The 38th edition of Divali Nagar opened on Saturday night with vibrant song and dance, setting the stage for a celebration that went beyond entertainment. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), emphasised that culture must be seen as a force for education, inspiration, and transformation, not merely performance.
Mangaroo, who assumed leadership of the NCIC in August, urged stakeholders to recognise Divali Nagar as “a national institute of cultural and moral development,” calling for not only public attendance but also tangible support to ensure its continued impact.
Delivering his remarks at the Nagar’s headquarters in Endeavour, Chaguanas, Mangaroo highlighted this year’s theme, Loka Sangraha—Welfare of the World, which encourages citizens to look beyond self-interest and promote the well-being of all humanity.
“It reminds us that our actions must be guided by compassion, justice, solidarity, and responsibility,” he said. “The welfare of the world begins with the welfare of our families, our communities, and our nation.”
While praising the festival’s unifying role, Mangaroo also urged reflection on current social challenges.
“Across our schools and communities, we are witnessing troubling behaviour among our children—disrespect, indiscipline, violence, and a weakening of moral values. This is not merely a school problem; it is a national concern,” he warned.
He stressed the need for a holistic approach to education.
“If our children falter, it means we as a society are not doing enough to guide them. Education must go beyond academics to nurture respect, compassion, discipline, and service. Indeed, it takes a village to raise a child,” he said.
Mangaroo described Divali Nagar as a “living classroom”, offering children a space to experience values and traditions firsthand. Through initiatives such as the Yuva Manch, children’s programmes, and outreach to children’s homes, the festival, he said, continues to reinforce the morals and customs that build responsible citizens and compassionate leaders.
“Divali Nagar teaches us that culture is not entertainment alone—it is education, inspiration, and transformation,” he added.
Calling for stronger national support, Mangaroo appealed to the government, educators, religious leaders, parents, and corporate entities to invest in the festival’s future.
“By investing in Divali Nagar, we are investing in the moral compass of our nation,” he said. “We are giving our children a foundation that textbooks cannot provide, ensuring that the values of discipline, respect, and compassion endure for generations to come.”
The nine-night festival runs until October 19, the eve of Divali. Saturday’s opening featured the ceremonial aarti (waving of lights) to the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, performed by members of the Shiva Gana Organisation.
The evening also showcased cultural performances by the Apsara Dance Company, Sabri Seepersad, Kaveesh Maharaj and Band, the Isha Organisation, the First Citizens Dragon Boys Tassa Group, and the Avocat Vedic Primary School. The feature address was delivered by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo.
Leave a Reply