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PARAMARIBO: President Santokhi: New year, new beginning

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5 years ago

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PARAMARIBO: The speech of the president,
Countrymen,
Suriname and we Surinamese, is unique in the world.
As a people we have a strong bond with each other and with the country.

We are saying goodbye to a very turbulent year. The Covid pandemic has taught us several lessons. We have been pressured to the facts that we, as humans, cannot do anything about circumstances that are beyond our control. A tiny tiny virus that we can’t even see with the naked eye controls the whole world, controls humanity.

Here in our country, too, we have lost family members; have we seen our economy go into hiatus; and we have had to strongly adjust our behavior. “You have to take advantage of a good crisis”; British politician Winston Churchill said. That’s the other side of this pandemic. We are all “back-to-basics”.
Back to taking care of each other, giving more attention to each other, less material things, but above all letting your feelings speak.

Initiatives have been launched, where our own citizens have taken responsibility, to help where necessary. Our own tourism has been rediscovered and yes, we have all had to stop and that will have to continue in 2021 and we will gradually have to make steps forward. Because there is a vaccine, but we don’t expect it until the first quarter of the new year. Until then, we have to watch our own behavior and be patient. Tonight we think in particular of our frontline workers who continue to care for us despite the risk to their own health. Even on an evening like this. I would like to thank them all again for their efforts and I ask you to do the same by sticking to the measures so that they can have a quieter time.

Countrymen,
In my first New Year’s speech, as president of the Republic of Suriname, I want to focus mainly on what lies ahead. Our future. The New Year should be a year in which we mainly focus on “faith-in-ourselves”. In strengthening our dignity, our independence and the realization that we, as Surinamese, live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world and I know we are human, so it is not always easy to hold that belief. That we are concerned about realizing our ideals and promises. About the daily worries, about the struggle to get food on the table every day.

But I ask you today not to underestimate what role we can play ourselves. And by we mean, you, your neighbor, your friends, your colleague and I as your president. Let’s not underestimate our own strength. We are a strong people. We’ve been through a lot, we can endure this too. We must move towards a positive view of our future. To the idea that we are all one and together have one goal.

Freedom, equality and fair opportunity for all of us. That we strive for a life that is not defined by fear but guided by hope and pride. A life that does not distinguish between citizens, but gives equality. A life in which the wealth of this country benefits everyone and not just a select group. Because although many people think that government alone is responsible for creating conditions, I am telling you today it is a teamwork. A combination of government, citizens and social and business life.

Together we will have to do it. Let’s use this new year to make a fresh start. A start, in which we plan our future together. As a country we need all citizens, we need to join forces together. We are going to work together on good healthcare, good safety and together also ensure that our education stands for quality and together we are also going to ensure that everyone has prospects for a job, with which you can build a life.

We can do this. I have every faith in it. We come out of a dark hole and there is only a view of more light. I have this conviction that a bright future is possible. Provided we hold faith in ourselves and in each other. We cannot do everything together. But a lot. Like many of you, I was raised as a child by the neighborhood where I lived and not just my parents. As a child, we took into account that the neighbors would approach us if something was not right. That they take care of us when needed. There was always plenty of food, even when others had to eat with them. The car was big enough, when we went out of town, and three or four neighborhood kids came along and yes, we always celebrated the highs together or supported each other at the low points in our lives.

That time, the circumstances, and the people around me, they shaped me, so you too. And although I realize that times are changing, this is still the standard we know as Surinamese. We are a people who care about each other, and we know that life consists of trial and error, and give and take. Let’s not lose sight of that. We must maintain this standard, even in difficult times. Because this is the standard that makes us who we are.

Dear people,
I realize better than anyone that change will not happen overnight. There is a reality that we have to take into account. A reality that we as a government have stepped into. But when I took office I made a promise to you, and anyone who knows me knows that I will only do that if I know that I can keep it. We are going to get this country out of trouble together. We are going to build this country together and we are going to develop this country together, with the resources of this country, which are intended for the whole population.

Wans ope tata komopo, wi mu siti kondre bun. This is a sacred commission. My belief is that the interests we share are greater than the forces that separate us. I know many of you wonder if we are really going to make that new start. There is so much mistrust in politics and in government. But if we choose to hold on to the past, we will get no further. This country has a young population and I especially want to say to them: you have the ability to build this country for you and the children who will come after you. And yes… according to some, it may not be going fast enough. But it’s not always about the speed but more about the road you follow, to get to the point where we all want to be. And that is a better future where all Surinamese can live happily in unity and togetherness.

It is up to us to decide whether to spend this time focusing, on what separates us, or on what unites us. We determine what we are committed to and do what is necessary. Only then will we find common ground with a focus on the future we want for ourselves and for our children. We have to do it together. And believe me, it’s easier to make war than to fight for peace. It is easier to blame others than to examine yourself; it is easier to point out what sets us apart, instead of paying attention to what we have in common. But if we stick to the principle that we give what we want to receive. That we forgive in order to be forgiven ourselves, that we treat each other as we want to be treated. Then the biggest hurdle has been taken.We have the strength to build this country that we strive for, but we can only do that if we make that new start together.

Have a nice and happy New Year.
Bun nyun yari,
Subh Naya Saal
selamet tahun baru
xin nian kuai lo

God bless you, God Bless Suriname.

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Culture

NEW YORK: Diwali At Times Square: Indians Mark Festival Of Lights Ahead Of US Polls

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1 year ago

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October 22, 2024

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NEW YORK: Celebrations sparkled up the Times Square in New York City yesterday as the Indian community and several US citizens gathered to observe the Hindu festival of lights.

The event featured performances from various cultural groups. Among the notable attendees were Mayor Eric Adams, New York State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, Senator Chuck Schumer and Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Pradhan. Ms Rajkumar has been a key advocate for recognizing Diwali as a school holiday in the USA throughout. 

Mayor Adams took to social media platform X (formerly, Twitter) to address the event.

“Proud to be with our Hindu brothers and sisters today for the annual Diwali at Times Square celebration as we push away the darkness and welcome in light all across our city,” he wrote.

What better place to celebrate the festival of lights than in the Crossroads of the World?

Proud to be with our Hindu brothers and sisters today for the annual Diwali at Times Square celebration as we push away the darkness and welcome in light all across our city. pic.twitter.com/VauEgY14IO

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 20, 2024

The official Twitter account of the Consulate General of India, New York also shared pictures of the glamourous celebrations on social media.

Diwali @ TimesSquare : Indian American Community & American Friends join together at Times Square to celebrate Diwali.@narendramodi @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @IndianEmbassyUS @IndianDiplomacy @diaspora_india @binaysrikant76 pic.twitter.com/kylTXrtbni

— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) October 20, 2024

Neeta Bhasin, founder of Diwali at Times Square, also played an instrumental role during the celebration. The festivities culminated in a ceremonial lighting of diyas (lamps), symbolizing hope and renewal.

Diwali has been celebrated in the heart of New York City since 2013. As attendees gathered to witness this moment, they were reminded of the festival’s core values and its ability to unite diverse communities.

CG @binaysrikant76 joined friends from Indian-American Community & American friends to celebrate Diwali; Spl thanks to Senate Majority Leader Senator @SenSchumer , Mayor Eric Adams @NYCMayor , Assemblywoman @JeniferRajkumar for joining & to main organiser of the event Ms. Neeta… pic.twitter.com/Ul7gsLoiYb

— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) October 20, 2024

Diwali has also been officially recognized as a school holiday in New York City last year. About 4.4 million Indian origin people reside in the US with persons of Indian origin constituting the third largest Asian ethnic group in the US, according to ANI. New York, San Francisco and Chicago metropolitan areas are places in the USA which have the highest population of the Indian community in the country.

Another event to commemorate Diwali was organised by the Indian Consulate in Pennsylvania. 

Deputy Consul General @varunjeph joined the Diwali celebrations by Khalsa Asian American Association in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania along with members of the Indian diaspora and Asian American community.

Thank you @UpperDarbyPA Mayor Ed Brown and PA State Senator Tim Kearny… pic.twitter.com/6LzwVJ3FR1

— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) October 20, 2024

Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph joined the Diwali celebrations by the Khalsa Asian American Association along with members of the Indian and Asian American community.

While the festive spirit, through such events and recognitions, continues to exhibit an attempt at endeavours towards fostering a spirit of unity and equality, the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI)’s recent report showed another side of South Asian experiences. As reported by Reuters, the AAPI study shows that South Asian people in the US have been facing alarmingly high levels of hate ahead of the 2024 elections, which transcends not just to the common people but also to heavyweights such as Kamala Harris, and Usha Vance. Such celebrations of South Asian festivities thus do their bit in bringing together the diverse communities in a dazzling show of vibrant unity across the globe.

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a video message to ‘the attendees, emphasizing the festival’s role in promoting unity and goodwill. He stated that Diwali serves as a reminder of the victory of good over evil and the importance of knowledge over ignorance. He has also highlighted the importance of the Indian community in the US and referred to them as a ‘living bridge’ connecting the two places. Diwali falls on November 1st this year. 

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Culture

NEW YORK: “You Are India’s Brand Ambassadors”- PM Modi Thanks Indians Settled In US

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1 year ago

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October 15, 2024

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NEW YORK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed tens of thousands of Indian-Americans in a grand community event at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island. The chants of “Modi, Modi” filled the stadium as the prime minister walked on stage to address people of Indian origin.

The Prime Minister started his speech with the chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai!”. He began by saying that even the ‘Namaste’ has gone from being local to global, and credited the Indians settled overseas for it.

A series of cultural performances entertained the people gathered at the stadium, who were enthused as they waited for the Prime Minister’s arrival.

During his speech, Prime Minister fondly recalled his previous community events in the United States – 2014 at the Madison Square Garden, 2016 in San Jose, California, 2018 in Houston, Texas, 2023 in Washington and now in Long Island.

He credited the Indians settled in the United States. He said that they have been the bridge between the two nations and have helped strengthen the India-US relationship. He said “you all have come seven seas apart, but nothing can ever take the love of India away from your hearts and souls.”

He said that people from different parts of India may have settled overseas – here in the US too and have become US citizens, but “the sentiment that brings us all together is, ‘Bharat Mata ki…(Jai! chanted the spectators)’.”

“This sentiment is what keeps us united, and this is our biggest strength, no matter where we go in the world,” he said, adding that “It is this sentiment that helps us be peaceful, law abiding global citizens – what makes India proud of its children – and makes the world realise that India is the world’s ‘Vishwa-Bandhu’.”

Calling the Indians settled in the United States ‘Rashtradoot’ (Ambassadors), the prime minister thanked the Indian community in the United States for the respect India has earned in that country, adding that “It is our Indian values and culture that makes us One.”

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WASHINGTON: Dhruvi Patel From US Wins Miss India Worldwide 2024

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1 year ago

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October 12, 2024

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WASHINGTON: Dhruvi Patel, a Computer Information System student from the USA, has been declared the winner of Miss India Worldwide 2024, the longest running Indian pageant outside of India.

Dhruvi aspires to be a Bollywood actor and UNICEF Ambassador.

“Winning Miss India Worldwide is such an incredible honour. It’s more than a crown – it represents my heritage, my values, and the opportunity to inspire others on a global scale,” Dhruvi said after her crowning in Edison, New Jersey.

Lisa Abdoelhak from Suriname was declared the first runner-up, while Malvika Sharma from the Netherlands was adjudged the second runner-up in the same race.

In the Mrs category, SuAnn Mouttet from Trinidad and Tobago was the winner, with Sneha Nambiar the first and Pawandip Kaur from the United Kingdom the second-runner up.

In the Teen category, Sierra Suret from Guadeloupe was crowned Miss Teen India Worldwide.

Shreya Singh from the Netherlands and Shradha Tedjoe from Suriname were declared the first and second runners-up.

The beauty pageant is organised by New York-based India Festival Committee and is headed by Indian-Americans Neelam and Dharmatma Saran.

The crown is celebrating its 31st anniversary this year. 

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