It was 20 years ago that the illustrious Shankaracharyaji, Pundit Hari Prasad, declared SWAHA an official entity. On April 15, 1993, SWAHA was incorporated and began operation as a Hindu-based, non-profit, humanitarian organisation. Its aim was to cater to, care and provide for the multiple needs of the Trinidad and Tobago community, both on local and foreign grounds. The late Shankaracharyaji identified and heeded a call for change among Hindu Sanatanists.
The name “SWAHA” means “offering”, which captures the ethos of working selflessly to uplift the nationals of Trinidad and Tobago and, by extension, the global family. Since its initial offerings into the fire of sacrifice of this Maatri-bhoomi, this Motherland, 20 years ago, SWAHA has walked a long road of achievement.
Today, through the medium of its centres, branches, affiliates, and other service-oriented institutions, SWAHA is able to fulfil its mandate. Additionally, SWAHA’s strengthened infusion of philosophy and enhanced focus on enlightened ritualism have created heightened awareness of facets of Sanatan Dharma among Hindus. Evidence of this is seen in SWAHA’s Ganesh Utsov, Kartik Nahaan, Phagwa, Swadeshi and Ramleela festivities, which have taken on new dimensions and have evoked renewed interest among Hindus. One of the more recent outstanding accomplishments was the hosting of SWAHA’s International Gita Forum in 2012 to mark the auspicious occasion of Gita Jayanti. This forum, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, saw a mélange of delegates from across the globe engaged in academic, cultural and devotional outpourings on the Bhagavad Gita. Additionally, in a landmark inauguration, an actual piece of the Goverdhan Mountain of Vrindavan was installed in the SWAHA Shri Raam Dhaam, a collaborative effort of SWAHA and the Shri Krishna Janm Sansthaan Trust of Mathura, India.
In the sphere of education SWAHA has made several strides with the establishment of four ECCE centres, a private primary school and a secondary school. Just 12 years old, SWAHA Hindu College is well on its way to achieving premier status among secondary schools in the north eastern educational division. Academic excellence has always been the hallmark of this unique institution, so much so that within the last few years the school has acquired many national titles, among them a national scholarship winner and third place in the Caribbean in CAPE examinations, in the area of Management of Business.
The opening of SWAHA’s Vishok Bhavan – Children’s Home in 2008 has taken SWAHA to unscaled heights of commitment in seeking the well-being of the national community in the area of social services, with special emphasis on child development and human preservation.
Tribute must be paid to those whose input, help and support played a significant role in the journey thus far. Firstly, nothing would have come to fruition without the perception and insight of the Shankaracharyaji through whose spiritual acumen, SWAHA was born and has flourished ever since. Tribute must also be paid to the late pundits who have all greatly contributed to the moulding of the organisation. Gratitude must also be expressed to all who have supported the various programmes, financially and otherwise.
Indeed, there is still much to be done. In present-day society, SWAHA fills and nourishes a gaping need in the lives of many people. The commercial and material nature of the world distracts humans from paying closer attention to our spiritual health. SWAHA will continue to work diligently and assiduously for individual and collective development, spiritual and otherwise.
As the organisation sets foot into its third decade of existence under the astute leadership of His Holiness Paramacharyaji Pt. Hardeo Persad, SWAHA moves forward with determination and perseverance to expand the portfolio, scope and reach of its many programmes aimed at building communities, the society and by extension, a better Trinidad and Tobago.
