Two groups of Guyanese returned to New York from a tour of India last week. The tours were organized by Kali Travel of Queens, NY – a tour operator recognized by the Government of India and an authorized travel agent of Air India.
The tours involved a group of 46 that visited North India and another group of 19 that went down south. For almost all of them, it was a dream come true.
Guyanese tourists infront of the Taj Mahal
The two groups met in Jaipur where they celebrated Diwali in grand style. “That was a spectacular event,” says Tara Seeram.
At Jaipur, the tourists also visited the famous Amber Palace and made their way to it by riding on the backs of elephants. In conversations, they related the most memorable and extra-ordinary experiences in the land of their fore-parents. The tourists visited historic places re-establishing links with Mother India that had given birth to their ethnicity, religion, music, and culture.
Gewan Seeram, on his first visit to India said it was a life-long dream going to India and he was overwhelmed with emotions and the warmth and hospitality of the people. He said the flights to and from JFK was also very satisfying. In-flight, there was also great entertainment of individualized music and DVD films and reading materials.
The tour visited a number of spectacular monuments and sites, such as the Akshardham of Delhi, which is considered one of the wonders of the modern world. The tourists were fascinated by the architectural splendor of the building. Everyone was awe struck with the breathtaking grandeur of the Taj Mahal. Many felt a great spiritual awakening visiting the birth place of Lord Krishna and taking a dip in the Holy Ganges in Haridwar.
During the tour, the North group was entertained by Lake Persaud. There was also a farewell reception at the Five Star hotel in Mumbai where they were visited by a few of the Bollywood stars. Members of the group also toured Bollywood film studios. The group also got the opportunity to interact with music directors and others involved in the film industry.
Everyone declared their love for India and said they would want to return to the country in the future.
At the end of the trip, Nirupa Persaud was crowned, “Miss Kali Bharat Yatra 2011” and Melissa Heeralall was sashed as “Kali Bharat Yatra best dancer”.
Purshotam Shivraj of Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown, Guyana observed; “It was a fantastic experience. You have to see it to believe it. You also need to be in good health.” Shivraj was on his first trip to India. He didn’t expect India to be so developed and that so many people go to the Ganges for a bath or perform Ganga aartee. He was touched by extreme poverty and begging in such places as Mumbai and Delhi. What he regarded as a phenomenon was the traffic flow with no traffic lights and which is a mixture of cars, trucks, rickshaws, pedestrians, and bicycles, and which was free of accidents.
Tahol Pancham and his wife Thakurbasi Pancham of California related that Kaliji made them realize their life-long dream of visiting India. They note that the people are humble. People were impressed with the temples and castles, including the Taj Mahal, and the Sabarmati Ashram, as well as the lake palaces.
For them this visit to India was the greatest thing they did in their lives.
Sumintra Mangru said she has accomplished her most important dream.” Mohan Singh and his wife Chandrowtie said “words cannot capture the magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra or the sanctity of the Raj Ghat in Delhi.”
Nirupa Persaud, said “Everybody was so kind.”
George Mangar (formerly of Canal No I, Guyana) was accompanied by Savitri Persaud. “The only thing I knew about India before, was what I had seen in Indian movies. It was a great experience.” He noted.
Parbotie Nanjad (formerly of Port Mourant, Guyana said India is beautiful.”
Gewan and Tara Seeram related that the trip made us appreciate more of what we have. Sleeping on the streets was not a pleasant sight. They added that doing pooja at the Ganges was great. Chaitnarine Panday said she enjoyed the trip and had a memorable experience.
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