For the first time in the 149-year history of President’s House, Ramleela was celebrated on its grounds.
Ramleela is the dramatic re-enactment of the life of Lord Rama, a revered Hindu deity, and tells the story of good triumphing over evil.
Speaking at the event on Friday, President Christine Kangaloo commended the performances of the students of El Dorado North Hindu and Tunapuna Hindu schools who participated in the activities.
“It is with immense gratitude that I address you today. What a truly wonderful and extraordinary experience this has been. What a privilege it is for all of us who have witnessed the sacred scriptures of the Ramayan brought so vividly to life right here at President’s House and for the very first time. This is indeed a historic and significant occasion.”
President Kangaloo said the occasion was important for another reason: making President’s House more accessible to the nation.
She “You have helped make a reality the vision I shared with the nation when I first became President. I had envisioned that the office of the President would become more accessible and that its facilities would be used to host cultural, educational and artistic ventures, particularly those involving young people.”
President Kangaloo noted that true love and devotion, discipline, respect, courage, loyalty, friendship, and faith were all qualities displayed in the Ramleela.
“I believe that we are all fortunate, very fortunate indeed, to have the example of these characters to remind us of the qualities which help us overcome life’s greatest challenges. I also believe that Trinidad and Tobago would be a far better place if each of us took the lessons of these important scenes from Ramayan to heart and live by its principles.”
As part of the re-enactment, an effigy of Ravan, the demon king, was burnt on the grounds of the residence.