SHUBH HOLI TO ALL

----- May the spirit of Holi help us treat each other with love, respect and understanding...

Hindus the world over will be celebrating Phagwah or Holi on Sunday, 20th March, 2011. Regardless of the country you grew up in, once you're an East Indian with ties to India, you know what is Phagwah. As a child growing up in the villages, Phagwah is one of the most merriest of celebrations. For weeks before Phagwah rolls around, you made sure your mother prepare your white clothing, bought your 'play' gun to shot Abeer at your friends and family, got your Johnson Baby Powder and Abrack ready for the afternoon session. Boy! It was jolly joyful when you were the first one to spray Abeer at your relative's white clothing and left streaks of red marks. The glee ... the laughter ... But, that's a child's mind and a child likes to do fun things. Sprouting Abeer at people is fun.

Phagwah has deep spiritual and social significances that over the years many of us have overlooked or forgotten, particularly after we've moved away from our birth countries and adopted foreign countries as home. However, the meaning of Phagwah remains the same.

The celebration of Phagwah is a time when good-will, happiness, forgiveness and brotherhood reign supreme. It is a time when sharing and giving, merriment and laughter and felicitations take precedent over all else; a time to cleanse the body of ill feelings and other bad habits. Remember, with the celebration of Holi, only one thing triumphs and that is good.

So, as we're preparing to observe Phagwah 2011, let us resolve to treat each other with a measure of goodness and learn to share our richness with others unconditionally.

Come join us at the Sanaatan Dharma Mandir of New York to celebrate Phagwah 2011 at 114th Street in Richmond Hill.

Shubh Holi to all!

Lord Krishna playing Holi

(Online photo)

GRAND TRIBUTE DINNER IN HONOR OF MR. ASHOOK RAMSARAN

A tribute dinner was held in honor of Mr. Ashook Ramsaran at the beautiful World's Fair Marina in Flushing, Queens a few Saturdays ago. Mr. Ramsaran, Guyanese by birth, recently returned home from India where he was awarded the Pravasi Samman Award for his outstanding community, civic and humanitarian works he's involved in to improve the lives of others. The amount of charitable and community projects he participated in is too numerous to mention, but suffice it to say that Mr. Ramsaran is one of a million in the Diaspora. He was instrumental in the building of and the organization of the inauguration of the Kolkata Memorial in India in January 2011 - a massive project indeed - just to name one.

There's an old saying that goes like this: "At the side of every great man is a great woman." Why am I saying that? Well, when people take on the responsibility of becoming community, civic, political or religious leaders; simultaneously, they also become public figures and 'public property,' to put it mildly. I say that lightly. But, unless you're a part of that household, you would never imagine or understand the amount of sacrifices that family has to endure, starting with the spouse and the children. That's why we all need to say "Hats off to Mrs. Ramsaran," for being so super supportive to Mr. Ramsaran and gracefully allowing him to do the good work he does for the upliftment of soceity as a whole.

But, this moment is for Mr. Ramsaran, who was also celebrating his birthday that night. Many congratulations to him for the great work he's doing and all the best for the future. Mr. Ramsaran was also the recipient to many more awards, recognitions and citations from diffirent offices, including, US Congressman Anthony Weiner and NY State Assemblyman David Weprin.

Mr. Nohar Singh, President and CEO of Travel Span (check him out for all your travel needs - mention this blog and get a discount - just kidding!) must be complimented for organizing such a fabulous evening. His informative narrative on indenturedship and his presentation on "Footage on Indentureship" created the correct historical ambience needed for such a tribute dinner for a descendant of one of the indentured laborers - a walk down memory lane.

The event was graced with the presence of many high profile personalities, including His Excellency Dr. Neil Parsan, newly appointed Trinidad & Tobago Ambassador to the USA; Dr. Thomas Abraham; NYC Councilman Mr. James Gennaro; Guyanese-born real estate magnate Mr. George Subraj, President of ZARA Realty; and Mr. James Gallagher, Jr. - to name a few.

Mr. Ramsaran's two sons, Arnold and Gerard, also took to the microphone to compliment their father on his many achievements and his influence in their lives.

Congrats Mr. Ramsaran! Keep up the good work!
Below some photos of the event.

Arnold, Mrs. and Mr. Ramsaran, Gerard & little Jaden


Mr. Ramsaran receiving another award ...


Dr. Neil Parsan making his presentation...


Mr. Nohar Singh, Dr. Thomas Abraham and Mr. Ramsaran..