Georgetown, GINA, February 18, 2004

Hinduism, like the other religions, has a critical role to play in the way Guyanese view life and the Head of State is calling on Hindus to embrace closer, the teachings of their religion.
President Bharrat Jagdeo was at the time addressing those gathered at the Cove and John Ashram to participate in the Shivaraatri 2004 observances.
“I urge you brothers and sisters, do not have negative attitudes in life…if you remain positive about life you are going to be successful materially and spiritually. Don’t let people daunt your spirits,” the President said.
According to President Jagdeo, Government faces several challenges in running Guyana, but remains optimistic, and religions have a role to play in ensuring communities do the same.
He noted that his Administration took over a debt-ridden Guyana with several key services and infrastructure missing. Although one decade has passed and immense progress was made, there is still a long way to go.
“I want to promise you that inspite of all of this, inspite of all the rumours and everything else that people try to tear down the country, we are going to remain committed to the cause…but what spews confusion is a negative attitude,” he said.
The President acknowledged that Guyana has poverty, but comparatively, he noted that there are still many things to be grateful for. Countries with more developed economies such as Africa, India and neighbouring Brazil have high poverty rates, he added.
He called on Hindus to teach the children their history and the way to prosperity as stated in the holy books. This he said is one way of giving them a foundation for building a solid life.
Commenting on the occasion of Shivaraatri, the President noted that the lesson is a good one as it urges “oneness.”
The President visits the Ashram annually for its observances. This he described as a “pilgrimage” for him, as it reminds him of his humble beginnings in the nearby village of Unity, Mahaica.
Also present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Finance Sasenarine Kowlessar, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Reepu Daman Persaud and the Canadian and British High Commissioners to Guyana.
Prime Minister Hinds noted that Guyanese have realised the need for oneness, but often the challenge is to accept this and embrace all other cultures and religions. He urged, as the occasion of Shivaraatri is observed, that all Guyanese work towards ensuring prosperity for each other.
Minister Persaud, who is also a Pundit, noted that Shivaraatri is an auspicious day on the Hindu calendar, and focuses on consecrated worship, as it is regarded as the day “Lord Shiva is most easily pleased.”
The concept behind the occasion he explained is that there is only one God and every one should separate himself from negativity and live a quality and positive life after the creator.
Minister Kowlessar noted that the celebrations will continue into the night and even though it is lengthy, the “rewards are great.”
Presiding over the service was the Swami of the Ashram Swami Purnananda Maharaj. He noted that Shiva is the Supreme creation and on this day blessings sought are fulfilled.
This day also coincides with the death anniversary of the founder of the Cove & John Ashram.
The President also took the opportunity to meet the Swami and people before joining the feasting.