Dear Editor,
The Diwali celebrations and the motorcades were most entertaining, decent and scintillating. As usual they were well organized. The organizers must have experienced some problems, but as with any affair of such magnitude, a few problems there must be. There was the magnificent presentation of the lights, and the pretty little and bigger Laxhmis were well adorned. Truly mesmerizing were the motorcades on the West Coast and East Coast, which I saw, but I am sure that others were just as good.
For Hindus particularly, and all Guyanese it was decent entertainment with power. They sent a message that we Guyanese still have hopes, and we should stick to traditions of decency, without the vulgarity and nasty chutney songs imported from Trinidad or Jamaica or elsewhere, with their lawless messages and lyrics. The songs I noted were positively instructive and all programmes and parades displayed maturity and good behaviour. I am very proud and happy that the Dharmic Sabha forbade the selling or drinking of alcohol at any of its functions and celebrations. This positive trend needs to be imbibed by all religious groups, as well as organizations bent on development and the enhancing of moral values. No one in the various parades was drunk, not even the spectators. It shows that provided with a positive mood and encouragement, Guyanese can shun the lawless, in which many of our youths are being programmed to destroy their lives and become addicted to alcohol and vulgarity.
There were Hindus, Muslims and Christian spectators, all smiling and happy, and maybe inspired. There were peoples of all races every one of whom was happy. Diwali is truly an occasion of one people, one nation, and displays our destiny. So congratulations to the various Hindu organizations; they should keep inspiring.
I am truly proud of the decent behaviour of the participants and the Guyanese as a whole. The lone murder and injuries on the sea wall had nothing to do with Diwali. But it would be better still if the vendors on the sea wall and in the rum shops could respect the sanctity of such holidays and refrain from selling alcoholic beverages. This will help to create a more orderly and respectful nation and country we all could be proud of.
But why was it that Carib Beer was allowed to sponsor the Berbice Diwali Motorcade? Could the organizers not have encouraged a company like Ansa McAl to be a sponsor? Religious programmes should not be sponsored with alcohol-based products.
The Dharmic Sabha should be thanked for such healthy and entertaining Diwali floats, motorcades and clean entertainment.
Yours faithfully,
Roshan Khan
