CONGRATULATING THE community in Trinidad and Tobago for keeping the heritage, religion, spirituality and culture alive and for their efforts to transfer these on to the next generations, Hindu spiritual leader said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society. He stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

According to reports, the El Dorado temple has been holding religious, social, cultural, educational and other events while going through various renovations, upgrades and expansions over the years. It attracts devotees from a large area, as far as south Trinidad, and many locals settled abroad make it a point to visit the temple when they are in the country. Temple has also established a Heritage Project for underprivileged children. Nirmala Harrylal is the President and Deosaran Sharma and Vinai Sharma look after the religious aspects of the Temple.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the first female and current Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, took the Oath of Office on ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord) in a ceremony at Knowsley (Port of Spain). A $14-million Hindu temple and community center has been planned for Freeport, reports suggest.

Said to be settled at least 7,000 years ago, this dual-island nation in southern Caribbean, heavily influenced by petroleum industry, is known for Carnival, mesmerizing beaches and calypso music. George Maxwell Richards is the President of Trinidad and Tobago, one of the wealthiest nations in the Caribbean.

First indentured laborers from India to Trinidad reportedly arrived on May 30, 1845 on the ship Fatel Razack and during 1845-1917, over 140,000 Indians were transported here, who brought with them a new culture.