Sita Ram and Good Morning:

If there is one word – one emotion – that characterizes how I feel this morning, that word is “gratitude”. 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 to have witnessed the sacred scriptures of the Ramayan brought so vividly to life right here at The President’s House, and for the very first time. This is indeed a historic and significant occasion.

I must begin by expressing gratitude for and commending the remarkable and talented performers of the El Dorado North Hindu School and the Tunapuna Hindu School. You were absolutely phenomenal, and your performance was nothing short of inspiring. You did full justice to these timeless and epic scenes  from   the Ramayan; every scene reflected the effort and dedication that went into your preparation. You have given us a brilliant performance, the first of its kind in the 149-year history of this House, and one which will be long and fondly remembered. For that, my husband and I extend our deepest gratitude.

Another reason that I am so grateful to you, is that 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. I had imagined that these grounds would be a space in which young minds could explore their intellectual, cultural and artistic curiosity, and in so doing, experience, participate in, and gain an appreciation for the cultural traditions of our country.

I think we can all agree that you have accomplished that and more, much more. You have lent your time and your talents in the service of preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural and religious heritage. And in doing so, you have offered the students of these six (6) schools a truly memorable experience, one which goes well beyond the excitement of the burning of Ravan, the infectious beat of the tassa and the masterful storytelling. It is an experience which has provided valuable insight into the deeper spiritual and moral significance at the heart of Ramleela.

I believe that, just as light overcomes darkness, Ramleela shines a light on truths that matter to us all. Just a little while ago, we witnessed the re-enactment of the age-old struggle between good and evil, and along the way we also saw important qualities such as discipline, respect, courage, love, loyalty, friendship and faith on display. Each character showed us something about real life and about ourselves. Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, for example, showed us what true love and devotion look like, and how strong love can remain even when life becomes very difficult. Ravan, on the other hand, reminded us of the consequences of  unbridled egoism, selfishness and greed. 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 the Ramayan to heart and lived by its principles. I especially encourage you, the youth and future leaders of this nation to embrace these values and in so doing, help build a stronger and more productive country.

As I have said: today, I am grateful. I am truly grateful for the chance to reflect on these relevant and enduring values. I am grateful to be reminded of how wonderfully fortunate we are to live in a country in which every creed and race can celebrate, participate and learn from each other’s cultural and religious traditions. And I am grateful for your willingness to collaborate and partner with the Office of the President to bring Ramleela to life, right here at The President’s House.

I would like to thank most sincerely the principals, teachers and students of the El Dorado North Hindu School and the Tunapuna Hindu School Tassa Group. I also extend my deepest gratitude to members of the Swaha Hindu College for undertaking the herculean task of constructing the effigy of Rawan. Thank you for your generosity, patience and hard work.

Youth performers, and teachers who performed, I began by thanking you and I find it only fitting to end with you as well. Thank you for your bravery, dedication and passion. I hope you know that you have played an important role, not only in making this historic occasion at The President’s House possible, but also in continuing a tradition that has been an integral part of our national heritage since the arrival of indentured labourers in the 19th  century. I hope you know, therefore, that my husband and I, and by extension the entire nation, are all extremely proud of you.

Thank you all for making the first-ever staging of Ramleela at The President’s House a success.

I thank you.