Guyana’s First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, on Sunday, joined the Indian High Commission for their Sari Draping Exhibition, ‘Namaste India’ at the Pegasus Hotel. Delivering the feature address, the First Lady spoke of the rich contribution India’s culture has made to Guyanese culture through food, dance, tradition and fashion.
“Here in Guyana, we have benefitted from the contributions of Indians to our culture… The Indian contribution has blended with contributions of other ethnic groups. So, for instance, there is, therefore, neither surprise nor confusion when you are invited to a Guyanese home and are offered a meal of dhal puri and curry or metemgee or chow mein or pepper-pot and, if it’s Christmas, some garlic pork. Guyanese of all races and religious beliefs celebrate Phagwah and Diwali with their Hindu compatriots, many of whom leave their Diwali lights up for the Christian celebration of Christmas… This proves the universal appeal of happiness and celebration. This is what we’re witnessing here this evening,” the First Lady opined.
The Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency Venkatachalam Mahalingam, in his opening remarks, indicated that the High Commission was motivated to host the event again because of the prodigious turn out in 2017. “When we had this sari draping exhibition last year, we never thought that it would be an annual feature but looking at the overwhelming response we had last year we decided we’d like to have this event as an annual event,” he said. The High Commissioner also indicated his interest in hosting an elegant sari competition to usher in Diwali celebrations, challenging all willing partners to step forward.
The event also featured an exhibition of Indian dance, history, cuisine, fashion and art. Also present at the event were Minister of Business, Mr. Dominic Gaskin, former First Lady, Mrs. Deolatchmee Ramotar and other distinguished guests. (DPI)
