Unveils centenary monument in Botanic Gardens
PEACE, love and unity were the underlying messages yesterday as the Arya Samaj celebrated its 100th year in Guyana with the unveiling of the centenary monument in the Promenade Gardens in the city. Members of the Arya Samaj movement from all across the country gathered to celebrate the occasion, despite the inclement weather, together with the Acting President Samuel Hinds; President of the United Arya Samaj Federation, Bhai Vishnu Badhu; President of the Guyana Central Arya Samaj, Vishwa Mahadeo; and senior government officials.
In his address, Hinds paid tribute to those who have made significant contributions to life in Guyana, including the founder of the movement, Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, and all members of the Arya Samaj.
“We are here in an historic location to make our own history,” he declared.
Hinds called for special recognition of the last two principles of the Arya Samaj as, according to him, they speak directly to politicians and their role in developing the country in the best interest of  citizens.
Principle nine says, “one should not be content with one’s own welfare alone, but should look for one’s welfare in the welfare of all’ and 10, “one should regard oneself under restriction to follow altruistic rulings of society, while all should be free in following the rules of individual welfare.”
As to the significance of this, Hinds related, “We in Government have been able to get Guyana on the road of growing, and we can look around and feel proud, to a large extent, about the material improvement in our country…there is potential for an even better life for us in Guyana that will come if we could adopt the slogan, ‘prosper thy neighbour’.
“Over the years, there have been improvement in several key areas, including schools, medical facilities, and roads, among other things, and there exists the  potential for further improvements if we all realise that we live in the service of each other,” Hinds added.
In closing, Hinds challenged those gathered to “live up to principles” they have committed themselves to and encouraged them to continue to make contributions for the development of the country.
Meanwhile, President of the United Arya Samaj Federation, Bhai Badhu, stressed that it was indeed a long year of waiting  for the launching and unveiling of the monument marking 100 years in Guyana.
Alluding to the teachings of the movement, he said, “He (Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati) did not tell us to serve Indians, Africans, Portuguese or whatever race; he said to serve humanity; we all must try our best to do that … we should join hands and promise ourselves that we will try to follow the 10 principles of Arya Samaj, so that we can make this world a better place for every human being to live in.”
On behalf of the United Arya Samaj Federation, who funded the building of the monument, he thanked all of those who contributed to its completion, and to the executives in the United States for their contribution.
“The Arya Samaj movement in Guyana, is not a movement for one race but once you can accept the ten principles you can become a follower,” Bhai Vishwa Mahadeo, head of the Guyana Central Arya Samaj, said.
He said, “History would tell you that in the days of the British (when Guyana was a British colony), the leaders of the Arya Samaj were leaders in the fight for Guyana’s freedom from the British; the Arya Samaj has been a cradle of brilliant ideas, fearless people fighting for what was right.”
Bhai Mahadeo stressed that all members must live up to the expectations and standards set by their foreparents, to become better and contribute to making the universe noble.
Other presentations were made by Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy; Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Charles Ramson; Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green; and CEO GT&T Yog Mahadeo, among others.
Swami Dayanand Saraswatie founded the Arya Samaj in 1875; the mission of Arya Samaj is enshrined in its motto, ‘Krinvanto Vishwam Aaryam’, to make the Universe noble.
He declared his mission as not establishing a new religion, but for humanity to go back to the Vedas.
In Guyana, Arya Samaj was established 100 years ago by a visiting missionary from India, Bhai Parmanand, who was not only an Arya Samajist, but also a fearless freedom fighter for India’s Independence.
From 1910, Guyana has produced Arya Samajists who are leaders in all spheres of society.
Arya Samajists advocated the end of Indian immigration and were in the forefront of the  struggle for independence of British Guiana.
The Arya Samaj vehemently opposed the caste system and advocated that Brahmins are to be recognised as learned persons with Vedic education and impeccable character.
Of the 10, the first three principles of the Arya Samaj are seen as comprising the doctrinal core of the Arya Samaj, as they summarise the members’ belief in God, the nature of Divinity, and the authority of the Vedas.
The remaining seven principles reflect the reformative ambitions of the Samaj in regard to both the individual and society at large.