Addressing a large gathering at the Cove and John Ashram, East Coast Demerara, where the Hindu religious occasion of Shiva Raatri was being observed, he said that in the efforts to change the world and remove imbalances and injustices, "the search cannot be only in the realm of the material world - there is need to look also into the spiritual realm."

The President noted that while there have been tremendous technological advancements and huge stockpiles of food in some parts of the world, billions of people are living in poverty with many dying from hunger. Because of instability in some societies many children are also forced to become soldiers, he noted.

There are no easy solutions and on religious occasions such as yesterday's, these are the injustices that people should reflect on and strive to instill a sense of justice in their hearts and prepare themselves to address these issues, the President urged.

Among those at the observance were Dr. Prakash Joshi, Indian High Commissioner; Mr. Ronald Godard, U.S. Ambassador and Mr. Serge Marcoux, Canadian High Commissioner.

Mr. Jagdeo noted that Guyana is an extremely poor country relative to many others and has had a difficult history during both its colonial and post-colonial era.

Recalling the long period of dictatorship which plagued Guyana and when the State took control of people's bodies and minds, the President reminded the gathering that many Guyanese were forcefully placed to work on a farm just for a food hamper.

This, he said, resulted in a whole generation of Guyanese who grew up in an environment of fear, and an attitude of succeeding at the expense of other people became entrenched.

He said that because of this changed value, managing this country is a difficult task.

Acknowledging that as President he will never be able to please everyone, he pointed out that what is important is sincerity of purpose, adding one must be "convinced within his heart" that he is doing the right thing. In this way "one will have a clear conscience", he pointed out.

The President added that the Hindu scriptures eloquently reinforce and support these values.

He cautioned parents not to allow their children to become victims of rumours being peddled by some sections of the media and said certain personalities are projecting themselves "to be what they are not." He advised that this can have a negative influence on the minds of others.

LIVELY DEBATES ON CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
Referring to the issue of corporal punishment in schools, which was mentioned by Swami Vidyanand - spiritual leader of the Ashram during his address - the President said this matter has generated lively debates at Cabinet but no decision has been taken on it.

He said the issue would have to be debated in the wider society before a definitive position is adopted.

Another matter Swami Vidyanand touched on was State control of schools and on this score the President said the Government has no objection to churches establishing schools as long as these are open to children of all religious persuasions.

He noted that a Christian and a Muslim school have been established and a Hindu organisation is also planning to do the same.

The President said that in an earlier period the church had to be separate from schools because the system was prejudiced in favour of Christianity, where one had to convert to Christianity in order to become a teacher.

Swami Vidyanand explained that Shiva Raatri is the time of the great reunion between Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati illustrating that God is both mother and father.

He said Hindus believe that God is manifest in a trinity of power - Brahma, the creator of righteousness, Vishnu, the protector of righteousness and Shiva or Mahesh the destroyer of unrighteousness.

The spiritual leader also spoke of the breakdown of morality and discipline in the society and attributed this to the pursuit of lust, greed and materialism.

He advocated greater self discipline and application of the principles of yoga to counter the decline in moral standards.

Hinduism teaches that sacrifices must be made for the benefit of the country and not for the benefit of a few people, Swami Vidyanand stressed while referring to the increasing selfishness being developed in society.

He also pointed out that youths are the backbone of society and said academic institutions have to ensure they impart positive and righteous values in students.

Referring to corporal punishment in schools he said this should be abolished, contending that with self discipline and self control no teacher would need to resort to physically punishing children.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, said the occasion of Shiva Raatri should serve to rekindle the spiritual thoughts of infinite love and affection.

He noted that in Guyana, which is multi-religious and multi-cultural, people have grown to appreciate and tolerate each other's differences in religion and culture.

Alluding to a world of great agitation he urged that people should recognise the need to defuse tensions in a bond of love and affection.

Minister of Finance, Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar, who is closely attached to the Ashram, said the institution since its inception has remained "philanthropic and charitable" and is a sanctuary for ending conflicts and moral decay.

He also urged the gathering to rise above materialism and make the spiritual connection with Lord Shiva, pointing out that Hinduism is not a cult but a way of realising God.

The Cove and John Ashram was founded in 1956 by Indian Hindu Missionary Swami Purnanand who came from Trinidad, where he was also involved in the furtherance of Hinduism.

In addition to the establishment of the Ashram, the Swami who was a firm believer in the education of children also established the first Hindu Primary School here.

In honour of his contribution to educational upliftment both the Primary and Secondary schools in the community have been renamed the Swami Purnanand Primary and Secondary Schools.