By Paras Ramoutar
TRINIDAD, January 16, 2004: The 20th anniversary of, “Mantra of the Year” (MOTY), will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, at 7 p.m., at the Hindu Prachar Kendra Mandir, Ragoonanan Road, Central Trinidad. Gita Ramsingh, coordinator of the programme, pointed out this year marks the 20th anniversary, “since the inception of this major religious initiative instituted by Raviji.” It was observed in 1984. “MOTY is best understood as an attempt of the Hindu Caribbean to design ways and means to instruct, guide, and interpret the rich religious-cultural heritage of Hindus and address issues affecting the community or mankind in general,” Raviji said. Mrs. Ramsingh, who has to her credit as being the first Hindu woman in the Caribbean to lecture on the Ramayana at satsangs (religious gatherings), noted that MOTY grew from a spontaneous selection of a mantra with a translation, to a simple verse in English for community singing. “The process of selection is developed over the years. Experience of the preceding year, local and international conditions, Hindu issues, consultation, discussion, reflection, meditation and research are all tools to arrive at a mantra and expressed as in the composition of the song,” she said. Mrs. Ramsingh said that MOTY has addressed issues like Hindu unity, Universalism, United Nations themes, the Family, the Child, Patriotism, Tribute to the jahajee Spirit and the Celebration of Swami Vivekananda. She said that sources for information include: Gita, Tulsidas’ Ramayana, Vedas, Mahabharat, Puranas and the words of the Rishis.