Dear Editor,

I wish to commend the National Diwali Committee on the resurrection of the Ms Diwali Pageant.
It is indeed unfortunate that a selected few are attempting to cast a shadow on the upcoming pageant. How can this pageant be disrespectful to Hindus when the Diwali Pageant was successfully run in Guyana in the earlier days by one of the largest, most respectable Hindu organisations in Guyana − The Maha Sabha Organisation. Were they being disrespectful to their own religion?

Secondly, are we so narrow minded that the mere thought of a young girl modelling a sari on stage, is deemed as a “disgrace.” What part of the pageant is supposed to be disrespectful? The part where a young girl gracefully glides across the stage in her shimmering sari, or is it the part where she eloquently introduces herself to Guyana? Maybe it’s the segment where she’ll be questioned on some important aspect of our Hindu culture or our country. Maybe in Mr Nauth or Mr Persaud’s minds (GC, September 27), a “respectful lass” must stay at home and wash and scrub the floors whilst our male counterparts go out and earn a living. Come on! We’re living in the 21sst century guys! Don’t you insult our Hindu sisters now!

Diwali is a festival of celebration. Let’s get together as Guyanese and celebrate Diwali together.

Step out of your dark boxes gentlemen, and may Mother Laxshmi shed her light on you!

Yours faithfully,
Geeta Singh