Latest update November 14th, 2024 8:42 PM
Latest News
- State to pay $24M for police killing of Quindon Bacchus
- “Regardless of a referendum ExxonM has to consent to change oil deal- AG, Anil Nandlall
- ExxonM produced 500 million barrels of oil Since 2019- Company says
- Deadly Israeli strike shatters sense of ‘safety’ in remote north Lebanon
- Govt. signs rental deal for second powership
Celebrating Christmas as one family at the Dharm Shala
By Rehanna Ramsay
Although Christmas is essentially seen as time to celebrate and positively reflect on the reason for the season with close relatives and friends, those living in Albouystown at the Dharm Shala, “Home of benevolence for all races,” have come to embrace the facility – which offers a safe haven for the needy – as their “home
Dharm Shala inmates.
away from home.”
Some may find it strange, but the residents of the Dharm Shala, who come from diverse ethnic and religion backgrounds, may have discovered the true meaning of family and love for humanity while spending many festive holidays among so-called strangers.
It is under these unusual circumstances that one realizes that love has no colour and that poverty has no face.
When one visits the home those present, most of them elderly folk, can be seen sitting and listening to the radio while some are chatting away with others, perhaps on the subject of Christmases past.
Shirley Bissoon, who has seen four Christmases as a resident of the Dharm Shala, emphasised that the home is quite comfortable and the administration goes the extra mile to make the season merry for the inhabitants.
“We does get Christmas social and so, and people does come visit. We does get nice food and drinks. We does dance and sing and so all ah we is family. We live in love as one because we know everybody. We doesn’t fight and quarrel ‘cause we get big and realize dat we is one and we got fuh live.”
The charity which maintains more than 35 inhabitants manages to serve roughly 140 free meals daily to the underprivileged.
“People does come here and get three square meals every day. Dem (administration) don’t turn away nobody.”
At the annual Children’s Christmas party, some 175 children were made merry with delicious refreshments, toys and other types of gifts, in addition to visit from Santa Claus.
The Canadian and United States envoys and their wives were also in attendance at that celebration.
Chief Representative of the organization, Kella Ramsaroop noted that the domicile, which was founded by her grandfather, the late Pandit Maraj Ramsaroop, has continually been a labour of love to her family.
She noted that although the institution may “get financial aid every now and then from various organizations,” it is basically self-funded, existing on contributions from family members. The funds are utilized to maintain the home and sponsor major projects.
“At Christmas we accommodate children from the immediate neighbourhood and neighbouring Charlestown and so, and bring merriment to them for the holidays. Our recent Christmas party was quite nice; the children enjoyed themselves and had a little dance competition and so on,”
Ramsaroop stressed that although the Dharm Shala recently celebrated 91 years of providing shelter and food to the destitute, it continues to do so at no cost to the residents and those who need meals.
“The residents are given three meals per day from Sunday to Sunday. That will never stop as long as this home exists.”
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Poor Power Planning (PPP)
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- Planning has long been the PPP/C government’s pride and joy. The PPP/C touts it at rallies,... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
