PRESIDENT of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud, along with other executive members, are disturbed over the apparent vandalism carried out on one of their places of worship. The interior of Shree Krishna Dharmic Mandir at Parika was burnt over the weekend. In fact, there was severe damage to a wall, the ceiling and the altar section, Persaud announced in a press statement.

“It is a reprehensible act, one which the Sabha strongly condemns. This mandir was a sanctuary to many in the community and was constructed with much dedication and prayers. It also served as the venue for routine sabha activities. Special Birthday Satsangh was held for the late Pt. Reepu Daman Persaud, annually, at the mandir. Places of worship should be sacrosanct and respected and never be subject to acts of vandalism and destruction.”
The Sabha is calling on the relevant authorities to find the perpetrators so that they may face the law swiftly so as to send a message to everyone never to descend to such depths.
“Let us all continue to love and respect each other and each other’s beliefs and places and modes of worship. Decades of this respect have made Guyana distinctive in the world. The Sabha calls on all to join with us in condemning this disrespectful and wanton act.
“It is indeed a sad day when a mandir; our place of worship and sanctuary to many is burnt. My prayers and heart go out to the President Bhai Krishna Samlall and devotees of the Shree Krishna Dharmic Mandir of Parika who arrived at the mandir only to find that parts of the interior had been burnt.
“I have been closely associated with that mandir for many years and always derived great joy attending many activities there. It is an affiliate of the GHDS. I know of the love poured into the construction of that mandir, the huge satsanghs held there and team spirit which exists among all there.
“It is my fervent wish that the cause of fire be unearthed and more importantly that the Hindu community join hands to support the devotees so that the mandir could be rehabilitated in the shortest possible time to its former splendour. This mandir was easily one of Guyana’s most beautiful places of worship,” Persaud said in the release.
The mandir was reportedly set on fire, over the weekend, by unknown persons who are believed to have gained entry into the building by breaking a window.

PULL QUOTE:
‘It is indeed a sad day when a mandir; our place of worship and sanctuary to many is burnt.’ – Dr Vindya Persaud