Hindu Prachar Kendra leads the way

THE EDITOR: The Hindu Prachar Kendra in 2003 has given new meaning, understanding and appreciation to the important occasion in the Hindu calendar known as Pitri Paksh. This festival is probably the most misunderstood and misrepresented of all Hindu celebrations and the Hindu Prachar Kendra is deserving and worthy of our commendation and gratitude for returning this most important festival to its pristine glory.

The observation of this occasion in the tradition of excellence, eminence and prominence during the period Wednesday September 17 to Saturday September 21 2003 has once again demonstrated the vision and mission of the Hindu Prachar Kendra for the upliftment of the Hindu community. A flame has been ignited in the Hindu community which will glow brighter and brighter in the years ahead. Although I was unable to attend the festival in person, I was there in spirit. All the presentations were meritorious and the presenters honoured the privilege accorded them in their own style. However, I must refer to the discourse by Professor Vijay Narinesingh whose message captured the theme of the Yagna in an enlightening, enriching and encompassing manner. Through his several references to our scriptures he lucidly but surgically showed how misguided and misinformed are the many who ascribe privilege as the platform responsible for the endurance, achievement and successes of the children of the Rishis.

I certainly expect that the journey charted by Professor Vijay Narinesingh of devotion, charity, sacrifice, humility, character and learning would cause us to ask the question, what will be our legacy to the next generation? Our forbears did us proud, notwithstanding the unfriendly environment, and it is their legacy which writes our successes and achievements today. Pitri Paksh is the demonstration of gratitude, a virtue which is fast becoming an endangered specie in our society and, as Hindus, we owe it to ourselves to ensure that we bequeath a legacy greater than what we inherited. Pitri Paksh and Raksha Bandhan are observances which offer considerable opportunity for nation building given their family and community orientation. Will our planners take note or will they continue to display prejudice? In conclusion, I take the opportunity to thank 106.1 FM, 91.1 FM and our corporate sponsors for making these messages available to the national community.

RAMDATH BALKISSOON
San Fernando