Dharm Shala hosts Christmas Day luncheon in Albouystown

-honours the late Harry Ramsaroop for his work

Residents of the Dharm Shala receiving goodies at their annual Christmas Day Luncheon
Residents of the Dharm Shala receiving goodies at their annual Christmas Day Luncheon

The ‘Home of Benevolence for all races’, the Dharm Shala, on Christmas Day hosted its annual Christmas luncheon, which saw more than 90 guests in attendance.

Earlier in the month, the home had hosted its annual Christmas party for children. These acts have become tradition in the Albouystown community, where the Dharm Shala has kept its home for close to 100 years.

Chairwoman, Sheila George, during her address at the luncheon, lauded the managing head of the Dharm Shala, Kella Ramsaroop, for dedicating herself to forwarding the work of her late father, Harry Ramsaroop. “The mantle of service to the less fortunate in Guyana society has now been undertaken by Harry Ramsaroop’s elder daughter, Kella, now managing head of the Dharm Shala and the live-wire of this great charitable work now nearing 100 years old. Kella is absolutely committed to the continuance of the work. She is dedicated and steadfast and works tirelessly towards its success,” George stated.

Some of the residents at the Dharm Shala Christmas luncheon.

“…It is fitting that mention be made of the late Harry Ramsaroop,” she said, “It must be remembered that this building in which we are all assembled today and all other 10 Dharm Shala buildings were constructed between 1952-1960 due to the commitment and hard work of this person. He was able to resurrect and build a modern Dharm Shala, which would probably have disappeared from the Guyana landscape on the death of the founder in 1950,” George related, noting that Harry served the less fortunate for 63 years until his death in 2013.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, who attended with his wife, delivered the feature address at the gathering, having appeared in place of President David Granger.