Be ready for jail

FORMER PRIME Minister and Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday on Friday called on his supporters to join him in preparing for battle and noted that they must be prepared to do what they have to do even if it means “going to prison 300, 400 or 500 at a time everyday.”

Panday explained that they were not a people of violence, but explained that they have learnt the art of non-violence from Ghandi, they have leant the art of civil disobedience and non co-operation by “not attending anything you have and not inviting you to anything we are having.” Panday explained that a leader does not lead his people from where they ought to be, but from where they are and noted that the people demonstrated they were ready last Friday by the action they had taken. Panday also issued a warning to all kidnappers reminding them that in the Hindu mythology Rawan had paid for kidnapping Seeta with his life, “so those who are kidnappers will have to pay with theirs. Panday made these declarations while delivering an address at a Ramayan Yagna organised by the Arima Hindu Temple at Temple Street, Arima on Friday night. Panday arrived at the function just after seven o’clock and lit the first deya that got the function underway. He was accompanied by his wife Oma, and former Works Minister, CL Financial Senior Executive and Patron of the Temple Carlos John.

During his address Panday informed members of the Temple that he realises that his country and his people are in trouble and so he is preparing himself for battle, and when preparing for battle he has to “psyche” himself up and that was what he has been doing for the last week. However, he noted that when coming to a temple the “lion’s roar becomes the screech of a mouse because of the feeling of peace that you get in a temple like this.” Panday explained that the concept of Divali does not only signify light over darkness, but that it was also associated with victory. He explained that history tells us that everything was built on struggle and called on his audience to avoid being stamped on and trampled over. He further explained that “your culture” teaches that good will not triumph over evil just so, and light will not overcome darkness just like that. He pointed out that all sorts of things were happening and explained that “your culture does not tell you to just roll over and die. “I am telling you that we must prepare ourselves for battle,” said Panday. Panday noted that they must be prepared to do what they had to do even if it meant going to prison. He said, “we have to go to prison by the 300, 400 and 500 and when they lock up the first 500, we must have 500 more ready to go.” Also speaking at the function were former Ambassador Kamalludin Mohammed and Secretary of the Indian High Commission Raj Shekhar. The Ramayan was conducted by Pundit Hardath Maharaj.