SWAHA’s 17th Anniversary: Paramacharya’s Note Of Gratitude

It was seventeen years ago that the illustrious Shankarcharyaji, Pundit Hari Prasad, declared SWAHA an official entity. On 15 April, 1993, SWAHA was incorporated and began operation as a Hindu-based, non-profit, humanitarian organisation. Its aim was simple and succinct: to cater to, care and provide for the multiple needs of the Trinidad and Tobago community, both on local and foreign grounds. The late Shankarcharyaji identified and heeded a call for change among Hindu Sanatanists.

SWAHA has undergone numerous changes and transformations in terms of structure over the last seventeen years. We have witnessed the passing of our dear Shankarcharyaji along with Pundit Parmanand Persad, Pundit Kissoon Maharaj and Pundit Laxminarayan Sharma. Yet the organisation has held its ground in the Hindu community and has grown from strength to strength. I would even declare that such changes have only served to intensify our energies and unite our people. SWAHA is more powerful and active today than it was seventeen years ago.

Over the last decade, we have undertaken numerous initiatives and made tremendous inroads into the fields of education and social services. SWAHA has established four ECCE centres, a primary school and a secondary institution. In addition, SWAHA’s Vishok Bhavan, a children’s home, was inaugurated and now provides a safe haven for children. The organisation has also expanded its religious network to include many centres and branches, cross-country as well as transatlantic. Such extraordinary strides could not have been achieved without the input, help and support of various people and groups.

Firstly, nothing would have come to fruition without the perception and insight of the Shankarcharyaji to whom we bow and salute. Out of his spiritual acumen, SWAHA was born and has flourished ever since. We also pay tribute to our late pundits who have all greatly contributed to the moulding of the organisation. To all the centres, branches and the executive, past and present, we pay our respects and express our gratitude. You have covered the groundwork and have realised and executed the idea of SWAHA. Lastly, I want to specially give thanks to all sponsors, corporate and private, who have trusted and believed in the work of SWAHA.

There is still much to be done. In present-day society, non-profit organisations like SWAHA fill and nourish a gaping need in the lives of many people. The commercial and material nature of the world distracts man from paying closer attention to his spiritual health. SWAHA will continue to work diligently and assiduously for individual and collective spiritual development. I look forward to the continued support and efforts of those within and outside of the organisation. Together, with a united and unanimous front, we can make the difference.