The Dharmic Naujawaan – Empowering youths to develop Guyana

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha plays its part in ensuring that a forum is always present to develop and nurture youths. One such forum is the Dharmic Naujawaan (DNJ). This youth arm of the Sabha fosters the development of Hindu youths to meaningfully contribute towards the development of Guyana, through the initiation, facilitation, sponsorship, propagation and implementation of religious, educational, cultural and social activities.

The group was revived on October 1, 2000, and gives youths a sense of belonging, a place to share their views, develop their ideas, become more aware of social issues, tests their creative and artistic capabilities, making them well-rounded individuals.
DNJ allows youths to interact with their colleagues thereby giving them the opportunity to enrich their lives academically, spiritually, culturally and socially. With an executive body of 8 vibrant, motivated youths of different but strong calibre and with a very supportive membership, the group’s aim is not only to follow the guidance of their parent body’s motto, “Action thy duty, reward not thy concern”, but to also live up to their mission statement to “provide support to the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha in the fulfilment of its goals and in particular, foster the development of Guyana through the initiation, facilitation, sponsorship, propagation and implementation of religious, educational, cultural and social activities.”
A body of young professionals- doctors, lawyers, accountants and many others- DNJ seeks to keep busy with numerous activities throughout the year, whether it be activities created by the group or those initiated by the Sabha.
Holi, the festival of spring filled with bright colours and lots of energy, sees the energy of the Naujawaan. The male members sing at the top of their voices in the Rama Krishna chowtal gol, singing not only in Georgetown but also traversing the West Coast to the East Coast to participate in country wide Chowtal Samelans.
The annual Phagwah Mela and Bazaar, held at the Dharmic Kendra, attracts one of the largest crowds and, as such, the Nauiawaan considers it their duty to keep providing new, exciting and entertaining games and activities at the mela. Activities that the Naujawaan provides range from mehendi decoration, artistic face painting for the children and games for young and old, like “hit down the tins”, plinko and hoopla.
Additionally, Indian Arrival Day has always been celebrated with various activities in each community. For the 170th Indian arrival anniversary in Guyana, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha celebrated in grand style with a two day exhibition and stage show at the National Stadium, Providence. The Naujawaan had a booth at the ground that highlighted important aspects of what the Naujawaan stands for. Their artistic and cultural skills were displayed in the beautifully designed Rrangolis and kalsas. Their thirst for informing and educating their fellow peers about aspects of their culture took the form of an exhibit of musical instruments. Their social stand was represented by a presentation on HIV/ AIDS and a fun and creative activity was present in the form of mehendi art.
In 2003, the Naujawaan hosted its first Hindu Youth Convention under the banner “Hindu Youths in a Changing World” where they invited youths from across the country to discuss various issues affecting youths in today’s society and to come up with solutions to minimize, if not solve, those problems hence forming resolutions for youths to follow.
Five years later, the second Youth Convention was hosted, this time under the theme “Hindu Youth — Protectors of Our Dharma”. At the convention, which lasted for two days, a vast number of topics were discussed, issues debated and resolutions made. The main topic was alcohol abuse.
Every year, the Naujawaan Ka Hapta (Hindu Youth Week) reminds youths to be steadfast to Sanatan Dharma and gives them the opportunity to be immersed in various social and community based projects. One activity that the Naujawaan has done annually during that week, and will continue to do so in the future, is the donation of blood at Guyana’s Blood Bank stationed at the Public Hospital. The Naujawaan sees the value of giving back to society whether by donating blood, helping the elderly, giving to the less fortunate or simply by putting up posters and billboards that display important messages.
The cultural dance presentation by the Sabha, Naya Zamana, showcases the talented and energetic minds of the Naujawaan. While some members take to the stage to demonstrate their talent in dance, others are involved behind the scenes with the just as important role of stage management.
The Deepavali motorcade is especially looked forward to by the group. Since 2000, the group has participated in each and every motorcade. From the 12 years participating, it secured 1st place five times. Members consider it a challenge each year to create new and innovative designs that also reflect youth related messages.
A timely issue that the Naujawaan is passionate about is the abuse of alcohol. Members recognize that alcohol abuse is affecting youths today and are speaking out against the selling of alcohol to teenagers, against the usage of the substance by youths, and about the dangers of consuming too much. Highlighted in many of the Naujawaan’s messages are the consequences of alcohol abuse to a person’s well being, family life, and to society as a whole.
As a central youth arm, the Naujawaan is involved in many outreach programmes which entail visits to other parts of the country to interact with fellow youths and carry out workshops. The Naujawaan supports and encourages other youths to impact positively in society and to form youth groups in their respective communities. The Golden Om Dharmics (GODS) in Berbice was one such group influenced by the Naujawan. GODS is now a vibrant and conscientious group, steadfast in their support of Sanatan Dharma, and engaged in activities that are beneficial to society.
In keeping with its mandate, the Naujawaan always strives to achieve academic excellence and encourages all its fellow youth groups to do the same. Hence, debates are held across the country on topical issues like HIV/ AIDS and alcohol abuse. The group hosts, attends, and in some cases, judges these competitive, educational activities.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine , Ananda Latchman, chairperson of the Naujawaan, noted that the group’s future plan is to continue its current work in promoting its activities, culture and religion. Furthermore, she stated, the youth group seeks to increase its membership in order to reach a wider spectrum of youths through more activities. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)