Ponder perpetually on significance of Diwali - President urges Guyanese Guyana Chronicle November 7, 1999 PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo, in a message to mark Diwali - the Festival of Lights - is urging that the meaning and symbolism of Diwali must not be a feature of only one day. Instead, Guyanese must ponder perpetually on the significance of the occasion and recognise how it can be instructive to our day-to-day challenges. "We must work together to forge stronger ties within our communities, and among various social groups. In fact, this is what all religions teach us - togetherness and peace. All of us must reflect on observances such as this si that we can become more and more aware of our shared responsibility in building social tolerance and respect, and above all, national unity. Let me use this message to once more impress upon all religious bodies the responsibility they have in helping all our people in accomplishing this crucial task," the Guyanese leader said. The following is the text of the President's message: "Hindus across the globe are celebrating Diwali - the festival of lights. On this auspicious occasion, I extend sincerest Diwali greetings to all Hindus and the Guyanese nation as a whole. Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming, that is, his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravan and his coronation as king. However, this festival symbolically represents some universal virtues: the victory of light over darkness, truth over untruth, good over evil, peace over conflict. In our multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, Diwali has over the years served as a catalyst for unity, and social respect since it is an occasion when Hindus and non-Hindus alike join in the festivities. Tens of thousands of Guyanese of all denominations will flock the streets of Georgetown and the East Coast seawall, and many more will assembled in the LBI Community Centre Ground to witness the annual Diwali motorcade. I am informed that the turn out was large in other parts of the country where motorcades and related activities were organised. Diyas will beautifully illuminate our surroundings in nearly every village and community. Many relatives and friends will come together to share sweets or exchange gifts. It is believed that the Hindu Goddess Mother Lakshmi graces the shops and homes on this day and showers her blessings and bestows good fortune upon her worshippers. But most importantly, love, friendship and coming together of families and friends will prevail. I urge that the meaning and symbolism of Diwali must not only be a feature of one day. No matter our creed or religion, all Guyanese must ponder perpetually on the significance of this occasion and recognise how it can be instructive to our day-to-day challenges. We must work together to forge stronger ties within our communities, and among various social groups. In fact this is what all religions teach us - togetherness and peace. All of us must reflect on observances such as this so that we can become more and more aware of our shared repressibility in building social tolerance and respect, and above all - national unity. Let me use this message to once more impress upon all religious bodies the responsibility they have in helping all our people in accomplishing this crucial task. Let us celebrate the rich diversity of our land and I urge all Guyanese to join with our Hindu brothers and sisters in making this observance a truly festive and joyous one. A happy Diwali to the people of Guyana." A © page from: Guyana: Land of Six Peoples