Introduction
The birth of the idea for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Arya Vir Dal in Guyana began in July-August of 2005 via a proposal submitted to the Central Executive Committee of the Guyana Central Arya Samaj (GCAS). The year 2006, would mark the 50th Anniversary since the first Arya Vir Dal Camp was held in 1956 in No. 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, by Pt. Usharbodh Arya (Swami Veda Bharati). Organising these celebrations was done in an attempt to bring together all virs and viranganas who had graduated from Vir Dal Camps over the past 50 years and to serve as an energiser for the Arya Samaj movement in Guyana.

Organising Committee
Organising these celebrations began in September 2005 with an initial steering committe. The Official Organising Commitee began operations in January 2006 and was led by the Late Minister Satyadeow Sawh. Quite a few meetings were held with the honourable minister until his assassination. The committee consisted of Dr. Shailendra Sugrim (Secretary), Bhai Seukumar Harikishun, Bhai Chamanlall Poonai and Bahen Rekha Budhna (Assistant Secretary). The Late Minister made a lot of attempts to invite as many individuals as possible to be involved in the process. Through his initiative, the invitation letter and pamphlets were quickly sent out internationally and locally. Until his demise, he was indeed a guiding light for the celebrations and for the entire committee.

After the Late Minister was assassinated, it was decided to move the celebrations to No. 78 Village from Enmore. A local organising committee via the Berbice Central Arya Samaj (BCA) was set up so that specific duties of the Central Committee could be shifted towards the BCA committee (led by Pt. Dhanesar, President of BCA). Funding for these celebrations were from the following major sources - the Guyana Central Arya Samaj, the Berbice Central Arya Samaj, overseas donations (via the Tristate Arya Samaj Mandirs and individuals) and from local donors.


The Events

Opening Ceremony of 50th Anniversary Celebrations &
Commemorative Havan at Massiah Govt School
No. 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice
(First Arya Vir Dal Camp Site in 1956)
August 6th [14:00 hrs - 15:30hrs]

Aryadeep Road Procession
Commencing at Independence Square, No. 78 Village
to terminate at the No. 78 Village Vedic Mandir
for Opening of 50th Annual Youth Camp
August 6th [16:00 hrs - 17:30hrs]

50th Annual Arya Vir Dal Camp (Annual Youth Camp)
No. 78 Village Vedic Mandir, Corentyne, Berbice
August 6th - 13th

Veer Jaagran (Awakening of Brave Souls)
Camp Site (No.78 Vedic Mandir)
August 6th [19:30hrs]

3-Night Veda Yajna (with International Speakers)
Camp Site (No.78 Vedic Mandir)
August 7th - 9th [19:30hrs daily]

HIV/AIDS Workshop for Hindu Youths
Camp Site (No.78 Vedic Mandir)
August 8th [14:00hrs - 17:00hrs]

Community Outreach by Youths
Rehabilitation of No. 78 Village Children's Playground
August 9th [13:30hrs]

2nd Biennial Arya Samaj Conference
(with International Delegates)
Skeldon High School Auditorium, Corentyne, Berbice
August 11th - 12th [09:00hrs - 16:00hrs daily]

Senior Citizens Outreach by Delegates
Corriverton, Berbice
August 11th [16:00hrs]

Hamari Sanskriti (Night of Folk Songs)
Camp Site (No.78 Vedic Mandir)
August 11th [19:30hrs]

Arya Yuva Sangam (Cultural Presentation)
Camp Site (No.78 Vedic Mandir)
August 12th [19:30hrs]

Grand Closing Ceremony of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations
No.78 Vedic Mandir, Corentyne, Berbice
August 13th [08:30hrs - 12:00hrs]



The Week of Celebrations
In all fairness, we should congratulate ourselves that we were able to execute all activities as planned. The two main and most important events of the entire week were the 50th Arya Vir Dal Camp and the 2nd Biennial Arya Samaj Conference. The following seeks to briefly comment on all activities:

Opening Ceremony, Aryadeep Road Procession & Opening of Camp
August 6th, the very first day of the week of celebrations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Arya Vir Dal in Guyana, was a grand day. The turnout at the Opening Ceremomy was commendable. Students, along with parents, well-wishers, Arya Samajists and friends were all present. The Ceremony took the form of a Commemorative Havan Ceremony at the first ever Arya Vir Dal Camp Site in Guyana - the No. 71 Village Massiah Government School, located at No. 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The entire proceeding was enjoyed by all. All sat in unison, chanting the ancient Vedic Mantras, as did the very first set of virs 50 years ago at the same site. Two members of the First Camp were present at this ceremony: Pt. Ramlall (First Senapati of the British Guiana Arya Vir Dal) and Dr. Fred Sukhdeo (First Mantri of the British Guiana Arya Vir Dal). Students of the 50th Arya Vir Dal camp sat together with Pt. Ramlall and Dr. Sukhdeo to perform the Havan Ceremony. During the ceremony the present students were enthrusted with specially made angochas and kishtis. An Arya Deepak was lit by Pt. Ramlall and handed over to Bhai V. Dayaram of the 50th Camp -signifying the passing on of the Light of Vedic Wisdom from generation to generation. We were priviledged to have at this function: the Regional Chairman, Mr. Ramdadss, Dr. V. Bridgemohan, Pt. Suresh Sugrim (New Jersey), Dr. & Mrs. S. Soni(Chicago) and Bahen Usha Debipersad (South Africa). There were also members from temples as far as Windsor Forest, Enterprise, Enmore and, of course, local Berbice temples.

After the ceremony everyone proceeded in an impressive Aryadeep Road Procession in No. 78 Village. The entire parade was well dressed and orderly. This created an impact on the community as we heralded the opening of the entire week of celebrations. Everyone in the procession waved their AUM flags as they walked neatly dressed with their kisthis and orange angochas. On arrival at the camp site, the entire parade assembled at the flag masts infront of the temple for the Flag-Raising Ceremony and Official Opening of the Camp. The AUM Jhanda along with the National Flag of Guyana were hoisted. Then, with bright spirits, slogans were shouted and the 50th camp was officially opened. Later that evening, after dinner, the camp students assembled for an evening of Orientation and Pep-talk (Veer Jaagran) to prepare them for the coming week.

The 50th Annual Arya Vir Dal Youth Camp
Please go to Camp section of this webpage.

The HIV/AIDS Workshop
The Guyana Central Arya Samaj is the pioneering Hindu Organisation in Guyana to have joined in the battle against HIV/AIDS. In keeping with its aim of having ongoing programmes and activities that are related to HIV/AIDS Awareness and Education, this special HIV/AIDS Workshop of Hindu Youths was held on Tuesday August 8th in the afternoon. It was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Guyana. The workshop lasted for 4 hours and fulfilled its purpose of providing the basic and most important information about HIV/AIDS (Such as What is HIV? What is AIDS? What are STI’s? Symptoms of HIV, AIDS and STI’s. How can someone get HIV and not get HIV? How we can prevent HIV? etc).Participants were not afraid to ask questions which led to various discussions. The topics received full participation and participants were seemingly hungry for more information but time did not permit. Participants were given a Pre-test and Post-test as a form of evaluating them before and after the workshop. The report from the Ministry of Health was good and they felt encouraged by the eagerness of the participants.

The Community Outreach by Youths
On Wednesday 9th, the students were involved in cleaning and beautifying the children’s playground in the Rampoor area of No. 78 Village as part of a community outreach. The virs were involved in the weeding of the overgrown grass in the playground and the planting of flower plants. The girls were involved in painting and the creation of three banners that there were placed on the fence of the playground. This activity was funded by the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Humanitarian Mission which also rehabilited the play equipment (swings, see-saws), purchased more of such equipment and painted the area.

The Three-Nights Veda Yajna
Three Nights of Veda Prachaar were held at the No. 78 Vedic Mandir. A special tent that was constructed alongside the temple for the celebration was utilised. Prachaars and speeches were made by various individuals who came for the celebrations. The main prachaar was done by Pt. Ramlall. We were lucky to have the presence of the Surinamese Delegation led by Pt. Mohabir of Nickerie for the first night. They participated fully in that evening's prachaar. The turnout to the yajnas was moderate. Students took part meaningfully on the 3rd Night which was specially dedicated to Raksha Bandhan. There were dance items, a skit and a special presentation by Bahen Usha of South Africa. It all ended with a special Raksha Bandhan Ceremony as the sisters tied rakhi on the wrist of their brothers.

The 2nd Biennial Arya Samaj Conference
Please go to Conference section of this webpage.

The Senior Citizens Community Outreach by Delegates.
This was the second community outreach organised in honour of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations. It was a very fruitful and rewarding exercise for the conference delegates and also for the senior virs and viranganas. Prior to the celebrations, the No. 78 Vedic Mandir selected the homes of 20 most deserving senior citizens for the distribution of food hampers. These hampers were made available through the compliments of the 50th Anniversary Fund. During this excercise, the conference delegates were divided in two groups. They then proceeded on foot to the homes of the 20 senior citizens. Each group presented the food hampers to the senior citizens, whilst at the same time offering a prayer for their continued health and strength, and on some occasions even singing a bhajan or having impromptu conversations.

Hamari Sanskriti
The general public and the students were treated to an Evening of Folk Songs (Hamari Sanskriti) which was organised on the evening of Friday 11th for the International Delegates. They enjoyed themselves listening to the folk songs, wedding songs, taan songs etc which are commonly sung at Guyanese Hindu Festivals and Occasions.Thanks are to be expressed to all the talented singers who came to participate and also to Dr. Ramesh Sugrim for making all the necessary arrangements for this event.

Arya Yuvaa Sangam
On Saturday Evening, August 12th, youths from different temples across Guyana performed at the grand cultural show - “Arya Yuva Sangam”. This programme included dances, songs, poetry and drama and was well received by the audience. There were presentations from the Georgetown Arya Vir Dal, the Enmore Arya Vir Dal, the Port Mourant Arya Vir Dal and from the students at the camp.

Closing Ceremony
The entire week of celebrations ended with the Grand Closing Ceremony which was held on the lawns of the No. 78 Vedic Mandir. 120 youths graduated at a well-attended function which was prompt and precise. All of the students were presented with Certificates of Attendance. Book awards were handed out to the youths who performed well at the Essay Competition (courtesy of Dr. & Mrs. Soni). Special prizes were handed out to the Best Vir & Best Virangana of the 50th Camp.

Our Salute
In honour of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Arya Vir Dal in Guyana, the Guyana Central Arya Samaj honoured the following three individuals who have made tremendous impact in the lives of Arya Samaj Youth in Guyana. They are recognised for their outstanding contributions made towards the development of Arya Vir Dal Movement in Guyana over the past 50 years.

Swami Veda Bharati
The founder father of Arya Vir Dal in Guyana who initiated a great legacy for Arya Samaj youths to follow. He was formerly known as Pandit Usharbodh Arya. Due to his tremendous effort, the Vir Dal became a formidable Arya Samaj training ground for strict spiritual and physical training. By the time he left Guyana, he succeeded in energizing the country's youth to create a formidable group of disciples that continued the mission of the Arya Samaj in Guyana. He was able to generate an enthusiasm in the Arya Samaj movement with his charisma and spirituality which drove men into a religious fervor unheard of in the colony. Graduates from his camp later became closely involved in the struggle for Guyana's Independence from Britain. After leaving Guyana, Panditji met his spiritual teacher, HH Swami Rama, from whom he was initiated and is now known as Swami Veda Bharati. To date, Swami Veda Bharati celebrates 55 years of constant travelling and teaching. Swamiji is a master of yoga and meditation and is tireless in his efforts to bring peace and harmony to the world. He has thousands of initiates into spiritual knowledge and serves 47 or more countries through the medium of 17 languages.

Pandit Ramlall
A graduate from the very first Arya Vir Dal Camp of 1956, Pt. Ramlall is recognised as an icon of Arya Samaj in Guyana. After the Inaugural Camp, he was appointed the Senapati of the newly formed British Guiana Arya Vir Dal. After being closely involved in Youth Camps at an early age, Pt. Ramlall easily migrated to the top breed of Arya Virs. Fighting like a true Arya Vir, he made heroic sacrifices in the fight to remove the British Colonial Powers from Guyana. Defending his native country, like a true patriot, Pandit Ramall faced many days of detention in jail. He dedicated many years towards the teaching of Hindi, Sanskrit and Religious Studies to youths whilst he was in Guyana. After studying in India in 1974 and subsequently receiving numerous awards from India, he left for the United States in 1979. Since then he has become the most influential Guyanese Arya Samaj leader in the tri-state area. He is credited to being one of the pioneers of Arya Samaj on North American soil where he founded the Arya Spiritual Centre in New York. He was awarded the National Arya Samaj Award in 2002.

Dr. Satish Prakash
Hailing from a strict Arya Samajist home, Dr. Satish Prakash is one of the finest products of Arya Vir Dal training in Guyana. He was groomed by this system from childhood where in his young age he was involved in publishing and lecturing on Vedic Philosophy. He was intimately involved in leading and organising Arya Vir Dal camps in his teenage years before he left for studies at Gurukul in India. From then on, there was no turning back. Dr. Satish until date has dedicated his entire life towards the propagation of the ideals of Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati in the West. He was instrumental in keeping the Vir Dal Culture alive by conducting Annual Youth Camps in North America and the Caribbean. His Annual Visits to Guyana breathes life into the spiritually starved youths of Guyana. To date, he has published many texts and Audio CDs in an effort to allow the youths, along with the common man, to have access to the ancient Vedic Texts in a manner that can be easily comprehended.

Outstanding Arya Virs and Viranganas (1956 to 2006)
There are a whole host of other notable individuals who have made considerable contributions to the Arya Vir Dal Movement and to the youths in the Arya Samaj of Guyana. These individuals have been instrumental in pioneering youth activities in Guyana, organising and leading youth camps in Guyana and mentoring and teaching youths in a variety of areas (hindi, music, religious education etc). To compile a list of these individuals would be no easy task. Hence, in honour of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Arya Vir Dal in Guyana, we would like to commend all these individuals in recognition of their invaluable roles over the past 50 years. The 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Arya Vir Dal in Guyana was a solemn tribute to all of their efforts and our way of honouring their invaluable contributions.