New York- The Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in New York marked its inaugural Phagwa celebration with a cultural fanfare and call for national unity. In her keynote address before hundreds of well wishers, Consul General Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam identified the symbolisms and many facets of Phagwa but emphasised its religious and cultural themes and their importance to nation building. She also explained the religious mythology associated with the global event as it relates to personal growth and transformation. "The main story behind Phagwa represents the victory of virtue over conniving and treacherous behaviours," she said, noting "that faith in the divine is the ultimate for those of us who truly believe." Developing on her Black History Month message a few weeks ago, Ramgoolam said culture must be viewed as a panacea for social ills and called on the nation's young people-many of whom are at risk-to revisit their time tested traditions. "Religion and culture," she said, "must be taken seriously and celebrated with resolve."
She added that "bringing up a child without culture is a sure recipe for making them into wonderful rogues." Phagwa she stated, represents the joy and spontaneity that are characterised in childhood, and referred to that period as critical toward shaping "who we are today." She went on to express the "seriousness" and "creative" side of the occasion "that contribute positively toward self, family, community and nation building." The ambassador traced the humble beginning of Phagwa in Trinidad and Tobago to what she called its "exponential growth" as a national event that attracts participants from the nation's diverse ethnic makeup. She praised politicians, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and other community leaders for being a part of the annual festivities, and for recognising the value of humanity in its many forms and expressions.
Ramgoolam said Phagwa, by its very virtue of being a spring event, offers the keys to vitality and regeneration to families and communities, and could emerge as the pivotal event to engender greater national unity. She was joined by the Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations, Ambassador Rodney Charles, who described the nation's unique character as a repository of the world's great religions. "Hinduism, Islam, Orisa and Christianity are embraced and celebrated by everyone...Our island reflects the synergy of all philosophies," he said. The evening event ended with an artistic display of East Indian culture.