Dear Editor,
I DECIDED recently to visit the Dharm Shala location in Georgetown, where I met the managing head of that institution, Ms. Kella Ramsaroop and her sister Pamela. My sister was a resident of the Dharm Shala until her death in 2019 and for the sake of our privacy I will call her “Tia.” Tia’s life from her teenage years was turbulent, partly because she was likely bi-polar, and suffered a mental disorder, which was never addressed from the beginning.

I hired a taxi for the journey to the location in Albouystown. Mr. Roop, the taxi driver, arrived to pick me up and from the start was apprehensive about dropping me off and returning to pick me up at a later time. Instead, he insisted on staying while I conducted my visit. I did not make a fuss. This was not a monetary issue as far as I was concerned. I find it rather interesting that Albouystown, once a prime real estate location in Guyana, now has a fearful reputation; so much so, that people are reluctant to go there unless necessary.

I arrived at the Dharm Shala where the main building was displaying a 100-year anniversary signage outside. Not being a long resident of Guyana, I thought the Dharm Shala had only been in existence for no more than 10 years, so imagine my surprise. Anyway, I was directed across the street to Ms. Ramsaroop’s office/residence. I arrived at the house, rang the bell, and probably got a visual inspection by the people inside via the security cameras.

Ms. Ramsaroop finally came to the door of this exquisite colonial building, which should be designated as a UNESCO heritage site, if it is not so already. The first impression that struck me at the sight of this Indian woman was her poise and elegance.
I introduced myself and immediately told her that my visit was to thank her for taking care of my sister at her most desperate times. My sister died a few months after she was taken in by Ms. Kella Ramsaroop. This did not come as much of a surprise.

Ms. Ramsaroop enlightened me about the daily lives of residents of the Dharm Shala. She emphasised that the aims and objectives of this institution from inception were to feed, accommodate and attend to the religious, social, educational and medical needs of all those who come within its ambit. This mission remains the same today; and this has continued without cessation.
All services to beneficiaries at the Dharm Shala are provided free of charge.

The residents have come from all strata of society — a mixture of the penniless, to previously well to do, to those fallen on hard times. Many have stayed for years and most have had the Dharm Shala as their last place of residence before departing this life.

Management over the years has encountered those residents in need of sympathy, and understanding, but equally has had encounters with diverse and dangerous personalities. Nevertheless, this work of humanity continues.
“May God bless this great humanitarian work.”

Yours sincerely,
Name withheld