THE Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the Cove and John Ashram, Kuru Kuru Training Centre and other Hindu devotees, yesterday hosted a programme on the eve of Diwali, aimed at ushering in the Festival of Lights, while developing a better understanding of each other’s culture and promoting and fostering cultural diversity.

The welcome and introduction was done by Chairman of the Cove and John Ashram, Ravi Singh who created a mood of expectancy, putting the devotees, organisers and invitees in a relaxed and celebratory frame of mind.
There were spirited renditions of Diwali songs, paving the way for the message of Diwali, delivered by Monk Brahmachari Devratta of the Cove and John Ashram, followed by the lighting-up of the Diyas. Other entertainment included a dance item by students of the Kuru Kuru Training Centre.
In his message to the gathering, Monk Devratta thanked and congratulated the Department of Education for organising the programme which, he said has always had the support of the Cove and John Ashram.
He sought to explain the meaning and significance of Diwali, he said the celebration was all about transformation, replacing darkness with light. He said that Diwali as we know it, is a Festival of Lights, and on that night, Lord Ram transformed the darkest night into the brightest night of the year.
Similarly, he said, transformation starts from within and so we should ask God, individually, to transform us: “ …to remove the darkness of ignorance with the light of wisdom. Ask Him to transform our environment; our homes and families; transform our country; lift it up, to build it and let it grow, because this is the period where everything shines on this glorious occasion.”

Addressing the gathering, Permanent Secretary, Alfred King said that the Ministry was always impressed with Guyana as a diverse country where we learn to appreciate and share each other’s culture. “We are always impressed with the message of Diwali which teaches us to look at the brighter side of things and work towards the triumph of good over evil,” King said.
Conceding that the message of Diwali is one that we should always want to adopt and acknowledge, he added: “More than that, as a Ministry responsible for promoting cultural awareness, we would always believe that we are responsible for providing opportunities for educating each of us, so that we learn a little bit more about each other’s culture, which would lead to a better level of understanding, if not, involvement and practice.”
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry  lauded the programme, referring to it as an excellent initiative, and one we would like to see continue into the future.
She noted that Guyana was a multi-religious community and all of us had our religious differences, but we also have our similarities. We all have our time in each year when we want to celebrate what matters, with our families, in service to our communities, and the importance of trying to see good triumph over evil. That is what Diwali is all about, Ms. Henery said.

Referring to and acknowledging Diwali as the ‘Festival of Lights’, she said that even though it is a celebration, mainly by the Hindu community, many Guyanese in this country also participate in the auspicious observance in one way or another.
So, she said, the celebration of Diwali cannot be just restricted to the lighting of the lamp … rather each one of us should seek to have that spiritual light ablaze in our hearts and in our minds, serving as a guide to our lives as we live each day.”
“Light is universal to our existence and often connotes philosophically, values such as wisdom, courage, prosperity, wealth, victory and joy. Therefore, as we celebrate this Festival of Light, let us let go of all negative attitudes of darkness, as we move together in peace, harmony and love,” Ms. Henry concluded.