Dear Editor,
There is something awry with regard to the recent social efforts of certain Hindu organizations in Guyana. A few days ago, Guyanese swooned at the melodies of world-renowned Bollywood singer, Sonu Nigam, under the auspices of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. The concert that was held (and that, from all indications, garnered significant profits) was said to be in commemoration of Indian Arrival in Guyana some 174 years ago. Interestingly, the proceeds of the concert are said to be going towards the construction of a shelter in Berbice to house children who are victims of abuse – a part of a larger campaign by the organization to combat abuse, and a magnanimous cause to say the very least. This shelter will be constructed (according to media releases) at Ankerville, Port Mourant. This is where the story gets interesting.
Just over one month ago, another prominent Hindu organization, the New Jersey Arya Samaj (which one assumes works with the Guyanese branch of the Arya Samaj) had a sod-turning ceremony for a “Humanitarian Mission Village,” which was described as a future place of refuge for, among others, victims of abuse and orphans. The ceremony, while lacking in Bollywood firepower, boasted the presence of PM Hinds, diplomats and other dignitaries. This shelter is said to be going up at – yes, you guessed it – Ankerville, Port Mourant.
So, there are two Hindu shelters going up in the exact same area, being advertised and gaining support at roughly the same time. Does something not seem fishy about this? In some reports, it was mentioned that the government had given the Dharmic Sabha the land for their project; why would that happen if the Arya Samaj had a ceremony to initiate a similar project in the exact same area just one month earlier?
Who was there first? Is there some grand architectural and construction war that is about to take place at Ankerville in the name of religion and humanitarianism?
This might be a good thing – after all, both efforts seem to be targeting an area of importance in Guyana.
The overriding problem here is that it’s all happening in one place.
Why would one of these proposed projects not move to, say, another part of the country? Surely the problems being targeted exist beyond the borders of Ankerville, Port Mourant.
If this letter is seeking to do anything, it is to raise awareness of the need for these types of benevolent causes, but to also stress that they be intelligently planned and considered under the purview of the Ministry of Social Services and any other pertinent bodies. Hinduism is all about serving the global family, something that both the Dharmic Sabha and Arya Samaj are doing.
They should keep up the good work – but please, work together.
Yours faithfully,
S T Persaud
