President Ali urges gratitude, reflection at Maha Shivratri observance

President Dr Irfaan Ali today joined hundreds of devotees at the Cove and John Ashram, East Coast Demerara, to observe Maha Shivratri, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Maha Shivratri, celebrated annually with fasting, prayer, and night-long vigils, marks the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. Devotees use the occasion to offer prayers, chant mantras, and participate in rituals, seeking blessings for spiritual growth and prosperity.
Addressing the gathering at the Ashram, President Ali emphasised the importance of gratitude and reflection during this auspicious time. He underscored the need to give praise, share love, embrace one another, and seize the opportunity to serve humanity.
“How many of our friends who were here last year are no longer with us?” President Ali asked. “Have we spent any time today to acknowledge this blessing, to recognise the fact that we are given not only one more year of opportunity to live, but one more year to correct missteps and do more for humanity?”
The President also recognised the significant contribution of the Ashram to the community, highlighting its role in uplifting people, inspiring hope, and encouraging inward reflection.
“Many people are alive but dead internally,” President Ali remarked. He explained that true growth comes when individuals reconcile with their thoughts, conscience, and spirituality, leading to external radiance.
In his speech, President Ali also urged Guyanese to view diversity as both a challenge and a blessing, seeing it as a gift from God. He emphasised the importance of uniting people of various cultures, religious beliefs, and ethnic backgrounds.
“This is a blessing,” President Ali said. “We have been given this by the Superior Being as a nation, so we can craft it into an example that could lead the rest of the world to enlightenment.”
The President’s reflections offered a new perspective on the nation’s diversity, encouraging unity and spiritual growth among all Guyanese.