Written by Michael Khan
THE Mahila Madalee (women’s group) of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha continues to spread cheer to young Hindu devotees throughout the country and the children in East Berbice was no exception.
On Saturday affiliates of the East Berbice Praant gathered at the Canefield Mandir auditorium in East Canje and had a fun filled afternoon with stage performances of songs, dances, acrostics and animated entertainment by Bozo the clown, Cat woman and Sponge Bob.

The artistic display of the youths from various mandirs across the region created an eruption of loud screams and cheers, while at times the young Hindu audience gaped in excitement at the enthralling display of their peers.

PROMOTE PEACE AND HARMONY
In the midst of the fun and frolic, Member of Parliament and President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud engaged the children in a question and answer session which earned many of them, special prizes for their efforts. She however reminded them of the mandate of her organisation in contributing towards the development of the society.
“We at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will continue to work with young people and all Guyanese to promote peace and harmony,” she maintained.
Dr. Persaud hastened to acknowledge the role of the members of the Mahila Mandalee and congratulated them for their efforts in co-ordinating the first post-diwali party for kids in East Berbice.
“We believe that the children are the next generation of leaders and i want to encourage you to always have gatherings such as this (party) and, it will bring joy and cheer to fun loving citizens,” she posited.
Meanwhile, President of the East Berbice Praant of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Narine Datt Dhanraj said that the event is a special one in the history of the Praant since, it brings together youths from mandirs across East Berbice under one roof to interact and share joy among each other.

“It is also a time of giving and sharing, where the adults of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha show their appreciation towards the youth. As you know, you are definitely our future leaders and the East Berbice Praant stands ready to be part of your development,” he declared.

KALA UTSAV
The sizzling performances which sent the auditorium into a constant state of frenzy, saw many toys and school supplies being distributed for outstanding pieces and, the youths were encouraged to participate in Kala Utsav (festival of art), an initiative of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha which is expected to take place on Wednesday.
Apart from the giveaways, the children were treated to a sumptuous supper, lots of goodies, takeaway snacks, and they were all given the opportunity to do a physical piece on stage to the rhythm of Indian music.
At the end of the programme, Mr. Narine Datt Dhanraj presented the sum of $50,000 to Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on behalf of the East Berbice Praant, which will go towards the ongoing construction of a building at Port Mourant, Berbice; which will serve as a foster home for abused children.