-at Blairmont consecration of Lord Hanuman murti

SPEAKING at the prana pratistha, or consecration ceremony, of a 4.5 metre tall murti (statue) of the Hindu God Lord Hanuman at the Blairmont Mandir, West Bank Berbice, President David Granger urged Blairmont residents to use their religious faith to promote peace, unity, and harmony, even as the administration continues to work to transform the country into a more cohesive society.

Saying he was extremely happy to receive an invitation to worship with them on this important occasion, which he said is evidence of the deep roots of Hinduism in Guyana, President Granger

reminded the gathering of his oath to serve as President of all Guyana, and said Guyana is a strong country because each ethnic group brings different strengths which are necessary for national development.

“The Blairmont Mandir stands on sacred ground. It is central to the spiritual life of residents on the West Bank of Berbice. Devotees assemble there to worship and to enrich their spirituality, so that they can learn and live according to the precepts of Hinduism…. [This mandir] provides services to the community, and brings residents together to improve their own lives. It must continue to be a beacon to guide this community,” the Head of State declared.

Speaking of Guyana’s culturally diverse society, the President said he is of the firm view that the different ethnic and religious groups in Guyana need to develop greater understanding of each other, so as to fully appreciate the richness of the nation’s diversity and the strength of the country as a whole.

“We cannot be strong if we are ignorant. We cannot be strong if we misunderstand each other. But, through understanding, we will be better able to combine our energies and our strengths and ensure that our children live in an age of enlightenment, rather than an age of darkness,” he said.

He also spoke of the importance of Hinduism in Guyana, which dates back 178 years. He said it was brought to the country by Indian indentured labourers in 1838, and today constitutes a significant demographic element.

“This magnificent murti of Lord Hanuman is a public manifestation of private devotion. It is a physical expression of a divine spirit. It can be seen far and wide by anyone approaching Blairmont. It is proof that the adoration of Lord Hanuman is widespread. It is a reminder that his own grace is cast over the entire community,” President Granger said.

The officiating priest, Pandit Rajin Lallaram, in his remarks, said the erection of the murti must serve as a source of motivation and strength for people as they deal with the everyday challenges that life presents.

“Every day we awake we are greeted with some trial, some difficulty for which we have to be in the unending process of finding solutions. So today, with this establishment of this murti, I am sure that it will give us an opportunity to reflect on the strengths that lie within us, and to use that strength, courage, inner will and power to contribute to a better society, a better nation, and the world by extension,” Pandit Lallaram said.

Standing on a concrete platform immediately next to the mandir, the murti was constructed by a privately owned company located at Strathspey Village, East Coast Demerara at a cost of more than $900,000. Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally; Regional Chairman Mr. Vickchand Ramphal and other regional officials were present at the ceremony.

(Ministry of the Presidency)