President Paul Kagame yesterday attended
the launch of
The prayers will be led by spiritual leader Morari Bapu. It was organized by a magnate and entrepreneur Ashish J. Thakkar.
Thakkar is the founder of Mara Group and Mara Foundation. He is among founders of Atlas Mara having operations in Rwanda.
Thakkar said that he and his family lived in Rwanda and fled the country to Burundi and later to Uganda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He lauded the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame which resurrected Rwanda to become a safe, clean and smooth country easing investment and pioneering gender equality.
“We returned in August 1994. In fact, we had lost hope, the country had lost hope but we commend the marvelous vision of President Kagame and his Government. I am a witness of how excellent leadership led Rwanda to the progress we have today,” he said.
Thakkar explained that they brought prayers and Ram Katha religious discussions of Ram Katha in Rwanda that the spiritual leader Bapu visited Kigali genocide memorial from where he committed to dedicating prayers to genocide victims and Rwandans in general.
“We have visited Kigali Genocide Memorial today. Bapu had eye witness and fell into tears leading him to dedicate Rama Katha prayer to Rwanda, genocide victims, genocide survivors, citizens and the Government of Rwanda,” he noted.
President Kagame thanked Thakkar and his family for bringing Ram Katha in Kigali especially during the 25th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi calling it a symbol of cooperation.
“We truly appreciate this gesture of solidarity, which reflects the principles of truth, love, and compassion that are central to Bapu’s teaching,” he said.
President Kagame said that Rwandans relate very closely to those three human values because, over the last two-and-a-half decades, Rwandans have engaged in a constant process of conversation and collective action, to overcome the exact opposite, namely falsehood and hatred.
“The efforts and sacrifices made by Rwandans, and friends of Rwanda, throughout this complex journey, have given us a country to be proud of today,” he revealed.
President Kagame said that the example of Ram Katha is one of tolerance and inclusion in which he learned of the concrete lessons that are often given, about the importance of breaking down taboos and barriers among people, both within societies and around the world.
“This serves as inspiration for everyone, everywhere, to find the strength to live together in a spirit of mutual respect and harmony. Ultimately, we all aspire to have the opportunity to live our best lives and contribute to the well-being of others. This is why we are pleased to host Ram Katha in Kigali and to have you in our midst. We trust that you will have a chance to get to know our country and our people. And also find a reason to keep coming back, where you are very welcome,” highlighted Kagame.
Ramnik Karia, 75, the uncle of Thakkar revealed that he came from the United Kingdom to attend the prayer in which Rwanda pulls strength of prayers among other benefits.
“Kigali gains tourism benefits from it, infrastructures will benefit amidst happiness and blessings. We are glad that Kigali is clean with happy people that you can’t relate them to dark history they endured,” he observed.
Similar prayers usually take place in different countries. They were held in Uganda, Kenya, USA, United Kingdom, and India among others.
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