THE Dharm Shala, the humanitarian charitable home which opened its doors under the late founder, Pandit Ramsaroop Maraj, marked its 90th anniversary last Thursday (April 21).
The ‘Home of Benevolence for all Races’ is located at Lot 140 King Edward and Sussex Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown. President of the Dharm Shala, Ms. Kella Ramsaroop recalled that the charity started with funding by her great grandfather and was taken over by his eldest son, Harry Saran Ramsaroop, who had always been devoted to his father and was his close confidante over the years.
She said the son supported his father throughout in his quest to help the less fortunate and after the latter died, in 1950, the younger was unanimously elected, by the legally constituted Hindu Religious Society, to succeed his father in managing the institution.
According to Kella, her father’s dedication and humility were key factors in the success of the Dharam Shala up to now.
Despite his being ill, he continues the work with the assistance of herself and sister, Pamela Ramsaroop, a lawyer residing in London, England, she stated.
Kella said her great grandfather had told the family that, while living in Albouystown, he prayed to God and had a vision which motivated him to take care of the poor and less fortunate, after seeing many cases of destitution.
As a consequence, he gave up his trade as a jeweller and started a soup kitchen. Then he gathered a group, including businessmen, most of whom were from the Albouystown ward, to form the Hindu Religious Society.
Kella said, despite the name, the Dharm Shala is non-denominational and serves all races. It depends, entirely, on donations for its day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of its Georgetown and Berbice facilities, solely devoted to humanitarian charity, for which she and her sister are full time voluntary workers, earning no salaries.

DIVINE INTERVENTION
She revealed that, on many occasions, the Dharm Shala would be in dire need and through what could be considered divine intervention, someone would always come along and donate supplies to help provide for its residents.
“Over the years, the Dharm Shala has not been unaffected by adverse conditions, but it was founded on divine inspiration and we pray that the God-fearing will continue to support this great charity which not only provides food, shelter and clothing for penniless paupers on a daily basis,” Kella said.
She said, through generous contributions, the residents enjoy three healthy meals daily in comfortable accommodation.
About her role in the functioning of the home, she said: “After my mother died in 1990, I became a permanent part of the Dharm Shala. That was when I returned to Guyana after spending time in London.”
She said, since then, her days have been devoted to the running of the institution and, although it is a demanding task, her love for what her fore parents started keeps her going.
A celebration is held each year in honour of the Dharm Shala anniversary but this year was an exception because her father is sick.
“… we have decided that it just would not be right to celebrate at this time as he will not be there,” she explained.
There are 38 inmates, who, together with non-residents, are served with hot meals every day, prepared by a chef who resides there, as well.
Beneficiaries worship at the Hindu temple in the complex twice weekly and once weekly in the St. Francis Chapel but special services are conducted on religious holidays.
The Dharm Shala also offers free medical attention from a Government controlled unit which has a fully functional dispensary that dispenses medication without charge.