divali 2001
TRANSCRIPT
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
1/48
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
2/48
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
3/48
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
4/48
Ieditorial
There is the need for dialogue to dispel the darkness of ignorance and hatred
Asato sagamahya, tamaso ma
Jyotir gamayah, Mrityo ma
Amritam gamaya
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata.
Oh Divine Mother
Lead usfrom falsehood to truth
From darkness to light
From death to immortality.
The opening invocation to the presiding deity, Mother
Lakshmi, beseeches the Divine Mother to dispel the
ignorance that corrupts our hearts. Its theme - the victory
of enlightenment over the plague of ignorance - should be
a goal for every Hindu in his/her supplication during this
Divali.
The occasion of Divali provides the Hindu community
with an excellent opportunity to undergo a period of
spiritual and physical cleansing from those activities,
thoughts and words that cause us to detach ourselves from
the Universal Mother. When, therefore, we consider the
tumultuous events that have besieged the Hindu
consciousness, there is little doubt that ignorance threatens
to overwhelm us.
What then is required of us? Perhaps, we should aim
to renew our commitment to dharma [duty] as human
beings placed on this earth to serve one another and,
ultimately, to serve God. It has become clear that some of
our actions do not lend themselves to upliftment. The first
step in this direction may be to reassess the value of
dialogue in strengthening the interaction of our varied
cultures.
This year's Divali celebrations must be seen in the
context of the designation of 2001 as the Year of
Dialogue Among Civilisations by the United Nations.
The Director General of UNESCO has underscored the
acute need for dialogue at both the national and
international levels in bringing about reconciliation and
peace. He said that dialogue would provide an opportunity
not only to explore the past legacies of different cultures,
but also to reflect on the future. He was convinced that
getting to know the cultures of others dispelled hatred and
helped to build peace.
These themes are closely linked to our Divali
celebrations, and such a comment has special meaning to
us, in fight of the abundance of evidence to indicate that
we are plagued by the perils of ignorance and an absence
of enlightened actions. Internationally, a calamity of
monstrous proportions has shocked the sensibilities of all
nations. On September II, 200 I a storm of terrorist
hit the United States resulting in the loss of mor
6,000 lives. It also destroyed property worth billi
dollars. These actions and their horrific consequences
the signature of religious ignorance and the refu
initiate dialogue in resolving differences.
Locally, the nation's political landscape has i
share of calamity. The nation's Prime Minister, B
Panday, and his former Attorney General R
Lawrence Maharaj have become estranged over p
differences. Consequently, the two are now adversa
a brother vs brother duel which some political p
have likened to the historic events of the dharmic b
Kurekshetra.
Hindus have taken account of this instability i
prayers. They have observed a decrease in the stand
decency in the banter on the political platform. Dail
have seen the heated exchanges between these Hin
Indian leaders. They have also witnessed the abse
meaningful dialogue and thoughtful objectives by
political leaders. Hindus have long experienced the
of religious ignorance. Ignorant actions will beget ig
reactions. Th is is the age of
ka/yug
[darkness]
unrighteousness abounds.
Divali is a deeply spiritual festival. It is easily th
joyous occasion in the Hindu calendar and observed
great gaiety. It is preceeded by the Nau Raatri
during which the sanctity of womanhood is worshipp
the deites Lakshmi, Durga and Sarswati. The celeb
will culminate in the nationwide lighting of deyas [e
lamps] by both individuals and corporate citizen
Hindus, it will again be a time of renewal and rededic
The Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council (ICC) join
nation in the celebration of Divali 2001, and exten
best wishes for a happy Divali to the Hindu commun
The authors are responsible for the content of their a
The opinions expressed therein are not necessarily th
the publisher.
Cover depicts actors in Ramleela performed by SW
in Aranguez. Ramleela is a form of open-air folk
staged every Divali throughout Trinidad and Tobago
Cover design by Preddie Partap.
Dr Kumar Mahabir, Chairman
Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council (ICC)
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868): 675-7707
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
5/48
f
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
6/48
THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
PRIME MINISTER
THE HONOURABLE BASDEO PANDAY
Fellow Citizens,
Divali has once more arrived with its annual messages of the triumph of good over evil, of light
over darkness and of knowledge and freedom over ignorance and fear.
Throughout the world we are seeing the results of men's greed for power, for status and position.
We are also seeing the dreadful results of such unbridled quest for power in terms of the threat to
human life and to order and world security.
Lord Krishna, in answer to Arjuna who asked him what was the dark force that drives man to
behave in less than human ways, Lord Krishna said, It is greed.
Greed leads people to practice deception, hypocrisy and arrogance, which the Lord declares are
the three gateways to hell.
Greed is one of the most dangerous facets of human nature.
Unchecked it leads to ego-striving of a kind that destroys societies and nations, organizations,
families, and relationships.
Societies progress where there is co-operation but societies deteriorate and collapse when there is
a grab for power because of greed. The greed of the demon caused their own defeat as truth
always wins over untruth. Societies need to get rid of the poisonous elements of hate, greed,
envy, jealousy and pride. For those who make the sincere efforts to free the society of these
elements, their efforts may meet with difficulties, but God supports the truthful, the honest and
those that are dedicated servants ofthe society.
May you be inspired this Divali to free your individual minds, and by extension, the society of its
many evils. May victory be yours.
Happy Divali.
Basdeo Panday
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
7/48
fyOVVl
San Juan
to the
CarU~)~ean
fyOVVl
CIS Low CIS
USD
lq(tGG
UNLIMITED TRAVEL & TOURS
172 EASTERN MAIN ROAD, BARATARIA
TEL: 674-0030 ; FAX: 674-2752
HaWli Divali
From the management and Staff of
Eastern Main Road, Sangre Grande
668-2038
1\\1[ayhe divine light
of Mother Lakshmi
shine upon you
Specials on:
Oil, Flour, Ghee, Prunes, Sultanas, Milks
Split Peas, Channa, Baking Powder,
Potatoes, Split Peas Powder
&
Soft Drink
Also Available a wide Range of Household Itern.s,
Cosrn.etics, Over the Counter Drugs.
BEST W HOLESALE
&
RETAIL PRICES
We Accept
4 I Wfil
Also Available
WlfESTERNI IMONEY
UNION TRANSFER-
The fastest
w'y
10 j 'e /u l mul recei ve money wor ldwlde ,-
Pension & Public Assistance Cheques
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
8/48
MINISTER OF EDUCATION HUMAN DEVELOPMENT YOUTH AND
CULTURE
Sacred Heart Building 16-18 Sackville Street Port of Spain
I
am particularly pleased to bring Divali greetings to the Hindu community in my capacity as the Minister of Educa
Human Development, Youth and Culture.
Divali is certainly a most auspicious time of the year for Hindus since it is the Festival of Lights. Light has
significance in all religions, and in the Hindu religion it is most exalted. The symbols of light are manifested in the
Hindus all over the world revere the sun and are known to practice sun salutations.
The sun is seen as the source of all light and energy and has been recognised in the Vedas as the centre of the
system. Hindus from all parts of the globe chant a universal prayer of enlightment and illumination that is called
Gayatri mantra.
Divali is yet another manifestation of the sanctity that light plays in the Hindu religion. Divali occurs on the darkest da
the year. At this time every one participates in the lightining of deyas to illumine the pathway on the darkest night.
word Divali derives from the Sanskrit word Deepavali literally meaning a row of lamps. It falls on the second da
Kartik. The festival was first celebrated to express the joy of people when Lord Rama returned from Ayodhya afte
fourteen-year exile.
The way Divali is celebrated varies to some extent from nation to nation. In Trinidad and Tobago Hindus are very
preparing and cleaning the home for the coming of the Devi Maha Lakshmi. They fast, they cut bamboo in halves to p
the deyas within them, and they all do Lakshmi puja. There are many artistic performances that accompany:
celebration of Divali. Each village has its own celebration, and at the national level the Divali Nagar is open to all
wish to participate in the celebrations during the festival period. People visit friends, relatives and business associate
exchange greetings and gifts. Thus it provides an opportunity to enhance the bonds that exist within the society. At
time in the-history of our nation, we can all say that Divali is truly a national festival, and that people of multifarious f
can be seen lighting deyas in their homes and within their neighborhoods.
The festival of Divali ushers in a spirit of renewal and infinite hope in humanity. It is the festival of love in which
Goddess of love presides. Mother Lakshmi issues forth a resurgence of spirituality and faith. This time is a
auspicious period for romance, companionship and comradely. What is most beautiful about Divali is that it herald
light after light in our multi-cultural society. Eid-ul-fitr follows closely on the heels of Divali, and the Festival of L
culminate with the Christian celebration of the Birth of Christ at Christmas. All of these festivals speak about one tr
that there is unity ill diversity and that love, light and harmony are the prevailing forces.
I take this opportunity to wish you Mother Lakshmi's choicest blessings. Shubh Divali
Ganga Singh
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
9/48
Limited
GENERATOR SPECIALISTS
SALES SERVICE I SPARE PARTS & CONSULTANCY
Authorised Dealer for
~:A
LLIS-CHALMERS
~ KOHLER
76, Ariapita Road, St. Anns,
Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies.
Tel.: (868) 623-6874 Fax: (868) 624-6084
OeU: ~868 620-85 9
email: [email protected]
Ashoka Publication Presents
CHHOTE
CHCHE
Hindu Colouring Story
/ Activity Books
Kahani Tim
A series o f Short S to ries
Pand~ Jewan Mahara j
136 Thompson Road Palmiste, Longdenville, Trinidad,
Tel: (868) 671-5966
u
a r ..
$8
a u lness, Clo e proximity to the airport
~'''''I h option of nearby popular beaches -
tore Bay and Pigeon Point.
ciHtie also available. Conveniently locat access to
hopping, re taurants and sporti c ties.
rm bookings deposit of on
i '
m charge i required.
Tel: 1-868-63 . 1-8686397507
I
oad Crown Point Tobago,
West Indies.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
10/48
MINISTER OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT SPORT AND
CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Old Autorama Building, EI Socorro Road, San Juan Trinidad, W.I.
Dear Citizens,
Divali celebrates the gracious nature of Goddess Lakshmi. Mother Lakshmi embodies health,
intelligence, friends, unity, long life, fame, fortune and wealth of nature. These are essential for
an individual and nation to flourish.
As Hindus world-wide celebrate Divali, light, truth and life triumph. Mother Lakshmi
symbolises Motherhood, peace and prosperity of the family. Every daughter, sister and mother is
given the greatest respect and reverence in Hindu culture. A mother shall bless and care for her
life's consort and children, a timeless tradition and divine inspiration on which communities and
nations prosper.
Divali rekindles gaiety and brotherhood. Let us join and pray for peace and prosperity. With each
light on this darkest night of the year, may we reflect on the purpose of divine illumination.
Together we join to celebrate Divali, then Eid and Christmas, we herald a New Year. As we
commemorate Lord Rama's return to Ayodha, Lord Vishnu rescuer of Goddess Lakshmi and
Lord Krishna, defeater of the dreaded demon Naraksura our nation will see family members
showing love for each other with eternal bliss. May our lives have a special flame and meaning
atthis time and forever.
I wish everyone the blessings embodied by Mother Lakshmi that we co-exist in a nation free of
hate, war, social ills and suffering
May our lives be blessed
~7L----
(
Manohar Ramsaran
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
11/48
of household germs ....DEAD
Distributed by
Alstons Marketing Company L
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
12/48
5 September 2000
Press Release GA/9747
NITED NATIONS YEAR OF DIALOGUE AMONG CIVILIZATIONS, 2001 LAUNCHED W
EADQUARTERS ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION
nly dialogue could bring about reconciliation and peace, the Director- General of the United Nations Educatio
cientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) told the gathering of world leaders this morning, at a round
iscussion to mark the launch of the United Nations Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations, 2001.
ultural dialogue helped to sow the seeds of peace and must be predicated on universal acceptance and observanc
asic human rights, Koichiro Matsuura said. Within a broad moral framework, dialogue allowed each culture to know
ts voice would be heard and accepted. Dialogue meant exposing -- not blanketing over -- different ways of thinking.
ecretary-General Kofi Annan said that without dialogue, no peace could be lasting and no prosperity secure. That
e lesson of the United Nations in the past half century. Alongside an infinite diversity of cultures, there did exis
umanity. Diversity had to be used as an asset. The use of diversity as a threat was the seed of war.
he President of Iran, Mohammed Khatumi, whose country proposed the 1998 General Assembly resolution proclaim
he Year, told participants the emergence of a global culture, which did not overlook the requirements and nature of
ulture, ought to be considered. With the absence of dialogue among thinkers, scholars and artists from various cul
nd civilizations, the danger of cultural homelessness seemed imminent. Such homelessness would deprive peop
olace both in their own culture and the vast horizon of global cultures. It was incumbent upon all to call governments
he people of the world to follow a new paradigm and to learn from past experience.
he master paradigm of international relations, based on the discourse of power, must be critically examined, he
rom an ethical perspective, a new paradigm required that the will to power be replaced instead by empathy
ompassion. Without the will to empathy, there would be no hope for the prevalence of order in the world.
he President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, said that dialogue was not an abstract notion, but a fresh and badly ne
pproach to better understand each other, and to help build a more effective framework for cooperation. Prejudice
ialogue Among Civilizations - la - Press Release GA/9747 AM Meeting 5 September 2000
he question of the dialogue among civilizations could not be reduced to empty intellectual speculation, Alpha O
onare, the President of Mali said. Even as the round table was being held, individuals were being prosecuted and
xterminated due to a lack of tolerance. Leaders must reread their own histories, and revisit their collective histories.
ialogue Among Civilizations - 3 - Press Release GA/9747 5 September 2000
OICHIRO MATSUURA, Director-General of UNESCO and moderator of the discussion, said that in today's worl
eed for dialogue was increasingly relevant and acute at both the international and national levels. It was, there
articularly fitting that the first meeting of the Dialogue was being held at such a symbolic time. The Dialogue w
rovide an opportunity not only to explore the past legacies of different cultures, but also to reflect on the future
anked all those who made the meeting possible. He was convinced that getting to know the cultures of others disp
atred and helped to build peace.
here was a need to learn to recognize other cultures, he continued. Civilizations endlessly changed as they redef
emselves in the light of new surroundings. Only dialogue could resolve strife. Only dialogue could bring a
econciliation and peace. Cultural dialogue helped to sow the seeds of peace. Dialogue must be predicated on univ
cceptance and observance of basic human rights. Within a broad moral framework, each culture would know th
oice was heard and accepted. Dialogue meant exposing -- not blanketing over -- different ways of thinking.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
13/48
The Complete Roofing Service Company
with guaranteed quality,protection and style,
using Pre-painted Metal Roofing Sheets
Glucometer Bite
17 Chacon Street, San Fernando, Trinidad, W
Tel: 868-652-6932 Fax: 868-653-6002
RHEUMATIL OIL
GEL
New Rheumatil Oil
&
Gel relieve strong joint pains
quickly with their three-way action.
Three-Way Action:
- Penetrates Extra Fast to reach
the site of Pain
- Exercises a Direct Relaxing
Action to Soothe the Pain away
- Effectively Eliminates
Swelling at the Joints
FOR QUICK RELIEF
FROM JOINT PAIN
Contact us at: SUN CREST INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Imrith House, 30Tenth Ave., Barataria.
Tel.: 674-3241/4747 Fax: 675-3378.
Visit Dabur's website at: www.dabur.com
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
14/48
What does Divali really mean?
By Mohan Gupta
What makes Divali different from all other world celebrations, and perhaps the greatest soc
religious festival of India and the Indian Diaspora?
he source of all big festivals is religion - the collective
nsciousness. There are many reasons for celebrating
ivali which are all associated with Hinduism.
But what does Divali really signify? Is it just lighting a
ultitude of
deyas
[small earthen lamps], wearing new
lothes, painting houses, bursting firecrackers, shooting
ireworks, and distributing sweets and gifts? If that were
ll, it would have been just one of those scores of festivals
elebrated all over the world.
Germans also herald the spring with lights and
rackers. And European Christians on Christmas,
exicans during Holy Week, and South Americans on
Saints Day indulge in a dazzling display of fire works
nd festivity. Guy Fawkes Day in England can almost be
istaken for a British Divali with bonfires, illuminations
nd fireworks being the highlights of the day.
What makes Divali different from all other world
elebrations, and perhaps the greatest socio-religious
estival of India and the Indian Diaspora?
The popular interpretations that it marks the turn of the
eason, the advent of winter and the beginning of a
ommercial year, etc. are for too superficial to justify the
ajestic solemnity of Divali day. There is something far
ore sublime and profound than just a day of light and
The story of Divali is actually the story of the eternal
onflict of darkness and light - darkness which stands for
gnorance, hate, falsehood and confusion; and light which
mbodies knowledge, love, truth and clarity - or
leanliness of heart. It is the cleanliness - the clean
onscience which, they say is next to Godliness. Clearing
way the cobwebs of confusion and purging out the inward
ross with a rekindled light of hope and understanding is
ne of its many messages.
Every time Divali comes, and it always comes on dark
ight, the challenge of darkness to light - Wipe me out if
ou can, or Come with me to the dark dungeons of
ate. It has always been the story of a journey from
alsehood to truth, and from darkness to light which ought
be more within than without.
Such is the beauty of our eternal Dharma, ever
ynamic and endowed with a richly pluralistic version. In
dark world where the narrow-minded and dogmatic
reeds are increasingly trying to force their version of
Salvation down our throats, Sanatan Dharma stands out
ike a flame of pure light. True universal equity and justice
an only stem from such a broad and all encompassing
sion of Unity.
This Divali, as always, the prayer goes up in every H
heart, May the Universal Mother Kali empower e
individual to shake off the shackles of ignorance
triumph over any obstacle in the pursuit of
Realisation. Hindus seek Her blessings and pray that
kripakataksha
[merciful eyes] and Her grace may fa
their community.
The God of Health is worshipped first bec
Hinduism gives tremendous importance to physical w
being. This is because physical fitness is an esse
requirement for the successful performance of any
done by the individual. To Hindus, the body is a templ
the soul or
jiva.
The soul can only perform its duties or
karma
to
fruition if the instrument of action (i.e. the physical b
is in its best shape. The ceremony also gives importanc
cleanliness, which reflects the inner purity of the b
Hinduism believes that only the person who keeps
body strong and pure is capable of strong and
thoughts.
On Divali day, Devi Lakshmi [Goddess of Prospe
is worshipped amidst great fanfare. Traditionally this
main festival day. The day begins with awakenin
sunrise. The house is decorated beautifully with c
patterns made out of rice powder called
rangolis.
clothes are worn. Delicious dishes and sweets are prep
to be offered as
bhog
to Devi.
The food preparations are made from spe
ingredients such as rice, corn, grains, yogurt and can
sugar. Gifts are exchanged. During the night, every c
of the street and city is beautifully lighted with thous
of small clay lamps called
deeyas.
The air is filled
sounds and sights of beautiful fire crackers lighting u
sky.
It is very important day for business community a
the end of the fiscal year. Old accounts are settled and
books are opened. Account books are revered i
elaborate ceremony. Hindus regard money as an impo
medium essential for good life. They made that prac
necessity a part of religion so that the reins of
dha
[code of right conduct] could continue to keep contro
their lives even as they stove for acquisition of wealth.
a brilliant, practical, sensible scheme devised by an
Hindus to recognize that we are all entitled to enjoym
of this life.
Mohan Gupta was born in India. He migrated to Eng
and now lives in Canada.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
15/48
54-56 Independence Avenue,
San Fernando,
Tel. 1(868) 652-1886/7676
Fax:1(868) 653-3348
e-mail: [email protected]
URL:http://www.acetsys.com
YSTEMS LTD.
All the Computer You Imagined Less Than You Expected
2.0 Ghz Pentium 4 Computer System
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Intel P4 2.0 Ghz Processor
OFIPentium 4 Motherboard
512 MB Micron Memory
61 GB HOD Maxtor (7200 rpm)
1.44 MB NEC Floppy Disk Drive
Sony
I
Toshiba 16 x 40 DVD Rom
Plextor 24 x 10 x 40 CDRW
Ge Force 2mx 64MB TnT 2 Nvidia AGP
Sound Blaster Live 5.1
US Robotics 56k V. 90 Datal Fax Voice
Windows Internet Keyboard
5 Button Mouse & Web Shot Pad
17 Monitor SVGA Low Radiation
USB PC
I
Web Camera
HP 840c Printer Cable
Plustek 48 bit Colour Flatbed Scanner
P4 Case and 300WPower Supply
Windows XP Home, Star Office 5.2
2001 Encyclopedia and 73 Others
ALTEC LANSING Speakers
1000 VA Line Conditioner
5 Button Mouse & Web Shot Pad
17 Monitor SVGA Low Radiation
USB PC Web Camera
HP 840c Printer
I
Cable
P4 Case and Power Supply
Windows XP Home ,STAROffice 5.2
2001 Encyclopedia & 73 Others
ALTEC LANSING Speakers
Line Conditioner
10 990.
DO
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
16/48
Divali in Canada: The light shines everywhere
By Avita Sooknanan
... I began to feel a sense of completeness. After years of growing up in Canada, and practi
Hindu rituals, I was finally able to see the origin of my traditions [in Trinidad].
In Toronto, performances and shows are held in
recognition of Divali, and many dancers, singers, and other
talented artistes display the culture Trinidadians retained
as they migrated to Canada.
Divali tends to arrive on a cold breezy fall day in
Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Yet, regardless of the weather,
my family would light
deeyas
[earthen lamps] and candles
around my home.
Our neighbours here had never seen anything like it
before. Yet, Divali has been celebrated in my parents'
home in Trinidad long before I was born. Moreover, my
parents were simply continuing the tradition of Divali in
Canada after leaving Trinidad many years ago.
In Trinidad, as my parents recounted, Divali was
celebrated by all cultures and religions because the
country was extremely diversified. Therefore, during
the period of Divali in Canada, we invited our close
friends of various cultures and religions to experience the
festival of lights, and participate in the great feasts we had
prepared.
I thoroughly enjoyed explaining my religion to others,
and telling the tale of how Divali evolved. In keeping with
the tradition in Trinidad, we provided large quantities of
foods such as roti [flat bread], curried alloo [potato],
pumpkin, and other gourmet Indian foods for our
guests.
As a result, I became accustomed to the delicious
feasts and pleasant celebrations we held each year in our
home. These dinners also became a tradition for our
multicultural group of acquaintances in Canada.
After hearing repeatedly about the marvelous culture
and religion in Trinidad, I was finally able to attend Divali
in the Caribbean country as a young adolescent.
The first evening we arrived in Trinidad, I was taken
directly to the Divali Nagar in Chaguanas. As I walked
through the booths, and peered at the performances, I
began to feel a sense of completeness. After years of
growing up in Canada, and practicing Hindu rituals, I was
fmally able to see the origin of my traditions.
I became aware that Hindus in Canada had strongly
preserved their culture and attained perfection in teaching
religion and culture to the younger generations. I felt
overwhelmed in realizing that my East Indian forefathers
had brought the Divali tradition to Trinidad, and then to
Canada where I grew up.
At that moment, I pledged to enlighten the younger
generation about all the rituals and spiritual teachings I had
learned from my parents. I planned to pursue a goal to
never let the Hindu tradition cease in the Can
community.
To this date, promoting my culture and religio
been an important aspect of my life because I have j
cultural organizations that aim to promote diversity
community of Whitby. Through teaching and edu
others about my religion, I have been able to pr
ethnic awareness and raise the level of consciousne
my community.
I am also happy and proud to see that Trinida
who have moved to Canada have allowed m
experience such a great tradition as Divali. The festi
Divali is celebrated on an outstanding scale in each
of Canada.
Divali represents the beginning of the New Ye
Hindus all over the world. In Hindu homes world
Divali celebrations involve a ritual
puja,
or worsh
Lakshmi and also to Lord Rama in the evenings. So
honour of the deities are sung to glorify them, and d
are then lit. This worship invoked the blessing
Lakshmi, who is called upon to enter into the hom
Hindus.
During this time, our home was thoroughly clea
to the fact that Hindus believed Lakshmi would
houses that were properly decorated. In our hom
Whitby, each evening preceding Divali, we would pe
special prayers invoking Mother Lakshmi, and
deities. Preparations for this special occasion began
days prior to the glorious festival at my home. As a y
child, I remember the values and teachings that my p
brought overseas with them from Trinidad.
Growing up as a child in a small commun
remember the traditions that my parents instilled
sister, and me as we learned to prepare for the wond
event of Divali. More importantly, I was taught
Goddess Lakshmi would visit homes regardless
economic value, and shower her blessings of wealth
prosperity. Therefore, our Hindu home was lit
splendorous
deeyas
to welcome Mother Lakshmi an
affluence she beheld. I learned to chant and sing pre
bhajans [hymns] to the deities in order to gain wisdom
prosperity. Furthermore, in our home, we prayed fo
well being of our family and those in unfortunate cou
worldwide.
Avita Sooknanan is a grade twelve student in Ontario.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
17/48
JIll)ivali
Greetings to the Hindu Community
from the Management
&
Staff of
r;Jfmta 6
9Jeaubj Soden.
9Ji1zes~
Cor. Scott
&
Sellier Streets St Augustine
Revitalise
your mind and
I
' body with a
head to toe
treatment, a
massage and
sauna at the
salon.
Phone: 662-5879
For all your household decorations, soft
furnishing and home fragrances.
The Home Shop
(Factory: 645-3518)
Divali Greetings
May
the lights and sentiments of the season
Inspire you this Divali and
Throughout the year
LEZAMA
ELECTRICAl::
SERVICES
LIMITED
General Electerical Contractors
Industrial Installation
and Services
17 A PATNA ST., ST. JAMES, TRINIDAD
PHONE:(868) 628-8657, (868) 628-6215
FAX/PHONE: (868) 622-1183
Email [email protected]
~PREETAnJAII's IT
The Trendsetters in Indian Fashio
Extends
DIVALI
GREETINGS
98, Main Road, Montrose,
Chaguanas, Trinidad (W.I.)
Phone: 672-4636 Fax: 672-8532
E-mail: [email protected]
Naturally Fair NOMARKS
GOLD
TURMER
108 High Street,
San Fernando. Tel.: 1- (868) 652-2
Trinidad. W.I. Fax.: 1-(868)657-GOLD (4
For 10K. 14K. 18K.
&
22K. Platinum Jewell
All Occasion Diamond Rings. Custom Made
Jewellery. Name Earring and Pendants Etc
FAST REPAIR SERVICE
All Brand W~tches
&
Engraving Also Ear Pie
ORIGINA.L ,.. A
ISIO
WATCH BANDS '-
~~tM~06-
1)wa1i
2001
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
18/48
What a non-Hindu thinks about Divali
By Davidjs
Divali ... has allowed many of us to peer into the Hindu soul and possibly gain some insigh
Divali, Deepawali, Diwali, call it what you will, back
again. Leh we lime, fete and generally have a good time,
tings we Trinis do best, we are proud to boast to the world.
We recognise the deeper meaning to the Festival of Light
somewhere way down deep in the recesses of
consciousness, but possibly don't have/take the time to
consider.
Divali is of deep significance to Hindus of the world,
no less so to those in Trinidad. It symbolises the triumph
of light over darkness,good over evil, and in general
epitomising the struggle to overcome our inherent frailties
and the search for enlightenment and humanity (in its
truest sense).
There are many who use this occasion to reflect and
re-dedicate themselves. There are sadly many whose
response is Yeh, yeh we hear this already. So where de
lime is again??
The symbol of Divali - Mother Lakshmi (or Maha
Lakshmi) - exhorts us to value the female part of us -
wives, mothers, daughters and sisters. Yes, we come from
a still male-dominated culture in some sense but
historically in this region families have survived and
thrived often from the force of motherhood alone. Many
of us would not be here but for the grace of a Ma, Tantie,
Agie or Nanie. Her role may be changing in the new
society but whatever it is let us as men be partners in re-
defining that role and always treasure our different
strengths that together make us whole.
Before any religious hackles are raised by my
viewpoint, let me say that I am not a Hindu - only looking
in from the outside, but 1 sit and watch, or even participate
in, the deya -lighting ceremonies with friends or in-laws.
Boy dem lights pretty eh? And there is a fascination
with the Fire; of life maybe? Or that the flickering lights in
the semi-darkness is surely our stumbling search (and
hopefully triumph) for truth and salvation.
Clearly religion ties groups of people together through
shared beliefs, shared social events and not least its moral
codes for living this life. I may be so bold to say that
religion is religion painted with slightly different palettes -
we all believe in some higher power, the ways to serve that
power and the need to grow as a human being (guided by
religion).
In Trinidad we treasure our 'multi-paletted' culture so
let not religion be any barrier between us. We treasure and
hold on to our religious and cultural heritage, as that
defines where we come from, and there is much value in
hat.
But let us not forget what those dis-similar and
separate cultures have come through, together, in recent
history. That has changed us forever whether we like
not; we are different, granted, but together and part
new whole; is this not of equal value as where we c
from?
The history and experience of celebrating Dival
Trinidad has changed in some ways, and mostly for
good, from an outsider's point of view. Seeing peopl
many ethnic extractions being welcomed by Hindus
invited to share the event says something good about
we are and who we could become. We may not to
understand the underlying significance but we
understand the celebration of
I
ight and truth and apprec
the time of sharing with our brothers.
Divali has continued to grow, becoming bigger
brighter as we say; possibly more commercialised s
say, but because of this it has allowed many of us to
into the Hindu soul and possibly gain some insight. M
some day we will be as one, though different. Just a c
thought.
These are troubled times - bombing of the WTC,
bombing of Afghanistan, loss of innocent lives, declin
the world economy. Here we have our share. Oil pr
dropping, the war of words, talk of corruption,
servants want their back pay, unemployment, oil l
damaging people's homes, some people still not get
water, and now elections.
And Carnival nearly here too, so why worry
I understand in India - because Divali falls during
darkest time of the year - residents place lighted deya
top of poles to assist travellers in finding their way
gesture of concern for strangers. At another leve
suggests that those who have found the Path should
others to find the way. Is this against natural human na
to strive to get the biggest part of the pie for ourselves
our families and our own people? Maybe so, bu
another level it is equally arguable that joint action su
is beneficial.
Divali has everything to do with the Light. How
define it, how we struggle toward it and how we reac
So my brothers and sisters let us take our kaleidoscope
people on this speck of dirt and move, with mutual res
for our differences, toward the bright light of equality
justice. We goin down de road together , another pop
slogan says. Movin' to de Light Sounds like a cat
kaiso chorus Yuh tink?
Davidsj is a pseudonym for a marine biologist who wo
in Trinidad and other CARICOM territories.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
19/48
'cMiI;d
III the IUllh
(ootlll1l1>
(If
the
iortlll.:rl1 f{;tJlJ,\', the exotic seltlllA of
The Caseullill l lntel ls only ;:; l1lirHllt~
nway (rom tlu, ctty. huioy the convcntcuce of
hl'iIlA
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
20/48
Ishort story
Anil's Wish
By Carolyn Ali
How poor Anil wished he could do something to brighten up his humble home
Anil could hear the bamboo bursting all around him. It was
the month of November and all the Hindu villagers were
preparing for Divali. Those who were not Hindus were
also caught up in the preparations. A slight frown crossed
Anil's face. How he wished he could do something to
brighten up his humble home
While Anil was deep in thought, he heard a car slow
down. The driver was giving out flyers. Anil took a flyer
and began to read, a smile slowly coming to his lips The
flyer advertised that there would be a Tassa Beating
competition. The competition would be held at the
Recreation Grounds and best of all, cash prizes were being
offered.
Anil had an idea. The more he thought about it, the
more he thought it could work. He gathered up some dried
pieces of wood, lit a fire and heated up his father's tassa
drum. When the drum was sufficiently heated, he started
practising. For the next couple of weeks, every spare
moment Anil had, he practised.
One the day of the competition, after hours of skilful
practice and doing all the innovative hand movements Pa
had taught him, Anil decided to go inside to have a little
lunch. He could smell the
dhal
[split peas] Ma was
chunkaying
[cooking). As he was walking to the house,
holding the precious tassa drum, he stumbled, dropping the
drum. The clay part of the drum shattered into many
pieces.
Anil was distraught. Ma ran to him. Never mind Anil,
go over by Uncle Dave and borrow his drum.
Anil dashed over to his uncle's house, only to find the
house locked up. He decided to leave a note using the
stump of a pencil he had in his pocket and a piece of paper
from the yard. He scribbled, Uncle I need your tassa,
mine fall and mash up. Anil
Anil left the note on the step and put a stone on it to
prevent it from flying away. As the evening approached,
Anil got more and more anxious. Just as he had given up
hope of entering the competition, he heard a horn blowing.
He dashed outside and there he saw Uncle Dave coming
towards him with his tassa in his hands.
Good luck Anil, said Uncle Dave with a huge
At the competiton, Anil was the youngest comp
He was only eleven years old. There were little
outside the tent and all the competitors were heati
their drums. The air was thick with excitement. A
names of the competitors were called, their supp
heralded their appearances with loud applause. An
not let that worry him as he knew that his teacher w
best drummer in the village. Yes, nobody could bea
tassa-drumiming when he was alive.
In the midst of his daydreams, he heard a voice s
And now for contestant number five, Anil Singh.
The applause was not so loud. With a thumping
Anil began to beat the drum. With skill and dexter
beat the drum, doing the change hand to thund
applause. It was as if his hands had a will of their
beating in such a frenzy that the crowd got up and
to dance. Anil was satisfied that he had done his b
television crew was there, interviewing all the contes
As Rookhmin, the interviewer was about to st
interview, Anil heard the announcement, Ladies
gentlemen, this has been a very keen contest, the sta
was very high. The judges have decided to awar
prizes instead of three.
I'll call the results in ascending order. The fifth
goes to ... , began the announcer Shamoon. Anil th
his heart would burst as he listened for his name. Wh
second place winner's name was announced, Anil re
himself to the fact that he did not win.
Tears stung his eyes, so disappointed wa
... and our first place winner is Anil Singh,
popular choice indeed, came the final announcement
The audience exploded with applause. Anil d
even have time to wipe away the tears. Uncle Dav
the rest of the family hoisted Anil on their shou
paraded him in front of the audience and then took
accept his trophy and in his mind' s ~eyehe could s
simple home ablaze with the lights of Divali
Carolyn Ali writes stories for the
Guardian
and
Expr
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
21/48
IT
0
LIABL I IT S LIKE YOU DELIVERED IT YOURSE
I//I/J
lock
R c \ \
lIlT PR C \
Reliable Household Name
For Over 30 Years
Visit Our Wholesale & Liquor Deparbnent
at 66 Eastern Main Rd.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
22/48
The scene at the Hindu 'wishing stone' in Penal
By Reshma Mituram
[The old folks would tell] true stories of dreamlike visits from Lord Shiva himself, an
miraculous healings of their sickness ...
At the Patiram Trace Shiv Mandir in Penal, Trinidad,
he 'wishing stone' stands. It is literally rooted in the earth,
nd noticeably growing in size. The 'wishing stone,' as it
s referred to by some people, is actually the much revered
hiv Lingam - the sacred symbol of Lord Shiva [the divine
My route was an early morning ride, a very long
oller-coaster-like ride, past miles of hills and fields that
how off their grassy, bushy luxuriance to the brilliance of
e early morning.
To add to this dreamlike atmosphere, the pot-holes,
umps, the twisting and seemingly unending winding
treets are thrown in to ensure some measure of reality.
Although the Shiv Lingam is very much the focal
oint for the visits of most devout Hindus, the atmosphere
nd the immediate surroundings of the mandir create a
agnetic attraction that seems to draw people from all
arts of the country, from all walks oflife. Even the Indian
ricket team paid a little visit to the mandir to make
fferings and ask a special favour of Lord Shiva.
There is absolutely no denying the infinite feeling of
eace within you, your thoughts, and emotions and with
he rest of the world, embraced especially by the sacred
erenity of the surroundings. There are no houses, except
he ones seen in the vicinity of the mandir at a respectable
What -is most visible to the eyes is the untamed,
ntouched beauty of nature. You might think that being
urrounded by different types of wild tropical vegetation,
ou would be impatient to get back to where modernity
eigns. Not at all, it's quite the opposite.
Enclosed within this sacred sanctuary, the only noises
ou can hear are the birds singing or screeching or doing
hatever they do best amongst the endless trees. The
ragrance of flowers and
prasad
[food offering] made, as
fferings to Lord Shiva on the Shiv Lingam are a delight
the olfactory senses.
The only litter seen are flowers and leaves which must
ave fallen from the peepal tree. Other than that, the
ompound is kept as clean as heavenly possible.
Faced with such peacefulness and ultimate relaxation
f the mind, body and soul, it is not difficult to completely
orget the rat race that was left behind that is characteristic
f the modern world.
If you make an early journey to the mandir, you might
e lucky enough to sit with many other devotees for
[bamboo flags] are evidence of the countless
performed there.
The weekdays and Saturdays are the best days
the mandir if the plan is to sit and have a nice lo
with the two pious caretakers - a couple, who ma
and care for the mandir, while a cool gentle breeze
your troubles away.
Your attention is truly captured when they rela
stories of dreamlike visits from Lord Shiva himse
miraculous healings of their sickness and pains t
after.
They can tell you of the Shiv Lingam's history,
started growing as a small stone embedded in the ea
how they built the mandir around it without havi
cause to move it from its initial and permanent posit
Of course if you would like any reminders
heavenly place on earth, you are free to take photog
just as long as you don't go anywhere on the com
with your shoes.
As you are reluctantly-preparing to leave, takin
that you can from one long, admiration-filled gaz
board whatever means of transport that brought yo
and the homeward journey begins.
The memory of the Shiv Mandir and its surroun
I assure you, would be etched in your memory, as if
in stone. Memories of its purity, sacred simplici
splendor will ease your passage through trying
ahead. It will certainly be of some consolation to
that there is a place on this great earth where the pu
simple reigns.
Reshma Mituram has a B.A. degree from UWI and te
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
23/48
You r eyecare
place in Curepe
~ ~
VisualEyes
Eye Examinations, Diabetic, Glaucoma and Cataract Testing,
Spectacle Dispensing, Contact Lens Fitting, Visual Field
Testing, Sport's Vision.
.
~.,
~~-
ATIONALQUARRIES COMPANY LIMITED
LEADING SUPPLIER OF HIGHEST QUALITY
AGGREGATES
Extends
Warmest greetings and
congratulations to the
. Hindu Community on
the occasion of
.Dioali
NO VEM BER 14TH, 2001
.. May Mother Lakshmi shower her divine
. . blessihgs on all
CorporateOffice:Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Arouca,
Trinidad & Tobago
, Tel:1-868-646-3682Fax: 1-868-642-9161
Quarry Location Turure Road, Guaico, Sangre Grande
Tel: 1-868-668-0895Fax: 1-868-668-4692
) Mailing Address: P .O.Box 4536, Sangre Grande
~~~t
TATEC
Established 1947
TRINIDAD
&
TOBAGO
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS L
The nation's premiere
provider of HV & LV
Electrical Material &
Servicesfor over 50yrs.
165-169 Charlotte St., P.O.S.
Tel: (868) 623-4386/9 Fax: (868) 623-49
E-mail: [email protected]
uthe Managem
& Staff of
Capital
Insurance Ltd
Extends
Divali Greetin
to the entire nat
may the blessin
of mother
Lakshmi
light your pat
to prosperity
throughout
the year .
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
24/48
In an interview after the announcement of the Nobel
award, Naipaul commented: I thought I was no long
the running, you know.
Long rumoured as Nobel candidate, Naipaul is the
writer of Indian descent to win since Rabindranath Ta
British author Martin Amis said yesterday he
delighted by Naipaul's win. His level of perception
the highest, and his prose has become the p
instrument for realizing those perceptions on the p
Amis said, adding that Naipaul's travel writing
perhaps the most important body of work of its kind
second half of the century.'
The Nobel literature prize, first awarded to F
author Sully Prudhomme in 190I, is worth US $943,0
this centennial year.
The Head of the Swedish Academy, Horace Eng
conceded that this year's choice might be seen as pol
in the wake of terrorist attacks in the United States an
American retaliation. 'What he's really attacking in
is a particular trait that it has in common with all cu
that conquerors bring along - that it tends to obliterat
preceding culture, Engdahl said.
At a reading in London last week, Naipaul condem
what he called calamitous effect of Islam and comp
it to colonialism. To be converted, you have to de
your past, destroy your history. You have to stamp
you have to say, 'My ancestral culture does not ex
doesn't matter,' he said.
Asked by The Associated Press how he w
celebrate winning the Nobel, Naipaul replied: I
have the talent for celebrating. Maybe l'1I just
worrying for a day or two.
Naipaul has been in the news lately, and not just be
of his comments about Islam. In a recent interview
mocked EM Forster, author of A Passage to India
other novels. He just knew the court and few middle-
Indians and a few garden boys whom he wishe
seduce, Naipaul told the Literary Review. He also
on James Joyce's Ulysses, saying that Joyce was
blind and I can't understand the work of a blind writer
Like Joyce, Ireland's famous exile, Naipaul ha
uneasy relationship with his native country. As a stu
at Oxford, he wrote to his family: I shall die if I h
spend the rest of my life in Trinidad.
v
S. Naipaul- A Nobel Hindu Hero
Naipaul said, To be converted, you have to destroy your past, destroy your history. You h
to stamp on it, you have to say, 'My ancestral culture does not exist, it doesn't matter.'
The other day, I went to the 92nd Street in Manhattan to
listen to a reading by V.S. Naipaul. The Anglo-
Trinidadian-Indian writer is, in my opinion - and in the
estimation of others - the most polished and clear-headed
contemporary writer in the English language.
He chose to read from Beyond Belief Islamic
Excursions Among the Converted Peoples, his last book on
the subject of Islam - a religion he had addressed
previously in Among the Believers.
Naipaul has not written books specifically about
Christianity or Hinduism; Islam remains the only religion
he has addressed directly and sought to analyze at length.
Yet I, and others, have always regarded Naipaul as a
Hindu.
To my mind, his most moving novel is
A House for Mr
Biswas whose themes, characters, and flavors were drawn
from his own early life in Trinidad. It's a peerless and
compelling portrait of Caribbean Hindu society, drawn by
a man who fully grasped the nuances of Hindu hierarchy.
In fact, as a Brahmin by birth, he has often benefited
from the advantages afforded by that hierarchy. (To be
fair, most commentary on his Brahminic side - whether
disparaging or admiring - has come from others. The
author has never accentuated his Brahmin-ness, even
though his persnickety mien has often, and with reason,
been taken for the high-handedness of the high-born.)
Recently, Naipaul gave his imprimatur to a book of
letters, Between Father and Son, the collected
correspondence between his father, Seepersad, and
himself. On National Public Radio, he described the letters
as a cultural record of our community, the Hindu
community of Trinidad.
Imagine my surprise, then, when Naipaul shot down a
question put to him at the 92nd Street, at the end of his
reading session.
Was he the follower of any religion? I have no faith,
was the writer's naked response. He didn't mention
Hinduism, and didn't say that he was a Hindu. (He added
no footnotes to his one-line riposte, so we didn't find out,
even, whether he is an atheist or an agnostic).
This takes me back to the question with which I started
this column - do you have to believe in God, or have faith,
to
be a Hindu?
Tunku Varadarajan is the deputy editorial features editor
of The Wall Street Journal.
New York (AP)
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
25/48
stingand cleaning, shopping and dressing,
xcitementis what it brings to me.
enthe day comes.
riends visiting, sweets cooking, fun snaps snapping,
bhajans singing;
oyis what it brings to me.
finite specs of living light against an infinite sheet of
finitepeace is what it brings to me.
hen the night is over, for like a funeral, a gloom hangs
movethe bent bamboo Pick up the dead deyas
utwait All is not lost for soon it will be next year.
enewedhope is what it brings to me.
oldon to the memories, live in peace, share the leftovers,
Chakra P ublishing H ouse
~xtenb5
TJwati ~
to t4e fte#de 01
7~&7~,
Our latest publication -
Centenary Celebration of the Arrival of
Indians to British Guiana (1838-1938).
By The British Guiana
East Indian Association (BGEIA)
Introductory Essay by Baytoram Rarnharack..
1996. xv +187 pp. ISBN 976-8180-28-5
TT$50. or US$20. (includes handling and postage)
Thisbook brings together the presentations that were
madeat the BGEIA's centenary celebration in 1938
in British Guiana (now Guyana).
Chakra Publishing House
Office:LP 52, Swami Avenue, Don Miguel Road,
San Juan, Trinidad, West Indies.
Tel:(868) 674-6008, 675-7707 Cellular 756-4961
E-mail: [email protected]
poems
The Planted Jhandi
Is an open hand
releasing pain, joy and questions
into the sky,
five men it takes
to bury the cut bamboo
that floats a triangle
sewn by a woman's hand.
Rosanne Kanhai
A Benefit exclusively for members of the Ventures and investments Progra
To become a member please call fo information.
My
Medical
Lifejacket
A little over a year ago, I was diagnosed with Cancer.
life has changed drastically since then, financially a
otherwise. My
M IS RV
Medical Plan has been m
lifejacket in the turbulent storm.
Now my doctor ensures that I undergo
chemotherapy treatment and each
time my
M IS RV
Medical Plan
financially assists me. Not to mention
MEDISERV's compassionate care,
which also helps significantly in my
road to recovery.
That's one of the many beauties of my
M IS RV
Medical Plan. It covers the
cost of all my treatments, no matter
how long it takes, not just one
payment that I am sure by now would
have been totally consumed. Mediserv
is a company that truly cares about
providing complete Health Security.
I know this first hand.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
26/48
v s Naipaul: A Hindu Hero
By Parsuram Maharaj
Naipaul sees mixed-race, half-and-half, second-rank people ... as lost .... Naipaul's w
betrays a dread of miscegenation, a hankering for racial, even cultural, separation.
he early novels the Mystic Masseur, The Suffrage of
lvira, The Middle Passage
and
The Loss of EI Dorado
ave no clue as to the intellectual evolution of Sir V.S.
aipaul, especially as an Indian and Hindu voice in the
nternational arena. Decades later
Among the Believers
and
yond Belief
firmly planted Naipaul in the Indian and
du intelligentsia.
In awarding Naipaul the esteemed Nobel Prize for
iterature the Swedish Academy praised him 'for having
nited perceptive and incorruptible scrutiny in works that
ompel us to see the presence of suppressed histories.' The
suppressed histories' were often suppressed by the
mperialistic tendencies of Colonialism, Christianity, and/
Islam.
In fact, last week Naipaul at a reading condemned the
calamitous effects' of Islam and compared it to the
estruction of colonialism. Naipaul presents a consistent
mage of social reality in the non-Western world, where
ispossessed people search for order in their lives.
No Indian is far from his origins, Naipaul asserts In An
ea of Darkness
(1981), a study of his visit to his ances-
ral homeland. Indians have a powerful sense of fate, of
eing determined by a relentless culture. Outsiders can be
ped without being absorbed. The land can be remade
ften without losing itself, for its inner world remains
In his latest work,
In Half a Life
Naipaul sees
xed-race, half-and-half, second-rank, people,
ncluding the half-Brahmin, half-low-caste Willie, as lost.
t is the pure Africans, who are happy. Though a product
f several cultures, Naipaul's work betrays a dread of
iscegenation, a hankering for racial, even cultural,
Naipaul in a recent interview stated fractured past is
oo polite a way to describe India's calamitous millen-
ium. The millennium began with the Muslim invasions
nd the grinding down of the Hindu-Buddhist culture of
he north. This is such a big and bad event that people still
ave to find polite, destiny-defying ways of speaking
out it.
In art books and history books, people write of the
uslims arriving in India, as though the Muslims came
n a tourist bus and went away again. The Muslim view of
heir conquest of India is a truer one. They speak of the
riumph of the faith, the destruction of idols and temples,
he looting and carting away of the local people as slaves,
o cheap and numerous that they were being sold for a few
The architectural evidence - the absence of Hindu
monuments in the north - is convincing enough.
conquest was unlike any other that had gone before.
are no Hindu records of this period. Defeated people
write their history. The victors write the history
victors were Muslims. For people on the other side
period of darkness.
When asked: How did you react to the controv
Ayodhya incident? Naipaul replied, Not as badly,
others did, I am afraid. The people who say that the
no temple there are missing the point. Babar, you m
derstand, had contempt for the country he had conq
And his building of that mosque was an act of co
for the country.
In Turkey, they turned the Church of Santa
into a mosque. In Nicosia, churches were converte
mosques too. The Spaniards spent many centuri
conquering their land from Muslim invaders. So
things have happened before and elsewhere. In Ay
the construction of a mosque on a spot regarded as
by the conquered population was meant as an insult.
meant as an insult to an ancient idea, the idea o
which was two or three thousand years old.
Asked about his 'happiness' with the emergenc
consolidation of some kind of parasitic Hindu p
order in India, Naipaul replied No. I have not don
actually. I have talked about history. And] have
about this movement. I have not gone on to say I
like Hindu religious rule here. All that I have said
Islam is here in a big way. There is a reason to that
cannot hide from what the reasons were.
The great invasions spread very far south, spr
to, you know, even Mysore. I think when you see so
Hindu Temples of the 10th Century or earlier
disfigured, defaced, you know that they were n
defaced for fun: that something terrible happened.
that the civilization of that closed world was m
wounded by those invasions. And I would like peopl
were, to be more reverential towards the past, to
understand it; to preserve it; instead of living in its
The old world is destroyed. That has to be understood
ancient Hindu India was destroyed.
To another question, Naipaul said: You say tha
has a secular character, which is historically unsound
say that Hindu militancy is dangerous. Dangerous or
is a necessary corrective to the history I have been t
about. It is a creative force and it will prove to be so.
Parsuram Maharaj is an executive member of the S
Dharma Maha Sabha.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
27/48
You can put your
mind at ease
when you choose the best policV
With HOMEPROTECTOR from ALGICO, everything is covered, from fire and lightning
to replacement of door locks and removal of debris, and even the architect's and
surveyor's fees. Our HOMEPROTECTOR Policy covers all the possibilities:
Theft Falling Objects Explosion Flood, Subsidence and tsnasut: Hurricane
Earthquake property Owner s Liability Professional Fees
Youname it, we've got it covered.
Call us today to find out more about our
HCDMEprotector Policy ..
Jlll iCD
We
Go
A
Long
Way
For You
American Life and General Insurance
Campany (Trinidad
&
Tobago) Limited
ftP.II A Me mbe r Co mp any of
~ American International Group. Inc.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
28/48
This day I bring you a language
we would come to love
and vow to best the English at -
from Oxford. Should you have
made America your home. Or laugh:
I have been here since the British
brought tea from Asia, coffee from
Africa. And desperately needing
that sweetener from India; King cane
sugar. Or Maharaj chini? The way
a girlfriend visiting from Trinidad
uttered it, her name, her father's name,
with a laughter I hear today. Could you
accept this, and the rain just over
playing teen-taal on the zinc roof
or the katak dance we celebrated
that August, sitting on the beach
nudging sand on the Atlantic:
this might be our Ganga our Goa
beach littered with hip tourists
looking out somewhere to Barbados
or England. Or straight to the plains
of Uttar Pradesh chanting the Hanuman
Chalisa: Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj
Nij
Man Mukur Sudhari ...
With the dust of guru's lotus feet
I first clean the mirror of my heart ...
and ajees, a history you left behind
forgotten with your grandfather -
for British Publishing Houses -
we were celebrating: we could
write the Ramayan in Hindi, in
Devnagari script from cover to cover
if we wanted. We wanted space
and quiet in that crowd, steal a touch
an ancient kiss of eyes around our
friends. A slice of ripe spice mango
from an ancient UP village
or the bittersweet fruit green, with
a touch of salt and pepper, or
ground into a sweet hot chutney-
I could bring you some from Trinidad ...
I poem
Naipaul on Naipaul: The 2001 Noble Prize for Literature
By Sasenarine Persaud
Trinidad is sweet, she said, come
you'll love it. 0 we don't have these
huge rivers you have here in
your grand Guyana, your grand South
America - but El Dorado don't have me ...
Not fragments - but the entire
Chalisa, as we did only last Sunday
here in a Mandir in Florida. No
wire story from Stockholm or
England, or America mentioning
how Hanuman's House was built-
or caring where he located that leaf
of life mountain - north of Piarco
airport, the Catskill, Vancouver-
Hanuman the improviser:
if he couldn't recognize The Leaf in
the mountain, then bring the entire
mountain to the battlefield to cure
Lakshman's wounds. Hanuman' s
descendants learning well, that August
To bring thanks to England for Language,
India for history and culture and other
countries in the subcontinent - this last
for wife? Or as Selvon would say West
Indianly. But nothing of
those Plains of Caroni, or Port-of-Spain.
Nothing of that land which nurtured
seeds of grandfather, father, mother's
fruit budded. Land I never visited but
loved and love - how could you not -
Trinidad is sweet, she said, sweet
sweet sweet - I just came back and
didn't want to. When are you going?
At least once, once - a Noble Address.
Is this too much to ask, find, expect?
Celebrating Janam Ashtmee:
birth night of Krishna: lover, god
warrior, philosopher - a memory
of a history beyond grand-ajaas
Sasenarine Persaud is the author of seven books.
His latest book is
The Hungry Sailor
(2000, Toron
He was born in Guyana, has lived for several year
Canada, and now makes his home in Florida.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
29/48
on Gold, Silver
& Diamond
J
ewellery.
Special Discount on Watches
and Gift items.
REPAIRS W HILE YOU W AIT
REM ODELING OF OLD .JEW ELLERY
FR EE EAR PIERC ING
W IT H P UR CH AS E OF EARRINGS.
High Street Princes Town
Tel: 655-4443
Discount
on Cash
Purchases
24$ COOKII.R
.
\-
~~~
S AF FIR E E NG IN EE RIN G LT D.
Sale
Mortgage
.) Purchase
.) Insurance
.)Refinance
.) Stamp
Duty
Balance Sheet
Statutory requireme
G.A. Farrell
&
Associates Ltd
Chartered Valuation Surveyors
Financial & Property Consultants
#3 Pawan Street, St. Clair
P.O.S, Trinidad
wr.
Tel: (868) 622-2366
Fax: (868) 628-2154
Call the Professionals for Fast & Reliabl
Real Estate Valuations.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
30/48
ort story
The Doubles
By Anthony Petit
[She had] a slender figure with the kind of curves that a
sari
[dress] does not hide, only
enhances .... Her soft steps and her furtive glance and smile stole his heart on the spot, a
trapped him as effectively as any fly in a web.
Sunjit knew that he was in big trouble the moment he
it into the doubles, [chick-pea sandwich].
The worst part of it was that he could have avoided all
f this so easily if he'd just followed his normal instincts.
ut then again, love does strange things to people.
It had all started so innocently. He'd gone to the
cond night of the wedding of Mohit and Sintra. All he'd
ad in his mind was to go there, hang out with Vijay and
unil, and maybe, afterwards, go and shoot some pool by
Everything had been going fine until he looked up at
e commotion. That was the epiphany of his life.
He'd seen the rest of his life look him in his eyes. She
as five feet four inches tall. A slender figure with the
ind of curves that a sari [dress] does not hide, only
hances. And almond eyes that drowned you the moment
ou looked in. Her soft steps and her furtive glance and
ile stole his heart on the spot, and trapped him as
ffectively as any fly in a web.
At first, he had tried to deny the effect she was having
n him, but by the end of the evening, he realised that he'd
ent half the night making up excuses to be close to
hatever space she was occupying. Be it in the kitchen
hen he was obviously the only man there as she kneaded
e dough for the sada [Indian bread], or when she was
usy carrying a tray around the room.
He found out her name was Geeta and that not only
as she unmarried, she was single. By the next morning,
ter a sleepless night of tossing and images of her face
ashing behind closed eyelids, he realised that he'd had it.
He had no choice.
He had to see her again.
A quick trip in a taxi back to the wedding house ended
making him realise that he should have phoned first.
hat would have saved him arriving and finding no one
me. The next three hours were spentin a frenzy of self -
sgust at his inability to leave the area lest he miss their
turn and not get the information he needed.
He tried. He really tried.
But he had gotten to the corner, saw a car turning into
e street from the other end, and promptly ran back in that
lf walk, half run, that says I'm not in a hurry. No sir.
st moving fast in case you need me there ...
Finally, the expected vehicle turned into the street and
mediately, he realised he had forgotten the most
In his haste, he'd forgotten to make up a viable
would allow him to ask information about his drea
and not seem too interested. That could lead to aw
question and statements. Not to mention the fact t
last thing he wanted was Dulcie knowing anything
his life.
That would guarantee the entire area finding ou
time it would take her to run her mouth around the
Pure panic, and the thought of Ram and Frankie a
boys finding out about this, allowed him to tap int
of his brain he never knew he had.
Lies flashed past and were rejected with rattl
speed. Finally, one flashed past that seemed to fit t
He tried it on himself as the car was turning in
driveway and figured if he could fall for it, then so
they. Which just goes to show. In cases of cris
when it really counts, how sometimes, when we n
we are capable of fooling no one but ourselves.
He told them that his mother had an upcoming
and needed someone to help her, and that she wan
know if Geeta was available. Of course, he com
forgot that his mother had missed last night's cere
thereby not only completely invalidating any lie, b
clueing everyone in on what was
really
happening.
He finally got an address and, pleading the need
everything done as quickly as possible, extracted h
from the house. In his haste, he was not noticing the
and whispers, and Dulcie's frantic rush for the pho
her library of informal news gatherers.
By the time he got off the maxi-taxi
neighbourhood, he noticed how everyone seemed
looking at him in a strange way and smiling, but
down to his being new to the neighbourhood. He
found the house, and, bucking up what little cour
felt, walked up to the door and knocked.
He was prepared for anyone answering the
Anyone, but her.
He finally managed to get the message across a
instantly agreed. He thanked her and vacated the pre
poste haste, before he could do any further damage.
only on the way to get a maxi-taxi for home that th
in his plan suddenly hit him full in the face.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
31/48
s ~ki
Wedding Consultants & Planners
We specialize in all Wedding Services.
We also do Anniversaries, Renewal
ofMarriage Vows, Christmas Dinners,
Conferences, Birthdays, etc.
We provide Catering Services
Classes Available: Cake Decorating,
Floral Arrangement,
Balloon Decoration, Bread & Cakes,
Sugar Craft, Basketry and much more.
Rental Services also available.
For further information
,.contact Mrs. Theobald at;
Cell: 759-3084,
Home: 645-0779
Or visit us at 135 Eastern
Main Road, Barataria
Ente~rises
Ltd.
The Marble People
0 E AS TE R N M A IN R O A D , LA V E N TILLE
for
Vanities, Bath Tubs,
Kitchen Counters, Wall Panels etc.
Extends greetings on the occasion of
the festival of
Divali
As the lights shine brightly,
May the Almighty bestow blessing on
all the inhabitants of this country and
the world over.
PHONE: 627-9092
De Lima's
is back on Frederick Street
we're back where it all began and we're
smarter and better than before
29 Frederick Street (next door to Nina's)
custom design of gold and silver jewelry watches
engagement and wedding rings earrings and chains
special occasion designs
Monday - Thursday 8:30 - 5:00
Friday: 8:30 - 6:00pm
Saturdays: 9:00 - 12:00 noon
5est wishesto the Hindu
Communit~ on Divali
CYCVeCLimal>Co~d,
FR EDERIC K STR EET AR IM A C HAGUANA S C OUVA PIAR CO ItlTER NATIONA l AIRPOR T SAN FE
REFRIGERATION
AIR CONDITI
S ER VIC ES L
wwn KOLD DR FT
ftiCtathCQ 1bunA
. ~
.BEVERAGE-AIR
A ADVANCE T ASCO I
lllIMwil
01tle(ray Fryma
~f,h::
WE CARRY HOTEL &
RESTAURANT EQUIPM
PARTS & SERVICE
VULCANRANGJ:.
and FRYERS' : __
KOLD DRAFT ICE MACHINES
200 Ibs to 4000 lb s
PARTS
and
SERViCe
92Aberc romby sr, Port o f
Fax:
624-0449
Tel: 623-6270, 6274
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
32/48
hort story continued from last page
Then came the shock. Her father turned out to be none other than Kenny, the famous doub
endor of Curepe .... Kenny who had loudly proclaimed ... that if he ever caught any boy
to his daughters, he would promptly let them get a taste of his bull pistle.
The rest of that afternoon was spent convincing his
other that not only did she
need
to have a
puja
[Hindu
eremonial prayer], but that she absoloutely
needed
to
ave Geeta help her out.
The
puja
was an absolute success. Although, to hear it
rom everybody, he was completely useless as he spent
ost of the night following Geeta around trying to help her
ith everything. By the end of the night, he had not only
ecured a promise from her to see him again, but also her
ermission to approach her father.
Then came the shock. Her father turned out to be none
ther than Kenny, the famous doubles vendor of Curepe.
Kenny from whom he bought doubles on so many
ccasions, yet never seen this vision anywhere in his
icinity, Kenny who had loudly proclaimed, on more than
ne occasion, that if he ever caught any boy close to his
aughters, he would promptly let them get a taste of his
ull pistle. Several times, if need be. She then explained
hat she'd only recently started helping him out at the stall.
The next day, his heart going like a trip hammer, he
pproached Kenny at his stall. Adding fuel to his terror, he
ealised that Geeta was there as well. As he got closer and
he noticed him, she leaned over and whispered to Kenny.
The look Kenny directed his way almost made him
urn around and run for the nearest hole. But he realised
hat sooner or later he'd have to face him. Better now than
The co_nversation did not start well.
Hi Kenny, he said.
After a silent glare, Kenny acknowledged his presence
n that time-honoured fashion of fathers everywhere who
mell suitors at their daughter's door.
Wha yuh want? he growled.
Panic, and the thought of the bull pistle made Sunjit
ay the first thing that came to his mind, Ah ..uh ... uh ..ah
ubles .... please.
Both men stared at each other in silence for a few
Yuh want pepper? Kenny growled again. Only real
an does eat pepper ... how much yuh want?
Ah ... good pepper ... plenty please.
The sound of the
bara
[sandwich] hitting the paper
aused the newspaper vendors across the street to look up
s they realised that something good was going on here.
Everyone around them stopped what they were doing.
ith a force that belied his small frame, Kenny scraped
he channa from the bucket hard enough that by the time
e'd added the second set, the spoon was bent almost in
After the fourth, full, spoon of pepper, he h
doubles out to Sunjit with enough force to cause
have to sidestep as
channa [
chick pea] and peppe
towards him.
He stared at it, then glared at Sunjit as if h
personally responsible for the calamity, then pr
started adding pepper.
Sunjit took the doubles and, looking at the
smiling next to her father, bit into it.
The next few seconds were spent staring at her t
a fog, as steam seemed to be rising from somewhere
by. And through the tears that had started flowi
moment his mouth realised that it was time to cl
shop and leave this madman to his own devices, b
there was no way it was sticking around for this
abuse.
He turned back to see Kenny staring at him and
uncharacteristic fit of bravado, and love, swallow
rest of the doubles.
Then asked for another. Kenny could only s
disbelief at the request. He promptly grabbed a
spoon and, after destroying that one too, made a
quadruple pepper special.
Sunjit managed to get this one down a lot easier
now, his body had shut down thirty seconds ago
could feel no pain. Later he knew he'd pay, but so
there was a newspaper and plenty of tissue, he'd
right.
He stood there, the steam making those next
wave their hands to fan it away, and stared at Geeta
ate. Kenny looked from one to the other and it was o
to him what. was going on. In fact, he suddenly r
that this was serious.
This was the first boy who'd managed to get pa
one bite. Let alone two doubles.
And he had that look that said he was willing t
there eating as many as would be necessary.
mention the way Geeta was staring at him as if the
no other person within ten miles.
Well, he knew it was bound to happen one day.
hoped this boy was good enough for his Iii' Geet
wasn't worried, though. He'd find out soon enough.
he wasn't. Well then.
There was a reason he had the pistle sitting
front door lately. Nothing like a little show to ge
point across.
Anthony Petit was born in St James, Trinidad, and h
finished writing his first novel.
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
33/48
Jlli])ivali
Greetings
to the Hindu Community
01lay the goddess Maha Lakshmi shower
her devine blessings on each and everyone
of you on this auspicious day.
~
I
oates Brothers (Caribbean) Limited
Ph: 623-4414
I
7792, 625-6844, 623-1680
Fax: 624-5035
E-mail: [email protected]
SUPPLIERS OF ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS
INKI
Lithographic
Flexographic
Gravure
Screen
PLATEI
~ Lithographic
Presentized
~ Photopolymer
FILM.I
Imagesetting
Sheet Litho
PAPER & PRINTING
.lUNDRIEI
A Sun Chemical Company
.
]I
aXITIl
=-.JJjewe
lleT s
DIAMONDS WATCHES
FINE GOLD JEWELLERY
CUSTOM MADE JEWELLERY
10kt, 14kt, 18kt, 22kt
Gold J ewell cry
WE ARE A FULL SERVICE
JEWELLERY FACILITY
52A HIG H STREET, SAN FERNANDO
Tel/Fax: (868) 657-5753
WffT
tf)A~TAUTf)Mf)TI~f
LIMIT
/Y1t&~ W.7la
of
(])fedr6oad~ l inuted
9J)eaIemY Uv
/Yojv flluaUt,f
O /W r ~
JleJucky
&xted4 ~
ad ~ ~ to tk
~Utdee ~
04 tk
O~ oI'DWafi.
t4de~04
~14t42001
Lot #8 Cocorite Farm
Western Main Road Cocorite
Tel. / Fax: 628-9351
Cellular: 681-4284
Emai1: [email protected]
Website: www.westcoastautotnt.com
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
34/48
contributions made by our sons and daughters toward
creation and evolution of our indigenous artforms. To
Mere Desh has honoured and recognised over one hu
( I 00) of our sons and daughters who have made po
contributions in many ways to our country.
recipients have gone to the great beyond, but al
recipients were alive when awarded.
In the year 200 I for Indian Arrival Day, Mere
organized a Dholak Tal Competition and the best drum
in Trinidad and Tobago was selected. There was a
Best Paratha Roti (Buss-Up-Shut) Competition.
$10,000 in prizes were awarded and 10 people
honoured, among whom was a dholak pioneer and
(maker) pioneer. The programme was billed as A D
Remember.
It was a packed programme embellished
entertainment galore - dances, music and songs.
invited guests to bring their entire families. Admissi
always free. The public nominated candidates who
made valid contributions to Indian Culture and N
Building and who had not received any recognition.
programmes are staged in Chaguanas and have been,
their inception, under the Patronage of His Worship
Mayor, and the Member of Parliament for Chaguanas.
Mere Desh and its cross-country radio show
By Ajeet Praimsingh
Mere Desh' s primary concern is to recognise unsung heroes and heroines of this land. This
ur mission. We have to do it for ourselves. We have waited for too long. Ifnot us, who? An
not now, when?
he Cross Country Radio Talent Parade Show that is
oving through the districts of Trinidad is a joint project
f the Mere Desh Committee and Sangeet Radio 106 FM.
ith more that $100,000 in prize money, the show aims at
roviding an avenue for artistes to perform songs and
ances that are indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago.
Consisting of 16 preliminaries, 8 semi finals and a
rand final, the show, as the name implies, moves from
istrict to district. So far, preliminaries have been held at
elicity, St Augustine, Williamsville, Monroe Road and
acaulay.
The Mere Desh Committee was established in 1990 in
haguanas. Its major goal is the promotion of the
ndigenous cultural expressions of the people of Trinidad
nd Tobago. Mere Desh, though few in membership, finds
its strength in collaborating and cooperating with like-
inded individuals and other organizations.
The vision of the Mere Desh is to be a role model to
ll organizations across the country, to use Indian Arrival
Day as a historic day, and to begin recognising the sons
nd daughters of their villages for their sterling
ontributions in sports, music, dance, song and community
ervice. Many of our great sons and daughters have gone
o the great beyond without any recognition, and it is sad
o say that no documentation was made of them. Hindus
nd Indians have been here over 150 years and yet we
annot recognise our heroes and heroines in the
Mere Desh's primary concern is to recognise unsung
eroes and heroines of this land. This is our mission. We
ave to do it for ourselves. We have waited for too long. If
ot us, who? And ifnot now, when?
At our annual Indian Arrival Day celebration in
haguanas, the Mere Desh accepted the challenge to pay
ribute to the many sons and daughters who have been
endering yeoman service to their respective communities.
mong the many recipients of Mere Desh Awards were
akoornath Jaganath, Brownie KawaI, Dr Kumar Mahabir,
r Kenneth Parmasad, Vidoor, Sookrit Ramlakhan, Jeevan
ingh, Micheal Salikram, Ramdharie Garibdass and
okdeo Sookraj.
The Committee commemorates May 30
th
(Indian
rrival Day) as the anniversary of our fore-parents who
ame to this land in 1845 to rescue a failing agricultural
conomy. Mere Desh observes this day, which is a public
oliday, as Recognition Day by acknowledging the
Mike-O-Rama was another unique way of recogn
the many sons who, with their loud-speaker sys
render their services at wedding, funerals, bazaars,
ya
and
pujas
[religious ceremonies]. To pay tribute to
sons Mere Desh organized a Mike-O-Rama competi
which attracted more than 40 participants throug
Trinidad.
Tassa Rama, Biraha, Doubles, Dhantal, Roti
Dholak heroes were also recognized by the Mere Des
the major roles they play(ed) in the daily lives of pe
Competitions were sponsored in each category and
winners were provided with thousands of dollars in
Concern for the plight of the needy is also an int
objective of Mere Desh. Pinky Charles, a kidney patie
Central Trinidad, was assisted with $3000 from a Veg
sale.
We sincerely thank all who have assisted us in
way or the other. We will like to takethis opportuni
wish them a happy Divali and Mother Lakshmi's cho
blessings. For more information on Mere Desh, cal
Ajeet Praimsingh at 672-4423. Visit our we
www.praimsingh.com
-
8/10/2019 Divali 2001
35/48
W@ the @htoftruth fill our
livt5
with the~ that it
briQ9S
ILLUMINAT
SHARP.
~~ M(MBER NEAL& MASSY GR
FROM SHARP MINOS
COM E S H A R P PRO Due T S'
New Thinking
P.O. Box 544,61-63 Edward Street, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, West Indies Tel: (868) 625-1204 Fax: (868) 623-54
Web Site: www.lLLUMINATnm.com E-mail: [email protected]
~ TRY THE ~RANGE OF PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT
Since 1884
AMLA HAIR OILI &bwt.
~t
3fennacre~~ '~sftampoo
Dabur AMLA
HERBAL .;
.:. Vatika's Henna Cream Conditionin
Hair Oil has
TOOTHPASTE ~
Shampoo, is a unique formulation
been the ~
with
BASIL
enriched with the goodness of Hen
secret of ~
extracts of Shikakai
&
Green
beautiful :~ , Almonds.
hair in India
.1~ ~
i~ Q .---------------,
and around ~ ~ ~
_t....
R ~~ Henna
conditions your
the world for
~o :
4UCIIJWt. 8
hair, making it soft, silky
s Herbal ~
& lustrous.
over 50 years. \2 ~.I
'-~=