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Swami Vidyanandaji will be greatly missed

Nov 04, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
I write to convey sympathy on the passing of the great Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj of Cove and John and the US. Vidyanand-ji is a well-known spiritual leader and scholar in Hinduism held in high esteem by Hindus as well as non-Hindus in the US, Canada, UK, India and Guyana. He was not much different from other Swamis we read about. Trained in India, he influenced many young people in Guyana by providing them a high quality education that allows them to become successful in adult life in various professions. He was among the most revered Hindu leaders in the US attracting followers from varied countries including Jamaicans and nationals of India. He has left a worldwide following of students. Condolences have been pouring in from all corners of the globe, reflecting the huge popularity he enjoyed both in and out of the US and Guyana. Hundreds came to the wake at his Jamaica, NY ashram on Wednesday and Thursday and at the viewing on Friday.
He was a very simple man; no scholar. He humbly did not consider himself one though he was very learned. He was a man of faith in line with other Indian saints without courting controversies. At times, upon request, he attempted to settle differences in) Guyanese mandirs in NYC and were there many!
Swami-ji was a devoted Hindu, yet broad-minded not to condemn other religions. His extraordinary personality, his kindness, and his grasp of life issues attracted attention among Indians and non-Indians, Hindus and non-Hindus. Not surprisingly, many came to him for counseling and for the assistance of education of their children especially when he was in Guyana.
His personality impressed itself on all who met and interacted with him. Many who never saw him have been influenced by the story of his life. A biography was recently published on him by TV personality and writer Richard Mahase of NY.In Swami’s passing away, we have lost a great son of Guyana and the Indian diaspora who dedicated his entire life for the welfare of others. He was a peoples’ person during his lifetime and will remain so even after his death. He will be forever remembered by Guyanese for his establishment of the school in Cove and John that educated so many in spite of all the obstacles and adversities it faced by those determined to crush it. And he will be remembered by us in America for establishing the first and perhaps only Guyanese ashram in the US. A lot of activities beneficial to the Guyanese diaspora was held there. Memorial services were also held there when Dr. Jagan and Janet Jagan passed away. Swami Vidyanandaji will be missed, but his great work will continue through his loving disciples and teachings and he will be forever remembered for his great selfless work and humanitarianism.
Vishnu Bisram

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