The Jagans served a higher religious order

Apr 12, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
Former President Janet Jagan died in the most auspicious time of Navratri in the Hindu calendar. Neither Janet nor her husband, the late Cheddi, were religious people in the sense of attending churches. But they did perform religious acts.
At a NY service, a worshipper referred to Janet as Lakshmi who lit up the pathway for others
Swami Vidyanand Maharaj of the Cove and John Ashram told a gathering in NY that although the Jagans did not attend religious institutions, they served a higher religious order by addressing the needs of the poor and oppressed.

The Swami said they performed “karma yoga which is highest form of religious calling. They pulled people out of poverty and ignorance”.
People may have their differences with Janet, but as well known lawyer Kawal Totaram and economist Dr. Jagopat pointed out in NY, Janet left a comfortable life in America to struggle for Guyanese. She may have been an ideologue and fought for her belief to the very end of her life but she made an enormous contribution to anti colonial and anti-dictatorial struggle.

Janet was a well rounded individual. As Totaram reminded people at a memorial service, Janet was also a prolific writer who was knowledgeable on virtually all issues and subjects.
Janet was also an unselfish and caring person as George Sobhraj, CEO of Zara Realty, pointed out when he was locked up during the riot years; Janet came by to inquire about his welfare”.
Janet was also a gracious host as Sobhraj testified when he visited the home of the Jagans, “She served roti and curry and was a great host”.

Because of her embrace of Guyanese culture, people referred to her as “Bhoujie” as popular radio announcer Robert Mohamed of WICR radio reminded the audience.
Janet lived a simple and humble life as reminded by Shrad Kublall of the NY Phagwah Festival Committee.
Anand Persaud of the Arya Vir Dal also praised Janet as a freedom fighter, a role model and an inspiration to all Guyanese.
Janet opened up the educational system for all. “She encouraged girls to go to school and urged parents to send their female children to school instead of preparing them for marriage at a young age”, said Bhola Ramsundar.

Janet also provided jobs for Guyanese. Well known lawyer, Albert Baldeo noted how Janet hired him to write sports articles for the Mirror newspaper. “She made me a better writer” and encouraged others to become better persons.
Albert noted that when Janet paid him, “I was able to purchase my own typewriter and still had a little left over”. He described her as a great woman of character who the nation will miss.
Vishnu Bisram

Latest News

The Jagans served a higher religious order

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 10th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Khalil, Pollard and Barker reign supreme as BCQS Int’l Masters...

Cricket West Indies passes historic governance...

Archery Guyana hosts thrilling 2024 National...

Prashad claims victory at the recently concluded...

West Indies & Sri Lanka top their respective...

Allicock, Amsterdam named in GBA training squad...

Features/Columnists

Are we better off today than we were before first oil?

OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus

Jagdeo on contract awards

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

The Jagans served a higher religious order

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 10th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]