ACTING Prime Minister Winston Dookeran has warned that people should never surrender to negativity but learn to "walk in the rain without getting wet".

Dookeran said too many times people allow themselves to be surrounded by negative situations. "And I venture to say that what we have experienced in the political world in Trinidad and Tobago over the last few months, has been but an example of those who are prepared to walk in the rain without getting wet."

Dookeran was addressing worshippers at the 27th anniversary of the Edinburgh Hindu Temple at Chaguanas on Wednesday night. Two American Hindu monks Satguru Bodinath Veylanswami and Sannyasin Shanmuganathaswami of the Himalayan Academy, Hawaii, journeyed to Trinidad to be part of the celebration and conducted lectures at the temple.

Dookeran also expressed condolences to the family of 37-year-old accountant Neeshad Ali, who was murdered at his Carapichaima home at the weekend.

In his address, Dookeran said he also shared the realisation that this outer world which we live in is filled at times with hate and incrimination. "How do we react? Clearly we must build reinforcement within us. For that outer world we want to shape, will indeed have some influence in determining that inner world for each one of us. That is the story that is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy," he said.

Dookeran said the temple was a place of celebration during his political life, as he was present when the foundation stone was laid to begin construction of the building. "This temple has created a unique presence throughout Trinidad and Tobago. It is a place where you can gain freedom. It is a place where you have maintained the strength and the principles of Hinduism. I think it is because of the changing possibilities that this temple provides for our people, that it remains an important place of worship. This place of peace provides an opportunity for our people to feel strong, to feel proud, and to feel energised in worshipping here," he said.

Dookeran congratulated the temple's spiritual leader pundit Ramesh Tewari for his strength of character and for being able to keep devotees on the right course. "For without the work of the people who keep guard of the temples, churches and mosques, our moral strength could be in danger," he said.