As the Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh delivered a compelling message urging the people of Guyana to recognize and actively embrace the rich tapestry of cultural diversity within their nation. His call was not merely a nod to various cultural elements but a sincere encouragement to harness this diversity as a powerful force for promoting unity, resilience, and overall prosperity for the country.
These remarks were delivered during a significant cultural event, the Diwali Mela, which took place at the Indian Monument Gardens under the auspices of the Indian Commemoration Trust. The event’s timing on a Friday evening provided a fitting backdrop for celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, a joyous occasion deeply rooted in Indian tradition.
Attendees at the Diwali Mela were treated to a sensory feast featuring the vibrant sounds of Indian music, the rhythmic movements of traditional dances, and the delightful flavours of Indian cuisine. Such cultural expressions served not only as a celebration of Diwali but also as a manifestation of the broader multicultural heritage that defines Guyana.
Minister Singh went beyond the festivities, emphasizing a profound message about the importance of celebrating religious holidays. In his view, these celebrations are moments of joy, festivity, and tangible expressions of Guyana’s multicultural identity—a precious asset that should be safeguarded and treasured. His words carried a reminder that the coexistence of diverse religious and cultural practices is not mere luck but a deliberate and invaluable aspect of Guyana’s national character.
Dr. Ashni Singh’s call to embrace cultural diversity was not confined to a specific event; it was a rallying cry for a broader societal mindset. By recognizing and valuing the richness of their multicultural heritage, the people of Guyana were encouraged to build a foundation of unity, resilience, and prosperity that extends far beyond the festivities of any particular event.
“Right now, as we speak, people are hiding in their homes, afraid of losing their lives tonight because of religious and ethnic differences in many parts of the world. Right now, people have lost their lives at the hands of others for no other reason than that they belong to another ethnicity or religion. So, we must not be flippant about this beautiful and rich diversity that we enjoy in Guyana,” Dr Singh noted.
Against the backdrop set by the cultural celebration, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ platform takes center stage, advocating for greater inclusion, unity, and equality as indispensable elements for the nation’s development. The call for embracing the diverse cultural heritage aligns seamlessly with this platform, emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and equal participation for all Guyanese.
Furthermore, Dr. Ashni Singh, in alignment with the spirit of the Diwali celebration, highlighted the profound spiritual significance of Deepavali. He drew attention to the symbolic victory of light over darkness, urging all those present to internalize this profound message as a guiding principle in their lives. In essence, the triumph of light serves as a metaphor for overcoming challenges, promoting positivity, and navigating toward a brighter, shared future.
By intertwining cultural celebration with a broader message of unity, equality, and spiritual significance, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Dr. Singh are steering the narrative toward a collective vision of a harmonious and inclusive Guyana. In this context, the ‘One Guyana’ platform becomes a roadmap for cultural unity and a holistic approach to national development that embraces diversity, equality, and the timeless wisdom embedded in cultural traditions. The celebration of Deepavali becomes more than a festivity; it transforms into a beacon, guiding individuals towards enlightenment, unity, and shared prosperity in the tapestry of One Guyana.
“We have an obligation not only to repeat the significance of Diwali but how we can incorporate into our daily lives the lessons of light over darkness, good over evil, and positive over negative,” he related.
The Indian Commemoration Trust is an organization aimed at promoting Indian culture. It has been involved in several projects, the most notable being the renovation of the Indian Monument Gardens in preparation for the 175th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians in Guyana.
Vedan Choolun, Special Reporter .