THE Golden Om Dharmic Youth group of East Canje, Berbice, has once again reached out to the needy to mark a special occasion.
On Father’s Day, the group made its annual contribution to the inmates of the New Amsterdam Dharm Shala with great delight, as they sought to follow the teachings of Hinduism.
The group, which is the youth arm of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), led by its president, Pandit Deodat Persaud, ventured to the facility next to the Canje River Bridge to spread cheer in the form of clothing and vegetarian meals to the 24 inmates there. Prior to the presentation, Pandit Persaud took the opportunity to offer words of encouragement to the fathers among the 10 males at the benevolent home.
“Despite you may think that you are housed at the Dharm Shala and away from the civilised world, you are still important; you made your contribution towards society and it is now our honour to acknowledge you,” he said.
Persaud pointed out that there are many uncertainties in life, and doing good deeds is one of the ways in which to seek blessings.
He added, “We are youths today; but in the future, we are going to get old and we cannot predict where we may end up; we understand the reality of life.”
The pandit reminded the gathering that the religion of Sanathan Dharm requires the offering of service to God, parents, guests, the less fortunate and animals.
“Happy Father’s day to all of you and do remember that we care for you,” he assured.
Following the traditional expression of gratitude by the inmates to the Golden Om members, an elder, Dennis Singh, invoked the name of God to bless the donation. Caretaker of the facility, Gary ‘Bangee’ Erskine, also thanked the Hindu youths for remembering the Dharm Shala occupants.
“These persons here are needy; but more than that, they are human beings and they require public assistance for survival …. a big thank you to Golden Om,” he expressed.
The youth group will return to the facility in the near future to offer haircuts to the inmates and engage them in interactive sessions that will make their stay at the Dharm Shala a comfortable one.
(By Michael Khan)
