“Experienced my first Divali Ceremony tonight. Courtesy of the T&T Student Association... The uniqueness of this great island… It reminds me of my own diversity back home in Belize.”
This Facebook status was one of many, and it was supported by tweets which expressed appreciation and approval of our Divali celebrations. On October 21, the T&T Student Association (TTSA) treated the Cave Hill campus to an integral aspect of our nation’s culture.
Many of the other nationalities represented were not familiar with Divali celebrations and or Hinduism. Hence, TTSA’s objective was twofold, firstly to educate the campus population and secondly to celebrate the joyous occasion with our Hindu brothers and sisters. The family analogy is no cliché but represents the overriding goal of the current TTSA executive 2014-2015 which is to encourage a family-like culture among our membership as evidenced by our theme, Is Ah Family Ting. The programme entailed a short ceremony at the Moot Court Room (MRC) in the Faculty of Law and the patrons were then asked to proceed to a nearby off-campus park to witness and participate in the lighting of deyas. The MCR was full to seating capacity inclusive of extra chairs in the walkway.
Sanjeev Bhudram engaged the audience with an informative account of the history and significance of the religious celebration. According to him, “In each legend, myth and story of Divali lay the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Diwali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope.”
The event was a satisfying success but was not without obstacles and challenges. The Executive was forced to change venue and abandon the idea to light the deyas on campus because of the “no open flames” on policy. However, success is never as sweet without a challenge. Ultimately, TTSA accepts that the event would not have been as successful without the hard work of the Executive and other members, particularly the Divali Committee. TTSA also extends sincere thanks to law faculty lecturer Westmin James who always supports the association and was instrumental in getting us a projector to use for the event. Fair and Square, thank you for providing us with the East Indian delicacies that we have come to associate with Divali celebrations. Pennywise Limited is also worthy of much thanks and appreciation for their donation of 200 wax deyas. In saying thank you it would be remiss of me not to thank the Vincentian Student Association (Vinsa) for allowing us to have the event during their week of activities.
Vinsa’s week (19-25 October) was a resounding success and it started with a Church Service, followed by a Sports Day on the Sunday. A Lecture, Food Day, Play and Fashion Show also decorated the week. Their week culminated with the much anticipated and rightfully so, Wet Fete. TTSA’s week is carded for January 25 - 31 and the Executive strives to share many aspects of our rich culture with the campus. The Executive is currently in the process of attracting donations, sponsorship and or mutually beneficial partnerships for our week of activities and other welfare initiatives the association facilitates. TTSA’s objective is to promote and represent the positives of our beautiful twin isle republic and welcomes the assistance of any organisation that wishes to assist.