Greatness not about power

EXCELLENCE is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well, Christine Sahadeo, Minister in  the Ministry of Finance, told guests at the SWADESHE 2004 Ceremony organised by SWAHA, at the Rudranath  Capildeo Learning Resource Centre,  Couva, during Indian Arrival Day celebrations. Sahadeo congratulated SWAHA for pursuing a programme aimed at “raising good individual citizens,  sound social groupings  and good communities.” “It is only by pursuing this multiplier effect that we could build a good and worthwhile and progressive nation,” she said.

After viewing some of the performances of SWADESHE winners, Sahadeo observed that they were “professionally done by youngsters who are fully blossoming today and are on their way to excellence, which is not an art but a habit and would take us in the direction of greatness.” She added: “Greatness is not about power but it is of self discipline,  self control, passion,  compassion, building relationships,  communication, trust, truth, supporting others, justice, generosity, respect for self and others,  vision and good morals. “Knowing these values is one thing but practising them is another and if this is done regularly and meaningfully it would take all of us successfully through life’s journey.”

The Minister described Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, as a marriage between religion and culture — a way of life,  with our forefathers bringing along “virtues such as non-violence,  truthfulness, friendship, compassion, fortitude, self-control,  purity and generosity.” She added that Indian Arrival Day was not about Indians arriving “but what they have brought with them  in terms of culture and traditions  in respect of songs, dance, music, art, craft, food, religion and even mode of dress.”

“Our arrival is now history but what should be considered is what we have achieved. Where are we now? Where are we going? No doubt our ancestors are proud of us today, but will they be proud of us tomorrow?” she asked. “Are we prepared to take the necessary stride forward to climb upwards? Do take time to be gracious and enjoy the fruits of your labour and that of our ancestors. “There is a bright future ahead of us and let us be part of it.”