The T&T consulate in New York held its first Phagwa celebration with spiritual renditions courtesy of Shiva Mandir Chowtal Group, and Pundit T Samaroo Ramayan and Chowtal group of New York, followed by the infectious high octave sounds of tassa. The evening event was attended by hundreds of well-wishers, many donning traditional East Indian and African raiment. In her key note address, Consul General Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam stated that Phagwa-by its virtue of being a spring event-represented the vitality and regenerative spirit of life and the human will.
"Phagwa provides hope for the coming of spring and a new year of aspirations," she said. She noted that in New York, a long and cold winter can be an emotional setback, and that the momentous celebration "can be viewed as a transition of our moods from one of hibernation...into a season of bloom, radiance, happiness and excitement." Ramgoolam also emphasised the spiritual overtones of the event that epitomise "the triumph of virtue over conniving treachery." She lauded politicians and community leaders of T&T for their annual participation-viewing it as a propitious step toward cultural awareness and development on a national level.
She also used the opportunity to counsel the nation's youth on culture and traditions-a theme she raised during Black History Month. "I am of the firm belief that bringing up a child without culture and religion is a sure recipe for turning them into wonderful rogues." Ramgoolam was later joined by T&T envoy to the UN, Rodney Charles, who referred to the nation as a repository of the great religions. "Our island reflects the synergy of all philosophies," he said. The evening ended with an artistic display of East Indian culture and refreshments.