Guyana’s multicultural makeup shines during festivals like Diwali – acting President at Diya light-up
Acting President, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, on Sunday said that Guyana’s multicultural makeup truly shines during festivals such as Diwali when citizens from all backgrounds get together to celebrate with their Hindu brothers and sisters.
He made this remark at the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh/Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS) seventh annual Diya Lighting ceremony held at Rahaman’s Park, Greater Georgetown, ahead of Thursday’s observance of Diwali or Deepavali.
PM Phillips joined HSS members to flip the switch thus illuminating a large Diya display at the intersection of the East Bank Demerara Highway.
Delivering the feature address, Phillips lauded the organisation for hosting events such as these that continue to promote national unity among people.
“At events like these, I always declare what a blessing it is that Guyana has a multicultural make up of people where we can share in the practices and beliefs of our neighbours, friends and fellow citizens. It is at these times that our oneness truly shows as we partake in the practices of other cultures, whether it be through food, dance or even social events. These opportunities can serve as a platform to share beyond just our presence. We can share support; we can share mutual respect and most of all we can share our knowledge with an aim to achieve a collective goal of building a brighter healthier nation for our future generations,” he posited.
The acting President noted that the Hindu Festival of Lights is a significant one as it is a symbol for the illumination or enlightenment of the human consciousness. He said Diwali not only brings together family and friends but also focuses on harmony, peace, respect and love for others.
He said, “It is a celebration of the vanquishing of all darkness as we seek as a people to aspire to positivity and greater understanding as an enlightened society builds on togetherness.”
According to Phillips, who is currently performing duties of the President, this festival is especially inspiring given the trying times Guyanese, and people around the world, have been enduring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to devastate countries and take the lives of millions.
“So, as you celebrate this year with your families and friends, we can seek greater knowledge to contribute to our society and the common goal of our country’s development and even as we pursue this knowledge, we must also remember the importance of aligning ourselves in a way that will continuingly build on our goal of being one nation… I hope that these celebrations encourage us to look within ourselves and among each other for that greater meaning and purpose that Diwali truly encourages,” Phillips posited.
Similar sentiments were shared by Indian High Commissioner, Dr KJ Srinivasa, who praised Guyana’s diversity.
“Guyana, like India, is truly a great diverse nation. I’m simply amazed by the diversity of the various races here and which is strengthened by the contributions of various people. That amazing solidarity and brotherhood is an example which I gave back home in India,” he stated.
The Indian diplomat went on to laud Indo-Guyanese for preserving and commemorating Indian heritage, cultures and traditions. This, he noted, is something that has not gone unnoticed by the Government of India.
Nevertheless, Dr Srinivasa urged the Hindu community to make this Diwali a time for reflection, prayers and contemplation of their obligations to society, while encouraging the triumph of knowledge over ignorance.
He reminded that the tradition of Diwali uses wealth and riches to provide the opportunity to do good towards the betterment of society.
“We must have patience. No matter how long the wait is, time changes and things will be favourable especially in this time of COVID-19. It is time that we all remember those who are less fortunate in this society. If we reaffirm our commitment to one another and strive to lift each other up then together we will continue to work towards a brighter future that we all seek,” the Indian diplomat stressed.
Meanwhile, HSS Mentor Ravi Dev, during his remarks at Sunday’s ceremony, pointed out that this is the second year that Diwali will be celebrated in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, he noted that while the global pandemic has curtailed many lives, Diwali brings a message that would lighten up these dark times. He recited a story in the scriptures where the Devas (Gods) had been cursed and became weak, losing their immortality. But they were advised to churn an ocean of milk which would produce a nectar (Amrit) that would return their immortality. He said they did that and were successful but they did not do it alone.
“Facing this pandemic, we have been searching, we have been churning the oceans for a cure that would give us back our lives – very similar to them. But what is very important from this story is that even the gods themselves could not accomplish this task alone. They had to get the cooperation and the assistance of their opponents and that is the lesson. Only if we all cooperate that we can face the challenges of this pandemic and other challenges that we face in this world.” According to Dev, in Guyana there are so many other challenges apart from the pandemic that would find this story apropos.
“Out of cooperation, so many things were produced… So in the darkest, which is Diwali – it is the darkest night of the year – on Thursday, we’re seeing that there can be light,” he stated. (G8)