By Indrawattie Natram
Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa, on Friday, received a warm welcome from residents in Region Two, as he visited the ancient county for the first time.
The high commissioner is expected to address the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce and Industry Annual Dinner today.

On Friday, he used the opportunity to reach out to several businesses, temples and local leaders and spoke about the programmes and opportunities that the Government of India have made available to persons in Guyana.

Dr Srinivasa also met with Anna Regina Mayor, Rajendra Prabhualall, and councilors, as well as Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt, who accompanied him to several places of note on the Essequibo Coast.

During his visit to Golden Fleece Vishwa Jhotir Temple, the Indian high commissioner was welcomed to tassa drumming, a welcome drink of coconut water and arti by worshippers.
He then interacted with members of the mandir and spoke about the many programmes being offered by the Government to India to young Guyanese.

These programmes include fully-paid scholarships, visits through the Know India Programme and the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana, for persons between 45 and 65 years of age.

Apart from the educational tours and programmes, Dr K J Srinivasa said musical, dance and yoga classes were available and he would soon be collaborating with local leaders to take such classes to the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

The high commissioner was impressed with the way of life of Essequibians and their upkeep of Indian culture and traditions and committed to make more cultural programmes available to Region Two, aside from musical, dance and yoga classes.

“Since I took the post in Guyana, I have ensured that more scholarships are offered to young people and I have also asked that more young people from various regions are selected for programmes, two from each region,” Dr K J Srinivasa said.

At the end of the interaction, residents requested Indian literature and cultural classes from the High Commission.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt thanked the Indian high commissioner for reaching out to the people of Region Two and educating them on the many programmes that can be accessed. He also mentioned that it was the first time that a high commissioner was reaching out to the people in various communities and commended the efforts of Dr K J Srinivasa.

The Indian high commissioners also visited the Lima Pump where he met with rice farmers. He is also scheduled to visit the Pomeroon River and other communities today