GUYANA Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha – “The first and oldest Hindu organisation established during the days of Indentureship”It was on the 5th day of May, 1838, 176 years ago, the S.S. Whitby arrived in Berbice with the first batch of Indians, that is, 244 East Indians.
Later the same night, the S.S. Hesperus docked in Georgetown with 152 passengers.
Among those who arrived here were mainly Hindus and Muslims. Of these, 396 of the original immigrants who came, 236 eventually returned to India, 98 died during Indenturedship, two got away and only 60 elected to remain in the colony.
The journey itself was filled with hardship and gross mistreatment. These Indians, our fore parents were placed on various estates and were subjected to all kinds of cruelty and penalties that were more or less similar to that of slavery.
In spite of these terrible conditions to which they were exposed, the Indians nevertheless demonstrated their ability and unquestionable capacity for hard work so much that today, they have occupied leadership positions in various fields of endeavours.
One such great example is Dr. Jung Bahadur Singh who was elected President of the British Guiana East Indian Association (BGEIA) and the sole founder of the first and oldest Hindu organisation in Guyana, the Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, which he also served as president from 1934-1955.
Mr. Singh saw the necessity of establishing the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha for the preservation of our ancient and revered religion in the colony.
Hindus were prohibited from exhibiting their culture and practicing their traditions. They were not allowed to perform cremation and even the priests of Hindus and Muslims were not allowed to be legalised as state – registered marriage officers, unlike the Christian European ministers.
As a prominent Hindu, it was through this organisation that he fought for the right of a large, labouring population to practice Hinduism with the same freedom and privileges given to the Europeans to practice Christianity by the Government of British Guiana.
It is until today that the Maha Sabha has still kept alive, the practices of Hindu religion, by promoting Hinduism and has been the stepping stone for all other great Hindu leaders and Hindu organisations in Guyana.
Admittedly, it is by the sufferings, sweat and toil of our foreparents that this country has developed significantly.
As we unite to observe the 177th anniversary of the arrival of our East Indian ancestors, we must look back upon the sacrifices made and the ideals which our ancestors stood and died for; the love and unity between one and all Guyanese, the respect for our elders and hospitality and goodwill towards our fellow countrymen.

By Pandit Ubraj Narine