Trinidad : Function at Hindu Temple

First Lady speaks on the importance of parenthood

By HERMAN ROOP DASS Monday, October 27 2008
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First Lady Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards is presented with a floral arrangement by Jaya Mangal during her visit to the temple...
First Lady Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards is presented with a floral arrangement by Jaya Mangal during her visit to the temple...

CHILDREN WHO grow up mindful of travelling on a positive path in life “are usually the products of excellent family life bolstered by the counsel and wisdom of elders in the community,” says First Lady, Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards.

“I have no doubt, also that their parents and guardians have been able to focus on their responsibility to nurture their charges, in spite of the many distractions and difficulties which surround us, because they are mindful of the teachings that they have received especially in assemblies like this Temple,” added the First Lady.

At the time she was delivering the feature address yesterday at the Edinburgh Hindu Temple, Chaguanas.

The First Lady was invited to speak by the officers of the Hindu Place of Worship, headed by Pundit Ramesh Tiwari.

Earlier, the group conducted a Puja (prayers) to praise Mother Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) for being benevolent to women all over the world.

Dr Ramjohn-Richards said she was sure the “grounding of the Temple is a strong spiritual one which enables them to take decisions that befit the dignity of the human being.”

She explained that during this period (with Divali taking place tomorrow) on the Hindu Calendar the celebration emphasises the motherhood of the Goddess Lakshmi “giving Light to the World,” and in keeping with the Faith “as the Goddess of the means of achieving objectives including prosperity in the lives of mankind.”

She felt that “women and young girls must recognise the critical role that we must play in the development of our countries for the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

“This tells me that women who are not occupied with jobs in the marketplace can have considerable influence from their base at home for even without trying we are an influence one way or the other, on children within the home, starting from birth,” she added. The First Lady said that “if we would grasp that idea, then we would see things differently, one proviso though is that education should not be denied to women and girls, based on the false notion that it is not necessary. given what some regard as the primary role of women.”

She was convinced that women could serve both in the home and in the workplace and there were advantages and disadvantages either way “but once we become mothers we must know that this is much more than a biological act, whichever of the two circumstances apply.

“That is why becoming a mother must not be taken lightly as the responsibility goes way beyond the first thrill.” she added.

She however advised, “mothers cannot replace fathers and should not try to do so,” she stressed.

The First Lady continued, “Sacrifice is an element of parenthood, and some may say that it is more so for mothers than fathers, but this point is debatable.”



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