By Cindy Parkinson
INDIAN High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr.
K.J. Srinivasa has commended Guyanese for supporting each other’s culture as one people living in harmony.
“This is a great example that I give back home to all my friends, that Guyana is such a wonderful example for the two secular syncretic traditions in any place in the world,” Dr. Srinivasa said during his remarks at a Diwali function on Saturday evening, organised by the High Commission of India.

To begin the auspicious celebration, the ceremonial lamp was lit by Dr. Srinivasa and Mrs. Srinivasa; Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir; Former President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar and Mrs. Deolatchmee Ramotar; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd; Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul and the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine.
In his remarks, Minister Todd said: “The practise of Hinduism is undoubtedly the oldest religion in the world and we have it right here in Guyana.”
He related that the culture inherited from Indians has helped mould Guyana into a “strong and multicultural society” that is being embraced by all Guyanese.
Minister Todd also said that Guyanese recognise that as a society, there must be a strong culture that gives the people their values and norms so as to keep the government in check.

He believes that Hinduism is a practice that has helped to mould Guyana, shape the Guyanese people, and bring Guyana to where it is today; a strong independent nation with “a very bright future”.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who is also the President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, implored all Guyanese to work together to strengthen the nation through the festivals that were brought by the ancestors to these shores.
The minister asked all Guyanese to radiate light from within themselves, and share it with each other.
An emotional House Speaker Nadir, in his message, called on all Guyanese to come together and love each other.
“Let’s spend the time that we have with love,” he said.