Sat joins PM at Divali function
Published: Guardian
Monday, November 16, 2015
Prime Minister Keith Rowley greets Secretary General of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha Satnarayn Maharaj at a post-Divali function, Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s on Saturday. Photo courtesy Office of the Prime Minister
Hindu leaders, including one of his fiercest critics Satnarayn Maharaj, were among selected guests hosted by Prime Minister Keith Rowley at a post-Divali function at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s on Saturday.
Maharaj is an open supporter of the United National Congress and former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and has been critical of Rowley and the People’s National Movement in the past. He is the Secretary General of one of largest Hindu organisations in T&T—the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha.
A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, had several photographs attached, including Maharaj beaming as he greeted Rowley. The Prime Minister told guests that this was his first opportunity, as Prime Minister, to celebrate a national festival at the Diplomatic Centre, according to the statement.
Using the symbolism of Divali the Prime Minister reminded those in attendance that even in the face of the horrific events that had taken place in Paris, on Friday, and other parts of the world; light will always prevail over the darkness of the worst of human behaviour, it added.
Rowley encouraged those present, as well as the national community, to let Divali’s messages of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and nobility in the face of injustice guide our lives, so that we may continue to be a nation of citizens who are able to co-exist, despite our differences, and live in harmony and peace, the statement said.
Divali was celebrated last Tuesday but persistent rain throughout the night doused deyas and interrupted festivities leaving many to light up the following night.
Invited guests included Indian High Commissioner to T&T Gauri Shankar Gupta, several other heads of local Hindu organisations, Ravi Ji, of the Hindu Prachar Kendra, Bro Harrypersad Maharaj, of the Inter-Religious Organisation, pundits and other members of the Hindu community.
The celebration followed recent public criticism from former Food Production minister Devant Maharaj that the PNM had failed to host a Divali function in recognition of the Hindu festival of lights.
Rowley and his wife, Sharon, along with the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, Sandra Jones, greeted guests as they arrived at the Diplomatic Centre. Also in attendance were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bridgid Annisette–George, President of the Senate, Christine Kangaloo, Cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament, all of whom were attired in traditional East Indian outfits. Many of them posted photos of themselves on social media yesterday.
Guests were addressed by the Indian High Commissioner who congratulated Rowley on becoming Prime Minister. Gupta lauded the citizens of T&T for the example they set in respecting each other observances.
