Ministers Call For Unity And Harmony At Agriculture Ministry Divali Celebration
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram is urging citizens to plant seeds of kindness and cooperation, as Trinidad and Tobago observes Divali.
Stakeholders from across the agricultural sector gathered at the Central Experiment Station in Centeno on Wednesday to reflect on the blessings of the season as the Ministry hosted its Divali celebration.
In his address, Minister Ratiram said the symbolism of the deya extends beyond the festival itself, serving as a reminder that simple acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on others.
He said just as light conquers darkness, there is always room for hope and kindness, which must overflow to neighbours, the underprivileged and vulnerable in society.
« Today we just light one deya, but we passed that light on to The Excellencies who helped us in lighting all the other deyas. In much the same way, a kind word, a helping hand or even a simple smile can brighten someone else’s life without taking anything away from us. »
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen said while Divali is a Hindu festival, she believes the lessons of the occasion resonate with every creed, religion and race.
She said T&T needs to guard its unique status as a multi-cultural, multi-religious and cosmopolitan country.
« Today we celebrate Divali. There are many of you in the audience who are not Hindu, who are not East Indian, but you are here to celebrate with our Hindu brothers and sisters. So too, when we have Eid, when we have Christian holidays, we all share and participate. I want you to remember that. I want you to resist those people who will try to divide our country, who will try to bring racial hatred to our country. Who will try to promote division and racial discrimination. We must not tolerate it. »
Pundit Satesh Maharaj, who officiated over the auspicious occasion, urged the public to examine how they live and embrace harmony within the home.
« In today’s world, material success can grow, while peace within the home quietly diminishes. By lighting the deyas, we may expel the physical darkness within the home but have we ourselves illumined our hearts? The movement towards light begins with honest reflection. »
The Ministry’s Divali celebration was also attended by Minister of Housing Dr David Lee and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Utilities Shivanna Sam.
