ON the 4th July, 2010, 15 Pandits of Region 3 got together and formed the Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha. It was an historic moment. Its Aims and Objectives include: (a) To function as a Hindu Religious, Cultural and Educational organisation.
(b) To promote Hinduism through various activities, viz., visits to Mandirs; monthly Satsanghs;
training of Mandir leaders; seminars/workshops; cultural and social activities; etc.
(c) To address issues affecting Pandits and the Hindu community.
(d) To improve Pandits’ performances.

ACTIVITIES OF THE PAST YEAR
(I) RELIGIOUS
Pandits of the Sabha paid monthly visits to various Mandirs from Sisters Village to Canals Polder to Hubu on the West Coast Demerara and East Bank Essequibo. During these visits, various Pandits made valuable presentations on matters of importance to Hindus and Hinduism. It is heartening to note that everywhere we went the Sabha was well received, and Mandirs, as well as the Hindu public, gave us firm and tangible support.

(II) EDUCATION
(A) Classes for Pandits and aspiring Pandits were held on Sunday and Monday of each week, and the subjects taught were:.
1 Hindu rituals: (Poojaa – Ganesha, Gauree, Prithivee, Kalasha, Lakshmee, Nava Grahaa, Havan, Hanuman, Shiva, Durga, Krishna, Saraswatee, etc.).
2 Ceremonies: (Sanskars of conception, birth, naming, nundan, education, marriage, house-opening, death and after death).
3 Sanskrit Language.
4 Hinduism. (Theology & Philosophy)
5 Hindu astrology.    
(B) Eight Pandits were successful at the Praathmik 1, Sanskrit Examination. Praathmik 1, (for new student/Pandits), while the Praathmik II Examinations will be held early this year.
Certification of Pandits who have successfully completed the syllabus will be done this year.
© Our monthly Newsletter has been a valuable source of information to the Hindu public. Responses from the Hindu public have been positive and encouraging.
CHAUTAAL SAMELAN: A Chautaal Samelan held on March 13th at the Tuschen (North) Mandir was a grand success. Approximately 500 persons were treated to four hours of Chautaals by representative groups of fifteen (15) Mandirs. Each Mandir was presented with a trophy and gift.
SUICIDE PREVENTION. As part of the Sabha’s general Training programme, Pandits participated in a one-day Seminar in “Suicide Prevention” on the 28th May, 2011 at the Leonora Secondary School. It was conducted by the Social Work Unit of the Ministry of Health, Region 3. Sixteen representatives of Mandirs were present. 

(IV) SEMINAR
The Sabha held a seminar at the Leonora Secondary School on 4th July, 2011, from 9.30 A.M. to 3.00 P.M.  It was a resounding success. Two hundred and fifty persons, old and young, representing Mandirs from Patentia to Canals Polder to Parika, attended. Six Pandits of the Sabha made presentations of half-hour duration on the following topics:
1. Hindu Scriptures – Pt. Chandra Shekhar Samlall.
2. Language(s) – Hindi, English and Sanskrit-Pt. R. Etwaru.
3. Suicide-Pt. T. Seeraj.
4. (a) Sex – the Hindu view;
(b) Parental supervision/control of
children- Pt. H. Doobay.
5. (a) Sanskars; b) Education-Pt. Charanlall Nandalall.
6. (a) The Hindu Marriage ceremony;
(b) Inter-Marrying;
© Sale of Alcohol at Hindu weddings-Pt. R. Balbadar.
The subjects were well researched, properly structured, and competently presented. The audience was treated to five hours of ‘high-quality’ information and stimulating discussions. It was a new experience; it was a learning session.
The 17 Pandits of the Sabha are very learned and competent and will continue to work with Mandirs and the Hindu public to further the cause of Hinduism.

YAJNA
Pandits of the Sabha took part in a three-night Yajna held at Bella Dam Mandir, Pouderoyen from August 4 – 6. Pandits The officiating Pandits were R. Balbadar, H. Doobay and C. Nandalall.
Their presentations were well researched, were of a very high standard and were well received by the audiences each night. The Pandits moved away from the usual story-telling and run-of-the mill ‘katha’. The subjects discussed brought a breath of fresh air to Hinduism. Persons confessed that they have become fed up with hearing one thing over and over again, and from only one text.

DHARMA PRABUDDHA” – ‘AWAKENING OF DHARMA”
The Sabha held its first outdoor Satsangh – “DHARMA PRABUDDHA” – ‘AWAKENING OF DHARMA” on Saturday, 12th November, 2011 at Fisher Dam, Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo. It was a great success. More than 200 persons attended. Pandits Hardial Doobay and Charranlall Nandalall delivered the messages. More such satsanghs are planned for the new year, 2012. 
The Sabha wishes to thank the Hindu community for its kind support during the year and looks forward for same in the coming year.