Tag: religious

Religious bodies encouraged to complement faith with community upliftment

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

A section of the gathering at the NCC President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has underscored the need for religious organisations to extend gratitude beyond spiritual blessings and internal acts of service to include societal contributions.

He issued these remarks during the ‘Hope is Rising’ prayer event at the National Cultural Centre on Friday night.

This 24-hour prayer service was a collaborative effort between the government and the Christian movement – Hope is Rising.

In his address, the President emphasised the importance of thankfulness within religious organisations, including churches, temples, and mosques.

“When I say church, I am speaking nationally about the temples, mosques and all of these bodies. If you hear the messages that come out from some of these bodies sometimes, there is a lack of thankfulness and gratitude. And we have to fix that. The church today must be a place where gratitude is not limited to spiritual blessings or internal acts of service but extends to the wider society and even to the work of policymakers, the work of society and leaders. It must extend itself beyond the internal walls because the church and the word of God is for everyone, every season and all things,” the President said.

He stressed that the church’s role should extend to recognising and appreciating efforts that uplift communities, whether in education, healthcare, or infrastructure development.

“While the church must speak prophetically when injustice occurs. It must always be quick to recognise and express appreciation for efforts that uplift communities whether it is improved access to education, healthcare initiatives, infrastructure development, social safety nets or support to the vulnerable,” he said.

The President supported the argument that the church should express gratitude for those who work for the well-being of others.
He explained that men and women who represent various religious organisations and entities, as well as the role of the church, must recognise their significance in this world that is at recess.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, local Christian leaders, and their foreign counterparts were also in attendance. (DPI)
ok

 President Ali joins Navratri observance

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Saturday joined devotees at the Ogle Sanatan Dharma Sabha in observance of the holy Hindu festival of Navratri.

In brief remarks to the audience, President Ali reiterated that while religious institutions are centres for spiritual renewal, they play an important role in national development.

He said that as the world rapidly changes, these institutions must play a greater role in instilling values and principles that strengthen families, communities, and ultimately, the nation.

“Religious bodies in our country will have to carry a greater load in this very different world if we are to cement the values that shape us as a people and as a nation,” he said.

Recognising this crucial role, President Ali pledged to secure the land title for the Ogle Mandir.

He also announced that the government’s Wi-Fi initiative will soon be implemented at the location, ensuring greater connectivity for the community.

As Hindus observe Navratri, the head of state urged them to use the period of fasting and reflection to cultivate a deeper social conscience. He said their decision-making should extend beyond emotions and self-interest and prioritise the collective well-being of society.

He noted that spiritual and social consciousness cannot be separated from political and economic awareness, emphasising that an unfavourable political environment can hinder spiritual, familial, and community growth.

“The Because We Care Grant is not a political, social or economic grant. It’s a grant that is also linked to this spiritual aspiration of what is taught in all the good books. Equity, helping the oppressed, helping those who are in need, supporting our children to get a better quality of education, bridging the inequality gap,” President Ali added.

President of the Ogle Sanatan Dharma Sabha, Mohan Samwaru, highlighted the historic significance of President Ali’s visit, noting that it marks the first time in over 60 years that a sitting head of state has visited the Sabha.

“It has been painful to watch all past presidents put on their sirens and pass on that Railway Embankment. But you have made a wish come true for us this evening. After 60 years of existence, a head of state of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is sitting with us,” Samwaru said.

He also acknowledged the president’s sacrifice in joining devotees, even on the night of Ramadan, a holy period of fasting and reflection for Muslims

“You have shown us that your words are not just talk; you walk the talk. You speak of ‘One Guyana,’ and tonight, you have demonstrated it. You look beyond faith, beyond race, and that means everything to us,” he expressed.

Navratri is a Hindu festival honouring the goddess Durga. These religious festivals highlight Guyana’s unique multi-religious fabric.

As Ramadan comes to an end, Navratri is observed, and soon the Christian community will observe Good Friday. (DPI)

 Devotees  at the temple President  Ali participating in edition from the sacred Hindu text Ramayan

A devotee at the temple

President  of Ogle Mandir,Mohan Samwaru

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Ali announces plans to support religious leaders

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced that the government is exploring ways to support the development of pastors, pandits, and imams in Guyana.

He made the statement on Wednesday while speaking at the commissioning of South America’s largest Lord Shiva statue at the Badrinaath Ashram on the Essequibo Coast.

The towering structure, called the Bhagwan Shiva Murti, was founded by Pandit Munesh Dhanraih.

“We may have to collaborate with religious leaders and identify institutions through which we can support their development, and we are committed to doing that because faith and spirituality are essential pillars of a grounded nation,” he emphasised.

He explained that the goal is to ensure that Guyana’s religious tapestry remains rich and multifaceted.

The president also highlighted the significance of the Aashram and the collective effort behind its establishment.

He noted that the Ashram reinforces a sense of belonging and connection, symbolising deeper values such as faith, consciousness, and reconnection with one’s heritage.

 

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips with devotees at the event on Wednesday

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips with devotees at the event on Wednesday