– President Ramotar
PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar and first lady Deolatchmee Ramotar Monday evening, at the Shree Krishna Dharmic Mandir, Parika, extended birthday wishes to Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, not only for reaching another milestone, but, more importantly, for his outstanding contribution to Guyana’s history. “On behalf of the government, members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, and myself, I wish you a happy birthday…I also congratulate your family for keeping you strong,” the president said.
The Head of State, recounting the contributions made by Pandit Persaud, said that the Dharmic Sabha was formed at a critical time in Guyana’s history, when there was dire need for dedicated people who pledged their full support to move Guyana forward.
“Pandit Persaud and a few others with him, at that crucial time in our country, stood up, and were counted as the persons who would dedicate their energies to chart the course for a brighter Guyana…this also led to the formation of the Dharmic Sabha organisation that has not only served Hindus of the country, but to protect and preserve the rich culture that our ancestors brought here, when they came from India…this organisation has now become part of our society, and its history is part of the history of this country…this is all testimony to the hard work and efforts of Pandit Persaud,” the Head of State said.
Government was lucky to have had the guidance of Pandit Persaud in its difficult times, he said.
“He managed to skillfully blend religious and cultural needs to the needs of the whole country and brought it to be part of the general movement that eventually brought freedom to Guyana…our second Independence in October 1992…if we forget those days we will be at peril,” the Head of State said.
President Ramotar also said that Hinduism teaches that one should not judge a person by what he/she says, but only by what is done. In examining the life and contributions of Pandit Persaud, his was a fulfilling one, acceptable according to the principles of Hinduism.
“One cannot help but speak about him, as he made tremendous contributions, not only to religious life in our society, but also to national life…he is not only a religious leader, but also a national leader in this country…we are very thankful and lucky that he is a person of such calibre and character, who has been with us from the start of the organisation to the present,” the Head of State said.
Taking into account Pandit Persaud’s contribution to the Dharmic Sabha, the Head of State charged members of the Sabha to compile the organisation’s history.
“The history of the Dharmic Sabha should be written…you should start taping Pandit Persaud, his histories, his experiences, along with those of others who worked closely with him to carry out the kind of work that is being done today…these are essential things, not only for preserving the records, but it will help to guide and protect you, by teaching you about the lurking dangers that could be ahead of you,” the Head of State said.
First Lady Deolatchmee Persaud, in similar manner, wished Pandit Persaud a happy birthday, stating that she was pleased to be a part of the celebration to honour Pandit Persaud.
Members of the Dharmic Sabha converged on the Shree Krishna Dharmic Mandir, Parika, Region 3, on Monday to join the annual celebration of Pandit Persaud’s birth anniversary.