The Guyana Indian Heritage Association (GIHA) says that its 'Day of Dignity" was conceptualised to reclaim Republic Day as a significant and sacred national day that should be marked by dignity, pride and decency, a release from the organisation states.

The organisation believes that on Republic Day Guyanese of every race, ethnicity and religion must participate in activities that would allow them to demonstrate their pride in their country. GIHA therefore intends to expand and improve on the "Day of Dignity" event for Republic Day 2005, the release stated.

The organisation held its first "Day of Dignity" celebration and its second Republic Day observance on February 23 at the West Demerara Secondary School, Pouderoyen.

The event began with the raising of the Golden Arrowhead, the singing of the national anthem by students of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh of Guyana, and prayers from representatives of the Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities.

The day's activities included dance items, singing, a poetry recital and speeches.

The audience was treated to a yoga display by Sandya Ramarag and to a special demonstration of the Indian game of kabbadi by students of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. According to the release, the game teaches players the importance of strength, discipline, team spirit and gamesmanship.

There were also speeches by Indian rights activists Wendell Persaud George, Amar Panday and Vedram Persaud. George's address centred on the need for Indians to work for the uplift of themselves and for all Guyana, while Panday explained the significance of Republicanism and presented a brief history of Republic Day.

Persaud in his address queried why Indian Guy-anese, the majority population, should have to fight for dignity and respect in their country, the release said.

Swami Aksharananda in his presentation said large numbers of Indian Guyanese are uncomfortable with Mashramani since it is "deculturising" to Indians and he anticipated that there will come a time when the rest of the population will understand the need for honour and dignity in Republic Day celebrations. He urged that Guyanese should use the significant day to reflect on the past, the present and the future.

Meantime, GIHA president, Ryhaan Shah, said in her address that the first "Day of Dignity" was a small beginning, a first step towards reclaiming February 23rd as Republic Day. Shah said February 23rd had become synonymous with Mash-ramani, which in her view was "an event of revelry and much vulgarity."

She also remembered the victims of the violence that gripped Guyana in 2002-2003 and reminded the gathering that the violence continues, the release stated. Shah paid special tribute to the late Trevor Fung who was stabbed to death recently on a city street by robbers. She recounted too the story of Fung's maternal grandfather, Mohabir Mahadeo of Lusignan who had been stabbed to death in Buxton in June 1973, noting that Guyanese could well ask, "What is there to celebrate?"

She added: "We must celebrate hope and faith in the future."