The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha recently celebrated 40 years of existence and as the month-long celebrations continue; the organisation said special focus will be placed on training to preserve Hinduism and its art forms.
Embarking on another year of dedicated service to the country, the Sabha will continue to expand the Dharmic family through its praants in Essequibo; Upper, Central, East and West Berbice; East and West Coast Demerara; and East Bank Demerara.
Its goal is to maintain and strengthen relationships with all Hindu organisations and other religious bodies as it seeks to be helpful to all.
The Sabha is committed to serving with distinction and is pleased to announce that this year it will offer free classes at its Kendra headquarters, Prashad Nagar, commencing this month. The classes include lessons in harmonium, tabla and dholak. These sessions will be conducted by teachers from India certified by an Indian Music Academy.
The Sabha will also launch a comprehensive pandits’ programme in Hindi, conduct teachings on the Ramayan, Bhagavad Gita, counselling, public speaking, mantras and pujas, which will be taught by local and overseas instructors.
In addition, there will be males and females classical and folk dance classes. Classes in Hindi will be taught by Sahadeo Heyland while Sanskrit and Gita classes will be imparted by another teacher.
Children’s Ramlila
The Sabha will also be launching the Children’s Ramlila dramatic presentations in April.
The organisation also recognise the need to continue to build on the rich legacy bequeathed by Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, the founder of the Sabha, and to maintain the Hindu value system, cultural norms, festivals and art forms, so that it can be passed on to generations to come.
Some of the outstanding works of the Sabha over the past 40 years include the Phagwah Mela and Bazaar, Chowtaal Samelaan, Holi Utsav, Deepavali Motorcade, Naya Zamana, Kala Utsav (Festival of Art) and Indian Arrival Day celebrations.
In addition to the thousands trained since the Dharmic Kendra opened its doors in 1991 as the first recognised Hindu Academy in the Caribbean by the Indian government, the Sabha has spared no efforts to offer training opportunities around the country to affiliated mandirs, and Kendras in Berbice and Essequibo.
Strong advocate
The Sabha has actively advocated against alcohol abuse, domestic violence and suicide and supports efforts in bringing awareness in the field of HIV/AIDS. Youths have played an integral role and have been trained as peer educators in all of these areas, and recently as educators in a new parenting programme.
The Dharmic Naujawaan (the Sabha’s youth arm) has over the years been immersed in countrywide charity drives and blood donations and other youth programmes.
Mahila Mandalee, the women’s arm has been engaged in a literacy campaign and annually presents bursaries to outstanding students across the country.
The Sabha’s newest programme, “Voices against Child Abuse” which started in 2009, has today resulted in the construction of “Bal Nivas”, a home for children who are victims of abuse, in Ankerville, Berbice.
Training facility
It will also serve as a counselling and skills training facility in the drive to empower women and work with youth. The shelter has been primarily financed from concerts featuring legendary singers Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan. Construction of the shelter commenced in February 2013 and is ongoing.
In celebrating 40 years of existence and the 176th anniversary of Indian Arrival in Guyana, the Sabha will be bringing back, by popular demand, the immensely talented Sonu Nigam and troupe to perform at the National Stadium on May 4.
The organisation was launched on January 8, 1974 at the Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbelville, Geogetown when the Hindu community was in need of leadership.
Founder, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud’s visionary style and direction and the unswerving support of men and women throughout the length and breadth of Guyana contributed magnificently to the impressive track record of the Sabha.
