Persad Bissessar told Hindus celebrating Hanuman Jayanti (the birth anniversary of the deity Hanuman), "There is no need for destructive competition and conflict. All of our interests can be served through co-operation and sacrifice. In the end we will all be winners."
She said the life of Hanuman offers an example of the power of unity and hard work.
"We are at a stage in our country's life when commitment to duty, responsibility to the national interest, sacrifice, selflessness and co-operation are necessary to lay new foundations for a sustainable future.
"Dedication to one's work, focus, courage and a lack of fear, of the kind for which Hanuman was noted, are qualities now more necessary than ever. Our ability to remain competitive in a tough global village will depend on how we collectively chose to improve national productivity."
She said Hanuman was publicly humiliated by the evil demon king Ravana, yet he never shirked his duty or lost sight of his mission.
"His commitment to duty took precedence over his own personal comforts. He was the ideal servant! In many respects, I too have also learnt that as leader of my country, I must be nothing less than an ideal servant, despite the harsh criticisms that are flung my way.
"Like Hanuman, one must remain focused on the task at hand. This is the essence of duty. Our responsibility in life is that no matter where we are placed, we must always do our duty and do it well. Can you imagine the national efficiency that will be the result if each one of us were to perform our duties with a view to achieving excellence?” she asked.
"In our diverse country, where it is always ever so important to keep uniting our people, we must find inspiration in Hanuman and we must also work tirelessly to bring our people together. The dissipation of productive energy that follows disunity threatens our very existence."
She said divisions can never serve the national interest because it will always threaten the future.
"This is why I continue to work tirelessly to unite our people around the common vision of achieving peace and a happier society. This is why I have taken so much time to forge a government that is truly representative of all the diverse peoples of our land. I am convinced that it is the only way forward," she said.
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