– says Minister Persaud during GTT’s Diya light-up ceremony

DIWALI, the brightest and one of the most unifying days of the year is observed today and it is incumbent upon all to strive to let the light of knowledge overcome the darkness of ignorance. Diwali has always been a colourful celebration, but, over the years, it has evolved in grandeur and splendour, and is today more colourful than ever before, thanks to the leaders of the Hindu community.

Human Services and Social Security Minister and President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Wednesday evening, expressed that Diwali signifies the unifying of people from different backgrounds and beliefs.

Dr. Persaud made this statement during the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph’s (GTT’s) “Diya Light-up” ceremony hosted in the compound of the company’s Brickdam, Georgetown location.

“As we light a symbolic diya, one of the prayers that comes to my mind is from the Upanishads, which says, ‘Lead us from darkness to light, Oh Lord’, and it is a prayer that resonates with everyone irrespective of your faith or belief because we always want to be a society, community or wider country that moves people from the negatives, and difficulties to light,” the minister articulated.

GTT Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd, said the ceremony is particularly poignant this year.
“We are at a time in the country where we will really see significant growth; I think it is a great time for the country and Diwali means really the knowledge over ignorance…I urge you to seek knowledge,” he said.

He expressed his disappointment that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Motorcade will not be held this year but was advised by Dr. Persaud of the upcoming virtual Diwali Motorcade.
The minister further specified that an actual motorcade will not be held; a virtual motorcade will be aired on Friday at 20:00 hours on all television channels and live-streamed on Facebook.

Mayor of Georgetown, His Worship, Ubraj Narine, and other officials also attended the ceremony. Patrons were able to enjoy a dance performance by the Ishara Dance Troupe.