Striving to serve: Religious organisation illustrates the importance of humanitarian work to society

The Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation aims to make a difference in society while serving as a voice for every youth, regardless of their religious affiliation. The organisation seeks to inspire youths to live a positive lifestyle and rise above the ills of society.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the group’s president Pandit Deodat Persaud said the first attempt to form the Golden Om Dharmic was made on Sept 19, 2004. The group was then called the Golden Om Dharmic Youth Group, founded by Pandit Chandradat Persaud who executed a number of community related projects and ventures.

Persaud pointed out that the group’s acronym “GOD” was specially selected for inspirational purposes for the youths. Its prime focus was to promote Hinduism and youth participation.
Then on April 28, 2007, after a seminar was held at the Vocational Educational and Dharmic Academy (VEDA) with Dr Vindhya Persaud of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and members of the Dharmic Naujawaan, the organisation underwent a dramatic change. It became the youth arm of the East Berbice Praant Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and renamed the Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation.
Additionally, the motto was changed from “Truth will always triumph” to “Unity is Strength”. The scope of the organisation, said Persaud, was also broadened, and focused on HIV/ AIDS, drugs abuse and other social issues.
To date, the organisation has recorded tremendous achievements, and facilitated a number of programmes. The 23 members ensure that the group’s activities are properly coordinated to achieve the goals of helping to empower youths and society in general. These activities include hosting the annual VEDA Youth Camp and the annual Father’s Day treat at Dharm Shala; publishing its official magazine, Golden Expressions; winning in the large category in the 2012 Deepavali motorcade; actively participating in blood donation drives; holding seminars on timely social issues such as drugs, alcohol abuse and domestic violence and hosting drama clubs, just to name a few.
Persaud noted that the Reliance VEDA Centre, founded by Pandit Chandradat Persaud in 2000, has served the community well. He said that it has always lent support to other organisations’ programmes, meetings and other activities. The VEDA serves as a venue where a number of shows and fundraisers are hosted. Most of the activities of the Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation are held in the building.
“Over the years, no major enhancement works have been done, and some deterioration has taken place. In addition, the Golden Om Dharmic will be extending its services, hence the need for modifications. The modification exercise will cost in the vicinity of GY$12 million. This will be undoubtedly the largest community project undertaken by the organisation in terms of cost and scope of work. This project will be branded as the ‘Reliance VEDA Centre Resuscitation Project’, since many of the incoming activities depend on the complete resuscitation of the centre,” Persaud related.
He disclosed that the new building (phase 1) will see an upper flat being constructed to facilitate the Golden Om Dharmic office; indoor games room, classrooms for dancing, instrument, yoga, singing and cooking classes; counselling room; library; kitchen; computer and document centre; vegetarian café; sargam shop; and washroom facilities. The lower flat (phase 2) will be transformed into a modern cultural centre.
This year the centre’s ‘Hindu Youth Week’ activities include the annual VEDA camp from July 29 to August 2 at the Reliance VEDA Centre. There will also be one-day camps at various mandirs in Canje from August 6 to 8. Additionally, there will be a food sale in New Amsterdam on August 10 and a youth talent mela on August 25. The Saraswatie Pooja for school children will take place on August 31 at the Reliance Settlement mandir.
“The public support is crucial as this project will transcend all boundaries and will be beneficial to all youths. A number of fundraisers have been planned. We want to create a social space for youths in a positive environment. This, we hope, will ensure that they become and continue to be morally correct,” he declared.
For more information on this organisation call 327-2212, 327-7967, 326-0178, 326-0976 or email goldenondharmic@yahoo.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)