that Diwali was being celebrated in Guyana at a large level after two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic while the Diwali Motorcade organised by Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) also made its return.
He further highlighted the importance of the religious festival celebrated all over the world by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists – some of the world’s oldest religions.
It is the day when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. It is also the day celebrated as the day of the birth and marriage of Goddess Lakshmi. In south India, the homecoming of legendary King Bali is celebrated. Most importantly, Diwali is a festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, celebrating goodness. Lighting the lamp – the diya – is a chance to remember, even in the midst of darkness, that light will ultimately prevail. Diwali is also a time for prayer, reflection, and contemplation, to reflect on our obligations to help our fellow human beings, particularly the less fortunate. And as we light the diya – the lamp – we recommit ourselves to the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil. Guyana’s harmonious coexistence of its multi-cultural and multi-religious society has been displayed in the slogan of One Guyana.

One of the groups performing a dance piece

However, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd, speaking on behalf of the President of Guyana, acknowledged the huge influence of Indian culture, including Diwali and Phagwah, on the moulding of Guyanese culture.
He noted how it has contributed to making Guyana a culturally strong nation with so much diversity. He also wished for a stronger India-Guyana relationship based on shared values of democracy, accountability, and religious tolerance.
In addition, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud spoke on the importance of the festival of Diwali, how the lighting of the diya symbolises the lighting of the inner self of a person, removing darkness and bringing hope.
She also explained how goddess Lakshmi is associated with the festival and her worship on the occasion brings about happiness and prosperity. She also recounted that after a two-year absence, the Diwali Motorcade, a symbol of vibrant Indian culture in Guyanese society, returned in a grand way. She wished that Diwali would continue to kindle the hearts of people and help in unifying them.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir reiterated the importance of Hindu culture in Guyanese society.
He reminisced about his visits to various religious places in India and the purifying effect he felt on his personal life. He recalled his younger days when earthen Diyas were used to light up homes and streets in Guyana. He paid homage to the thousands of people who lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic and wished that the vibrant Guyanese festivals would now return with all glory and prosperity. The celebrations included traditional Indian food and savouries which added to the eclectic mix.
The event was also graced by various dignitaries, officials of the Government of Guyana, members of the diplomatic corps, Indian nationals, members of the Indo-Guyanese diaspora, friends & well-wishers of India.