On Saturday May 3rd 2025, the America Sevashram Sangha, in collaboration with the Angels Caribbean Entertainment Group of Companies, commemorated the 187th anniversary of Indian Arrival Day to Guyana and other countries in the Caribbean Region with a special cultural program featuring a variety of items. The event was well attended, including many of the Ashram members and their families, and also supporters of the community who enjoyed a variety of patriotic songs by the Angels Caribbean Band, led by Ms. Geeta Bisram. There were cultural dances by members of the Natraj Center for Performing Arts Shringaras, Manju Chand and Neema Jadubans.
There were two speeches, with the first by the spiritual director of the Ashram, Swami Shiveshwaranandaji Maharaj, who welcomed everyone and spoke briefly on the history of the immigrants from India to Guyana and their experience in settling in a new environment. He also stressed the importance of celebrating one’s culture and thanked everyone for their support.
The second speech was presented by a member of the Ashram, Ms. Veena Bedasie. She focused on many themes, including the brave decision of our ancestors to take a “chance” and leave India for an opportunity of a better life in the West, and the importance of having an identity, which has been given by India to immigrants of the Caribbean and other developed countries. She also highlighted the need to preserve one’s culture while taking advantage of opportunities to build an even better life wherever you settle. Vocalist Geeta Bisram treated the audience to numerous patriotic songs and Bollywood movies tunes glorifying the motherland – India. Some songs were peppy, with the audience standing up and waving the flags of India and Guyana while chanting “Jai Ho,” the popular song from the movie Slumdog Millionaire along with other songs with lyrics of pride and patriotism.
Please follow the America Sevashram Sangha’s social media page on FaceBook for livestreamed satsangs and upcoming events, or call the Ashram at (718) 523-7515 for more info. Additionally, follow the social media links for the Angels Caribbean Entertainment Group of Companies.
