Dear Editor,
The success story of the pride of Guyana, more so Region 3 and in particular the village of Cornelia Ida, is a continuum of strict policies, stern principles and steadfast penalties, which support SVN’s fluttering flag, flying with dignity, decorum and distinction.
In delivering the Principal’s Report, Mrs. Nirmala Singh reminded the students of SVN that, “one never stops learning, never abandon studies, always speak the truth and practice Dharma.”
Last Sunday afternoon October 3, the Saraswati Vidya Niketan held its 22nd “Diksanta Samaroha” (Graduation Ceremony) for the Class of 2026 at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, a private tutoring institution founded by Swami Aksharananda Ji and known for its scrupulous do’s and stringent don’ts.
Students must participate in cleaning the classroom and school compound and cell phones and social media are not allowed! Spanish is a compulsory subject and romantic affair is not encouraged!
No wonder SVN is making a unique difference as a learning institution in the field of education simply because the instrument of discipline, the input of dedication and the instruction for direction are of paramount importance. Also, the value of prayers is preached, practiced and processed as a medium to help mold the young minds.
Coincidentally, this week is dedicated towards observing World Teachers’ Day 2026 and present at SVN’s Graduation ceremony was the Honorable Minister Of Education, Sonia Parag. Minister Parag in her congratulatory message, attested that, “ teachers are your second parents.” In this fast moving and revolving pace of high technology, she gently remarked that, “IT should be used responsibly for enhancement purposes and it cannot replace the human mind.”
64 students (8+ Grade Ones), graduated from the CSEC Class of 2026 with the best graduating student being Feiaz Dhanny with 20 ones and 1 two. Zhijie Yang was the second-best student with 18 ones and 1 two. Both shared the limelight as national top formers, including Gizelle Nicholson (16 ones and 3 twos), Jiaying Yu (14 ones, 3 twos & 1 three), Emily Basdeo (12 ones & 4 twos) and Riya Nazim (12 ones, 8 twos, & 1 three).
There were 9 students from the CAPE Graduating Class of 2026, the best graduating student being Ryan Bhajonauth with 9 ones and 3 twos.
Piyush Sammy was declared 2025-2026 SVN Honor Student, having achieved 99.26 %.
In an erudite yet persuasive presentation, Swami Aksharananda calmly but composedly, referred to the deterioration of society in Guyana and alluded to the shrinking of values while acknowledging the massive development in Guyana. In a tranquil tone, he urged all stake-holders to pay attention to this sad state of affairs. “While material growth is visible, morality is on the decline.” He solemnly advocated for the preservation of humility, respect and compassion which will germinate the characteristics of finesse as the students craft a passage in the journey of life.
Swamiji was ecstatic to introduce the guest speaker for the night, the world-renowned cricketer, a prolific batsman and a classic fielder, the son of Port Mourant’s soil, Shriman Alvin Kallicharan ji.
It was most fitting to have Mr. Kallicharan talking to the graduands about overcoming difficulties and challenges as they venture into their adventurous lives, reminiscing about his exposure and experience in the realm of cricket, the arena of pessimism and the environment of negativity.
Making reference to Puttaparthi’s Satya Sai Baba, he paid reverence to the children’s orderliness, their noiseless behaviour and the institution’s high standard for mannerism. In his concluding remarks, Shriman Kallicharan ji promoted the idea of spending quiet moments with themselves, protecting their unguarded anxiety of fear and to follow through with a positive plan.
As observed, entering SVN is easy but staying is difficult. SVN’s classic art of teaching, their meticulous management of the students and the intricate involvement of the parents, contribute towards making an impressive difference in the promulgation of education, their excellent results and the product of exceptional quality.
It was a resounding evening filled with much deserved accolades, tumultuous applause and thoughtful appraisals.
Yours Respectfully,
Jai Lall.
