Report June 2008Shri Hanuman Heritage Festival 10 th to 21 st April 2008
From 10 th to 20 th April 2008 the historic Shri Hanuman Heritage Festival was held at the Dattatreya Yoga Centre, home of the 85feet Shri Hanuman Murti . This program was held under the guidance of Swami Ganapathi Sachidanandaji of Mysore and Swami Brahmadeoji. The theme of the Festival was "Shri Hanuman For Humanity". There were three significant dimensions to the festival - the spiritual, intellectual and cultural. The central figure in the festival was Shri Hanumanji , whose giant murti on the grounds of the centre has already become an iconic presence in the spiritual life of the country, particularly for members of the Hindu Community. The grounds of the Dattatreya Yoga Centre became a beehive of activity with spiritual inspiration and intellectual stimulation, as well as delightful entertainment and opportunity for fellowship. As many citizens as possible, from all walks of life, seized this opportunity to learn more of the tradition from which all this activity springs and which is an inextricable part of the larger social and cultural fabric of Trinidad and Tobago. This program was opened by The Honourable Minister Mr. Lenny Saith , Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister who represented the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. The Honourable Minister welcomed all visitors from across the Indian Diaspora and all citizens to this program and commended and thanked the organization for holding such an event. He further said, "One of the great benefits of globalization and the information age is the increasing exposure to all humanity of the rich diversity of the human cultural heritage. This development presents the ongoing opportunity for the growth of a deeper understanding and appreciation of certain fundamental similarities among all religions. One can only hope that this awareness would lead to less attention to the differences which has led to terrible conflicts throughout the course of human history. Humanity needs this understanding if we are to lessen the possibility of a clash of civilizations which many have forecasted as an emerging danger of the times we live in. Here in Trinidad and Tobago many great religions and cultures meet and intermingle. We are very proud of the fact that, in our country, we have never wavered from our policy of unity in diversity, which has contributed to the deep harmony within our society. Over time we have developed a deeper national knowledge and understanding of the diverse cultural rivers that has met in our truly cosmopolitan society. This Hanuman Heritage Festival is yet another excellent opportunity to deepen our appreciation of Hinduism. The Government is therefore very pleased to support this effort. On behalf of the Prime Minister, I again congratulate the Dattatreya Yoga Centre and the organizing committee and wish the Hanuman Heritage Festival every success." The Hanuman Heritage Festival was also graced by His Excellency Indian High Commissioner Shri Jagjit Singh Sapra , Mayor of Chaguanas and other ministers. Shri Hanuman Global ConferenceAs part of the Festival, a three day Shri Hanuman Global Conference was held on 17 th , 18 th and 19 th April 2008. Sri Swami Brahmadeoji as head of the conference committee guided the 3 day intellectual and educational event. Speakers from across the world presented papers at the conference. Some notable scholars included Shri Lallan Prasad Vyasji of India , Dr. Ramlall of USA , Sri Dhira Chaitanyaji - USA , Dr. Parthsarathy of Bangalore, Mr. Anthony Grell - Puerto Rico, Dr. David Lee Sheng Tin - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Organisation , Papers were also presented by world renowned dancer Smt . Sushmita Banerjee of Calcutta and Sushri Ananda of Trinidad & Tobago. Prof. Venkobacher of the University of the West Indies , Trinidad & Tobago also presented a paper on the Hindu View of Ecology from Vedas to Hanuman Chalisa. This was indeed a unique paper. Other topics included Shri Hanuman an Icon of Bhakti , Hanumanji the Ideal Karmayogi , Ramchandra Ke Kaaj Savare - Hanuman the fulfiller of Shri Ram's mission, Hanuman for Humanity, Hanuman and Human Physiology, Hanumanji and Aum , Ramayan In Human Physiology, Impact of the life and character of Hanumanji on the Caribbean people. The festival and conference was formally closed by the Vice President of the Republic of Suriname , His Excellency Shri Ramdien Sardjoe . Maananeeya Shri Ashok Singhalji's blessing to Festival & Conference At the opening of the festival, Maananeeya Shri Ashok Singhalji's letter of goodwill, best wishes and shubhkaamanya was read to all by the President of the organization. The people felt inspired and blessed to receive his great guidance that serves as a beacon and beckon to the world. Mother Earth DayThe Hindu Community historically celebrated Mother Earth Day with Maha Rudra Puja at Quianam Beach , South East Coast of Trinidad & Tobago in the guidance of Swami Ganapathi Sachchidananda and Swami Brahmadeoji. Over 10, 000 people gathered at the ocean to participate in this holy event. The Hanuman Heritage Festival, Conference and celebration of Mother Earth Day received full media coverage by all TV & Radio Stations and Newspapers. Most importantly there was a united front by all local Hindu organizations for this notable and momentous Festival and Conference.
|
