The Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
  • Home
  • The President
    • Christine Carla Kangaloo
    • Role and Function
      • Extracts from the Constitution
    • The President’s House
    • Greeting the President
    • History of the Presidency
    • Did You Know?
  • Trinidad and Tobago
    • National Anthem
    • National Symbols
    • National Holidays and Festivals
    • State Structure
    • National Awards
      • National Awards Ceremony
      • Database of National Awardees
  • News & Events
    • Press Releases
    • Presentations of Credentials
    • Courtesy Calls
    • Appointments
    • Messages and Speeches
    • Other Events
    • Photo Galleries
  • Contact

Select Page

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.

Share:

PreviousAppointments to the Board of Procurement Regulations
NextPresentation of Credentials: High Commissioner for New Zealand

Related Posts

Easter Address from President Weekes

Easter Address from President Weekes

April 12, 2020

Appointment to the Salaries Review Commission

Appointment to the Salaries Review Commission

October 26, 2022

Her Excellency signs Condolence Book for former PM Basdeo Panday

Her Excellency signs Condolence Book for former PM Basdeo Panday

January 3, 2024

Presentation of Credentials: Ambassador of the French Republic

Presentation of Credentials: Ambassador of the French Republic

January 11, 2022

Facebook Feed

Cover for The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
23,214
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

The official Facebook Page of The Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

4 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
Swami Brahma Swarupananda of the Brahma Vidya Peetham International visits Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT.Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, received a courtesy call from Swami Brahma Swarupananda, of the Brahma Vidya Peetham International (BVPI) on Tuesday August 19, 2025.Swami Brahma Swarupananda was accompanied by Professor Dilip Dan, President of the BVPI, Sadhvi Anandamaiyee Giri, General Secretary and Ms. Omala Dharamdass, Secondary School Teacher. Swami Brahma Swarupananda and the delegation engaged Her Excellency in discussions on matters of cultural, educational and wellness benefits to Trinidad and Tobago. #CultureAndEducation #india #trinidadandtobago #india #officeofthepresidentt ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

4 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The President’s House has seen many changes in appearance and name over the years. 🏛️For instance, the land on which The President’s House now stands was once known as Paradise Estate. This sugar plantation was owned by the Peschier family. Congratulations to this week’s #OTPTriviaTuesday winner: @denco02🏆🎉#OTPTriviaTuesday #OfficeOfThePresidentTT #TrinidadAndTobago ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

5 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
On Wednesday 20th August 2025, members of the Cancer Survivors Network were treated to a relaxing spa day at Jencare Day Spa 🌸✨. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in her capacity as Patron of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society Association, made a brief stop to support this well-deserved moment of care and relaxation. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

5 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
Last Thursday, the Office of the President was pleased to welcome the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago's 6th Form Internship Programme for a tour of The President’s House and grounds.Joining the interns was a very special guest — 5-year-old K'Jhené Francis, who has already set her sights on one day calling The President’s House her own. Her fellow tour participants were more than happy to refer to her as “Your Excellency” throughout the visit!The group explored the scenic grounds and the rooms of the official residence of the Head of State, taking in the grandeur and history of the space.We hope that the interns and young K'Jhené had a truly memorable experience!📸 Click below to view some highlights from the visit:👉 Full album available here: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCqTjV ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

6 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
⏳ Just one week to go before this round of #OTPTriviaTuesday comes to an end! 🧠✨This week’s question takes another look at the history of The President’s House and the land it was built on. 🏛️Head over to our Instagram page @OfficeOfThePresidentTT to put your knowledge to the test! The question drops at 9 AM. ⏰#OfficeOfThePresidentTT #TrinidadAndTobago #OTPTriviaTuesday ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Categories

  • Appointments
  • Courtesy Calls
  • Featured
  • Galleries
  • Media Releases
  • Messages and Speeches
  • Multimedia
  • News & Events
  • Other Events
  • Presentations of Credentials
  • Publications
  • Uncategorized
  • Videos

  • THE PRESIDENT
  • Christine Carla Kangaloo
  • Role and Function
  • Extracts from the Constitution
  • The President’s House
  • Forms of Address
  • History of the Presidency
  • Did You Know?

  • TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
  • National Anthem
  • National Symbols
  • National Holidays and Festivals
  • State Structure
  • National Awards
  • Ceremony
  • Database/Past Ceremonies

  • NEWS AND EVENTS
  • Press Releases
  • Messages and Speeches
  • Appointments
  • Presentations of Credentials
  • Courtesy Calls
  • Other Events
  • Galleries

Contact

President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Office of the President
Circular Road
St Ann’s
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Telephone: (868) 225-4687
Email: otp.mail@otp.gov.tt

Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress