I write to applaud the several NY-based Guyanese who participated in a fund raiser in NY to help money for the Arya Samaj centenary celebrations in Guyana next year. Vishnu Bandhu and his executives of the United Arya Samaj Mandirs of America did a fantastic job to raise thousands of dollars that will be transferred to Guyana for next year’s celebrations.

The Guyana Arya Samaj will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the presence of Arya Samaj in Guyana. Programmes are planned all over the country at various Arya Samaj mandirs.

The United Arya Samaj Federation of Mandirs had a lovely boat cruise raising some US$8,000 that will go towards the centenary celebrations to be held in July and August of 2010.

The boat cruise started out in Manhattan and meandered past the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Verrazano Narrows Bridges. Live Guyanese music was provided on board and revellers danced to fast tempo. Traditional Guyanese foods and drinks were plentiful.

The guests were spellbound as the boat made its way past tall skyscrapers and the famed Statue of Liberty. Another fundraiser is planned for October 11 in Jamaica at the Guyanese Mangoville Hall. All proceeds will go towards the centenary celebrations in Guyana.

The executives of the group lauded everyone for their toil and urge patrons to show up for the Diwali extravaganza.
VISHNU BISRAM