-annually mandir honours elders
Hindus countrywide will be observing Shubh Holi, or Phagwah, on Thursday, and in recognition of the event, the Prabha Sharan Orphanage of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, held its traditional Holi celebrations at the mandir at the weekend. The annual event, organised by Pandit Premnarayan and Chandrauti Gangadin, and the children of the Prabha Sharan orphanage, serves as a way of giving back something to the elderly in the community.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, graced the event with his presence, and lauded the administrators for a bold step and a job well done, in caring for the 20-odd children whose ages range from five to 17 years.
He told the gathering that service to humanity is the most effective form of devotion, since children are the future of any country and as such, should be nurtured.
“The future of Guyana is integrally linked to children, as they are the ones who will mould and develop this country of ours. I must thank you Mr. and Mrs. Gangadin, for this step, since it is not a light decision to make,” Minister Nandalall said.
The orphanage, established in 2005, is being run by Indira, a caregiver, in the absence of Mr. and Mrs. Gangadin, who reside in Canada.
The mission of the Prabha Sharan Orphanage is ‘to make sacrifice for the incarnation of children through education, to enable them to reach their optimum potential’, and according to Minister Nandlall, the mission statement is reflected in the teaching and upbringing of the children.
Over the years, the administration has invested heavily in the future of children, through the passage of children’s Bills, which will help to pave the way for Guyana’s children to be brought up responsibly.
Thus far, the Protection of Children Bill, the Status of the Children Bill, the Adoption of  Children Bill, and the Child Care, Protection Agency Bill, Juvenile Justice, Custody, Contact, Guardianship and Maintenance Bills were passed in the National Assembly.
“In 1992, when government took office, over 75 percent of people were living below the poverty line; today, less than 25 percent of people are now living this way,” Minister Nandlall said.
He stated that it is the government’s objective to ensure that poverty is removed, and as such, each year, one-third of the national budget is allocated to the social sector.
The programme was packed with dances, songs and skits by members of the mandir.
The Prabha Sharan Orphanage runs on donations and charitable gestures from members of the public.