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Address from Her Excellency at the 39th Baal Vikas

Mar 2, 2024

Address from Her Excellency at the 39th Baal Vikas

Sita Ram and Good Morning.

My husband and I wish to thank the Sanatan Dharma Maha Saba for its kind invitation to attend the 39th Baal Vikaas Festival this morning, and for its extremely warm welcome to us. I would also like to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address you, very briefly, this morning.

As you know, one of my main areas of interest as President, is our country’s young people. This is one of the reasons that I am so thrilled to be here this morning – because the Bal Vikaas programme focuses heavily on our primary school children. Another reason that I am so interested in the programme is because, as I understand it, the true meaning of “Bal Vikaas” is “the Blossoming of the Child”. What a beautiful idea to bring alive by means of this programme.

The beauty of the programme is not just in the majesty of its conceptual framework, however; it is also in the power of its actualised objectives.

I have been told that its objectives include the creation of an environment of respect, tolerance and harmony for students of all cultural and religious beliefs; complementing the school’s curriculum and assisting in the holistic development of the child; and providing an opportunity for the community and school to work together – to name just a few.

You will understand, therefore, why it is I stand in wholehearted support of this programme. I do so because the preservation of our peoples’ history and culture is an indispensable and critical component of nation-building. I do so because I believe that it is the duty of all agents of socialisation – the principal ones being the family, schools and religious institutions – to ensure that our history and rich culture are not only learned, but are actively observed and respected by our children. I do so because it is only when a people know and respect their history and their culture, that a society is able to share a common memory of where it has been, of what its core values are, and what is the direction in which it wishes to go. And I do so because, by immersing our youth in our nation’s history and culture, the Bal Vikaas programme plays a vital role in equipping our nation’s children to undertake the task of asking probing questions about our society, and also, of answering them.

I therefore commend and congratulate the Sanatan Dharma Maha Saba for establishing and for continuing the Bal Vikaas programme for the past 39 years. I commend and congratulate you for providing for our primary school children, a safe space and a platform for them to build their self-confidence; for them to foster teamwork and engender team spirit; and for them to foster healthy inter-school competition – all of which help to create well-rounded and empowered citizens.

I commend, as well, the parents who, by encouraging and permitting their children to participate in the Bal Vikaas program, have demonstrated their understanding of the importance of an holistic approach to education – particularly in these times when our children can easily fall prey to negative influences.

I also applaud the teachers who have given selflessly of their time – beyond normal school hours – to coach, work with, and train the students.

Above all, I congratulate and extend my and my husband’s best wishes to all of the students who will be participating in today’s CHOWTAL competition, and in the other competitions in the coming months. I encourage each of you to enjoy your school life; to participate in programmes such as Bal Vikaas; to read and discover more about your culture, and, in so doing, to cultivate a deep understanding of what our nation’s core values are; and, in time to come, to make wise and informed decisions about the direction in which you wish our nation to go. I encourage each of you to make your country proud.

As I close, please permit me to take this opportunity to also congratulate Pundit Dr. Rampersad Parasram, the sixth Dharmacharya of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Saba, to whom this year’s Bal Vikaas is dedicated, in celebration of his 80th birthday.

And so, I thank you for affording me this opportunity to have spoken with you and I wish the Sanatan Dharma Maha Saba and all participating schools a safe and successful Bal Vikaas 2024.

Thank you.

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Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, extends her heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.As the first Pope from the United States, this historic moment is one of immense pride and inspiration, not only for his fellow countrymen, but also for millions around the world, including the faithful here in Trinidad and Tobago.Her Excellency conveys her sincere wishes to His Holiness for every success as he begins his apostolic ministry and offers spiritual leadership to the global community. ... See MoreSee Less

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Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, warmly invites you to:The President’s Mother’s Day Concert in the GardensSunday, May 11, 2025President’s Gardens BandstandGates open 4:30 PM | Show starts 6:00 PMJoin us for an evening of love, laughter, and live music as we celebrate the amazing women in our lives!Featuring performances by:• Zachary Ransome• David Bereaux & Friends• bp Renegades Youth Steel ft. Myron B• Natasha Benjamin• Neval Chatelal• Alicia Jaggasar & Evolution• bp Renegades ft. Quinton NecklesPLUS:• Exciting giveaways• Special gifts for the first 100 kids (ages 8–11)• A cozy, family-friendly atmospherePack your chairs, blankets, and coolers—bring the whole family for a magical evening under the stars!#MothersDayConcert #TrinidadAndTobago #FamilyVibes #LiveMusic #PresidentsGardens #CelebrateMoms ... See MoreSee Less

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#SaveTheDateHer Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, warmly invites all mothers, grandmothers, aunts—and their families—to a special celebration:The President’s Mother’s Day Concert in the GardensDate: Sunday, May 11, 2025Venue: The Bandstand, President’s GardensGates Open: 4:30 PM | Concert Begins: 6:00 PMCome relax and enjoy an unforgettable evening of live music featuring:Zachary RansomeDavid Bereaux & Friendsbp Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra ft. Myron BNatasha BenjaminNeval ChatelalAlicia Jaggasar & Evolutionbp Renegades ft. Quinton NecklesPLUS:Special giveawaysGifts for the first 100 children ages 8–11A family-friendly atmosphereBring your chairs, blankets, and coolers—and bring the whole family!Celebrate the heart of the family at the President’s Mother’s Day Concert in the Gardens.#Mothersday #concert2025 #officeofthepresidentt ... See MoreSee Less

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#HappySunday Do you remember the wonderful time you had at the Mother’s Day Concert hosted by Her Excellency Christine Kangaloo ORTT President of Trinidad and Tobago well it’s back next Sunday May 11,2025. #savethedate #keepfollowing #MothersDayConcert #officeofthepresidentt ... See MoreSee Less

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President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
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