RALPH BANWARIE
Freelance Correspondent
President Christine Kangaloo says the celebration of Ramleela is not only a stunning, gripping visual and artistic performance but an educational medium that teaches the importance of love, respect, moral values and righteous living.
Speaking at Sangre Grande’s 34th Ramleela Celebration at the Sangre Grande Hindu School Recreation Ground on Sunday evening, she said the characters displayed in Ramleela reminded participants of their duty in various relationships and to aspire to be the ideal father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, leader and citizen.
She said, “Through these enactments, we witness the timeless struggle of good versus evil and the portrayal of characteristics such as discipline, respect for elders, courage, love, loyalty, friendship and faith. Each character embodies vital aspects of our own human experience, prompting each of us to reflect on our own lives.
“Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, for example, exemplify love and devotion, demonstrating the strength and resilience that love can offer in the face of adversity.
“We can all agree that our society is better when our citizens embrace and embody these principles.”
She said she was pleased with the involvement of young people in the celebrations and was heartened to learn that approximately 175 players were involved this year, with the majority of them being young people from the Sangre Grande community.
She said one of her main areas of focus as President of T&T was encouraging young people to engage in endeavours that were beneficial and life-giving.
She said she hoped that T&T’s youth would develop a profound love and respect for our history and customs.
President Kangaloo encouraged young people to put themselves forward, participate in cultural productions and apply the lessons learnt to their daily lives.
She also praised the Sangre Grande Ramleela committee for keeping the tradition alive.
“The 34th staging of Ramleela in Sangre Grande is testament to your devotion, hard work and unwavering commitment to safeguarding this sacred tradition,” she said.