FATHER of the Guyanese nation, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and his figurative comrade-in-arms, Pt. Reepu Daman Persaud, had many characteristic similarities; but outstanding –- given their social and historic background, where women were considered a sub-human specie — was their absolute respect for women, and their drive to empower this formerly very discriminated-against gender in Guyana’s male-centric society. That they have succeeded immeasurably is attested to by Guyanese women who straddle, with superiority, every profession and in every sphere of human endeavour.

But there are yet pockets of resistance to change, because egoism, ignorance, and sheer human evil predisposes some males in the general society to prove their unique brand of machismo by abusing and/or battering the vulnerable and the helpless; and, most often, these are family members, including elderly parents, wives and children.
Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud is a product of the Cheddi Jagan/Reepu Daman Persaud influences, and a chip off the old block. She re-defines the term ‘superwoman.’ Dr. Vindhya Persaud is doing her very best to help transfigure the socio-political dynamics of Guyana.
Following in the footsteps of her larger-than-life father, Vindhya is serving society through Guyana’s parliamentary configuration, being part of the legislative processes; but simultaneously, she serves society through the practise of her profession as a medical doctor; through fostering of various art forms and skills training and other empowering initiatives; through providing proficient and effective leadership to the mammoth organisation her father founded, The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha; and for approximately two years, she became a promoter of international superstars.
If Vindhya Persaud had wanted, she could have become a millionaire– rich beyond avarice; because the earnings from her promotional exploits were superlative. But she did what her father has done before: channeled all her efforts and the accrual earnings from her various productions and programmes into funds for the betterment of lives that need nurturing to survive and develop to maximum potential.
Hence the commissioning, on Monday, of ‘Bal Nivas’, a home for abused children, and an empowerment/skills-training centre for women.
Guyanese Head of State, President Donald Ramotar, officially commissioned the multimillion-dollar ‘Bal Nivas’ facility at Ankerville, Port Mourant, Berbice that will provide temporary housing for 60 children and their mothers from across the country. Among those gracing the opening ceremony with their presence were international singing sensation Sonu Nigam, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee and other members of Guyana Government.
The centre is an initiative of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, and a vision of the late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.
Dr. Vindhya said she is aware expectations of her are high, and she can never fill the shoes of her late father, Reepu Daman Persaud. However, she pledged to continue his work.
“This is a project that is close to my heart as it is close to Dharmic…in 2009, I got my first call that the children of this region needed a place of shelter and abused and battered women required somewhere they can gain esteem.”
From that day, Dr. Persaud said the idea was birthed and it is now a reality.
“It is a sad day when our children need this kind of facility, because we think every child has a safe place, because of this fact we feel a sense of responsibility,” she said.
The facility will boast a counselling unit, as well as a technical training centre, and is expected to be operational by July of this year.

It takes a special person, moreso a woman, to motivate an army of volunteers to concretise such a vision. However, today, ‘Bal Nivas’ stands as proud testimony to a daughter’s honour of a father’s legacy of, more than monuments and philosophies, adherence to a motto lived by father, emulated by a reverential daughter: ‘Service thy duty – reward not thy concern’.