Arya Swaranjali Evening of Hope re-invigorates caring attitude

I am particularly pleased with the huge turnout at the ‘Arya Swaranjali’ programme held on Sunday, May 3, 2009 in Jersey City, New Jersey . Despite a number of competing activities, combined with the inclement weather, people were not daunted, and came out in full force at the Sacred Heart Recreation Center Hall, to enjoy an ‘Evening of Hope’ bolstered with scintillating music and sizzling dances”


Volunteers of the NJ Arya Samaj Mandir Humanitarian Mission with Mayor Healey and Mr. Brennan Councilman

According to the Programme Director, Pandit Suresh Sugrim: “The outcome was indeed a victory for the needy, who benefit from this and other programs sponsored by the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc. Humanitarian Mission (NJASMHM) of Jersey City. It was also a Pre-Mothers’ Day program where we joined with the artistes to pay glowing tributes to our mothers.”

The indefatigable Pandit Sugrim always seems to defy his critics, and tend to produce classy programs that meet even the skeptical expectations of the cultural connoisseurs. While contributing to a noble cause, Pt Suresh understands that the program must be of a high standard in order to continue to attract the high level of support.

Net proceeds of Arya Swaranjali will be donated to various humanitarian projects throughout Guyana, and other countries. Funds have gone in the past to important projects, like the Mahaicony Mini Hospital, the construction of a firehouse at Rose Hall Town , help to fund open heart surgeries to India , provide relief to families in distress, seniors with disabilities, payment of school tuition for needy children, and food vouchers for seniors in poor communities.

At Arya Swaranjali 2009, creditable performances were rendered by well-known singing artistes, Rikki Jai, Geeta Bisram, Devendra Pooran, Cliff Joseph, Dexter, Tricia, Ranjeev Ramdeen, and Danny Balgobin. Soca Raja and Damian Sookram also made guest appearances. They sang to the accompaniment of the pulsating music generated by the Angels Caribbean Band, and the music maestro, Vinod Bisram.

Dances were also magnificently performed by Dheeraj Gayaram & the “Ghunguroos,” and by Brianna Harrideo. The Natraj Center for the Performing Arts was represented by Nanda Ashley Rai, and Katherine Ann Ramsingh, who also captivated the audience with their sizzling dance performances.

The “Evening of Hope” was attended by Mayor of Jersey City, Hon Jeremiah P Healey, who rocked the audience with the rendition of a country song. Rev Tyrone Chess, a Representative of Hudson County, plus a Senior Advisor to the Mayor of the City of Newark were also in attendance. Congressman Donald M Payne’s Representative presented a citation to the organization in recognition of its tremendous humanitarian work.

The NJASMHM was also gratified with the goodwill message they received from President Jagdeo of Guyana.

The presence of these officials at “Arya Swaranjali” indicates their strong support for the extra-ordinary efforts of the NJASMHM that vigorously promotes not only Indian culture and Hindu dharma, but also, humanitarianism.

Pt Suresh Sugrim says that over 500 children are likely to benefit from 2009 fundraising activities.

So far, the NJASMHM has assisted 4,000 children in various ways. Its Empowerment Program has just begun with a pilot project in Canje, Berbice. Beneficiaries are single parents, school dropouts, and other disadvantaged persons, who are given the opportunity to develop or improve a skill in areas such as sewing and cooking.

The NJASMHM does not discriminate in the grant of aid. It serves people of all faiths and ethnicity. They are also very keen on the subject of transparency and accountability. The reader is asked to visit their website (www.njaryasamaj.com) for more information.

As a community, we cannot thank Pandit Sugrim and the NJASMHM enough, for readily coming to the assistance of the needy, and adding some sunshine into their otherwise, dark world. Too many of us have ideas, and these remain just that, ideas. But some of us go beyond that, and work hard to put these ideas into action for the benefit of humanity. Having a job is not necessarily what constitutes “making a living.” Instead, what we do to consistently help lift people out of their suffering/distress is what qualifies as “making a living.”

The next stop is A Fathers’ Day concert (“Bhakti Sangeet”) on Sunday, June 14, 2009 1:00pm at the Roy Irving Theatre Jersey City , featuring the ever popular Pandit Rajin Balgobin.

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