I write to express heartfelt commendations to the leadership, students, educators, supporters, and families of students (present and former) of Saraswati Vidya Niketan (CI, West Coast) on being slated to be honored by the Government of India on Friday with the prestigious Pravasi Samman Award, the highest honor given by an organization or individual in the diaspora. It brings a sense of accomplishment to Swami Aksharananda, all staff members, and students and their families. The recognition resonates with school’s ethos of excellence in learning and celebrates the dedication to promoting a culture of knowledge with spirituality. It excels in CSEC and CAPE. There is hardly any other of its kind in the country.
The President of India will confer the coveted award at a special investiture ceremony followed by a banquet at the conclusion of a three day conclave of delegates representing the global Indian diaspora. Thousands of delegates and special invited guests are attending the international conference with several coming from Guyana and the Guyanese diaspora, including this writer.
The convention began on Wednesday with a youth conference of Indians from around the globe. Mickela Panday of Trinidad was a feature speaker. It continued with the keynote address by PM Modi in Thursday morning to the thousands of delegates in a huge hall in the city of Bhuvaneshwar in the state of Odisha. Some Guyanese and other Indo Caribbean people trace their roots to Odisha, which lies next to West Bengal, the capital of which is Kolkata (Calcutta) from where the indentured laborers were shipped beginning in 1838.
The India conclave is known as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) and this year’s is the 18th edition. It is an idea conceived by Dharamdatt Sukhai Durjan and other Guyanese and Caribbean Indians at a private meeting at Salaam Bombay restaurant in New York in 1996 with then Opposition Leader and head of the BJP Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee who went on to become the Prime Minister in 1998; Vajpayee first served as PM for 13 days two years earlier. Vajpayee established a high powered commission in 2001 that traveled throughout the diaspora soliciting views on how India could engage the large diaspora. The delegation came to Guyana, among other Caribbean territories, and met with Yesu Persaud, Hemraj Kissoon, Ravi Dev and other prominent Indians. The Commission recommended to the Indian government the holding of an annual PBD, a gathering of Indians based abroad. The first PBD was held in 2003; Shridath Ramphal, VS Naipaul, among others, were guests and feature speakers.
The SVN and its founder principal, Swami Aksharananda, are honored this year for contributions to education in Guyana. This achievement marks a proud moment for the entire school community as it continues journey towards greater excellence. The Dharmic Sabha was honored in 2019 for culture. Neither the Dharmic Sabha nor SVN was ever recognized by the government for contributions to development in Guyana. Swami Aksharananda was never honored by the government of Guyana although Swamis are not known to accept honors. Swami has served the country with steadfast dedication never mind the disrespect from officials.
SVN is deserving of this India accolade for an unwavering commitment to providing top-tier education that nurtures spirituality and academic proficiency. The award serves as a testament to the relentless efforts of Swami, the staff, and community to deliver outstanding educational instruction and learning experiences to students. This recognition will motivate teachers and students to continue to excel and it may impel the government to recognize and salute the work of SVN in educating the less fortunate, underserved, and underprivileged.
Congratulations!
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram