ABOUT PRAKASHJI
 Shri Prakash Gossai "Spiritual Leader"
by Savitri K. Gossai
It is the divine command of the Lord, which led Shri Prakashji into
society on a mission to uphold Sanatan Dharma. The focus of his
endeavor is to awaken and illuminate Hindus to the essence and
luster of their eternal tradition. Prakashji’s respect and love for
the Sri Ramacharitamanas, Bhagawad Gita and the Vedas, continue to
exceed human understanding. He teaches the path of Bhakti (devotion)
through discources and Naama Kirtanam-singing the names and glories
of the Lord in equal esteem. In fact, he encourages Naama Kirtanam
as one of the most relevant path in today’s context, as one of the
easiest ways to reach God.
Shri
Prakash Gossai was born in Handsome Tree, Mahaica Creek, Guyana,
into a devout Hindu family. His parents are Pandit Bissondial and
Shrimati Rewti Gossai. He has two children, Pratiksha and Arun
Gossai. From an early age it was evident to those around him that
the depth of his awareness and interest in Sanatan Dharma was beyond
ordinary. In his teenage years he joined the Mahatma Gandhi
Organization in Georgetown, Guyana where he pursued his interest in
religion, music and Hindi songs. During his youth, he sought out
many spiritual leaders hoping to find an illuminated teacher to
guide him in his spiritual quest. He found as mentors Doctor
Budhendra Doobay, and Professor Anantanand Rambachan. His personal desire was to learn and follow in the
footsteps of these great souls.
In 1983 he immigrated to Queens, New York in the United States of
America where he began teaching Marine Biology with the New York
Board of Education. This was a great opportunity for Prakashji to
interact with many Hindu youths. He saw our children drifting from
what we consider a very rich culture and a lack of spiritual
upliftment. He quickly realized that it’s the information age and
children when asked to perform Pooja want to know the reason behind
the rituals. They want to know why the Murtis has several hands, why
we make offerings to the fire and so on.
Prakashji consulted with family and friends and in 1984 he founded
the Bhuvaneshwar Mandir in Brooklyn, New York. He saw a need for
more spiritual and academic activities in the Temples to attract the
youths from off the streets and to promote Sanatan Dharma in its
entirety with particular emphasis on involving our children in more
spiritual activities. In 1992, his passion for the Ramcharitamanas
became so intoxicating that he gave up his Science career to follow
his aspirations and spiritual life.
In 1993, Shri Prakashji went to India to study with his Guru,
Brahmrishi Vishvatma Bawraji Maharaj of Pinjore, Haryana. India. In
the hermitage of this great master he spent the better part of the
next year receiving Swamiji’s strict but loving spiritual
discipline. During this period, he met many of India’s sages and
saints and his love of Goswami Tulsidas’ Shri Ramcharitamanas
intensified.
His
ardent desire to consecrate his life to the love and service of God
thus found fulfillment. Prakashji has traveled and lectured widely,
speaking to capacity audiences in many of the largest Temples and
other venues in the United States, Canada, England, Trinidad and
Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Venezuela, the British Virgin Island and
returns several times a year to his homeland of Guyana. He
emphasizes the underlying unity of the world’s great religions,
teaching applicable methods for attaining consciousness of God.
His emergence as a spiritual leader and messenger of the Lord is
remarkable in the history of the modern world. Prakashji is well
versed in several areas of Hindu philosophy. His expertise in the
interpretation of Goswami Tulsidas’ Sri Ramacharitamanas has
surprised even highly erudite scholars. His lectures and songs are
typically characterized by the absence of any criticism on other
paths and religions. He inculcates a spirit of universal acceptance,
coupled with intense faith and steadfast devotion. Shri Prakashji’s
vision is to develop a team of inspired youths who will serve
society by disseminating the profound truth revealed to us by our
great saints and sages and shows the path to God realization. He is
the spiritual Guru for more than a thousand Chelas (disciples)
around the world.
 On April 19, 2002 Shri Prakashji was recognized at Devi Mandir in
Pickering, Ontario, Canada for his contribution to the Canadian
Hindu community. He was presented with an award from the Premier of
Ontario and the honorable John Hastings, Member of Provincial
Parliament for his contribution to the Hindu community in the
Province of Ontario, Canada. The Federation of Hindu Temples also
presented him with an award for his dedication, commitment and
support to the Hindu Temples of Canada. The final award of Lifetime
Membership was given by Devi Mandir recognizing his fund raising
contribution to the Mandir in excess of $200K over the last four
years. In the presence of over a thousand devotees, he was given a
standing ovation while he accepted his awards with great humility.
In 2002, the Government of Guyana presented Prakashji with the Medal
of Service award on the anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, for
his positive contribution and commitment to his native land. In his
acceptance speech, he said: “I am deeply touched and honoured to be
offered the Medal of Service Award on the anniversary of our
Independence. I feel tremendous gratitude in being recognized as
having made a positive contribution to my homeland. Upon reflection,
I am convinced that the enriching experience of my childhood in Mahaica Creek, being exposed to religion from an early age, as well
as, the relentless encouragement and nurturing of my educational
goals and aspirations by my parents, teachers and peers, have all
contributed for such an award. Like most Guyanese, who now live
abroad, our hearts continually dwell on the memories of our past
days, living in our country of birth. Having the good fortune of
returning to Guyana and encourage my fellow brothers and sisters in
their spiritual journey, will forever remain one of the most
precious achievements of my lifetime. One of the many aspects of the Ramayan, which I enjoy emphasizing in my sermons, is the meeting of
Lord Rama and his loyal devotee Hanuman. The essence of this
meeting, of servitude and loyalty to duty and God, I see as the most
important of all lessons we need to learn, in order to benefit
humanity and ourselves in general. I accept this award on behalf of
all Guyanese who live abroad and continue to contribute selflessly
to our homeland. I wish to thank the people and the Government of
Guyana for bestowing me with such an honour”.
Prakashji is an excellent orator and his powerful discourses are
attended by thousands of devotees from various walks of life. He has
magnificently brought to light the relevance of the Dharmic way of
life, the noble concept of family, brotherhood, social order and the
just polity inherent in the Ramayan to the modern world. His
emphasis is on the philosophical interpretation of Hinduism and to
highlight the essence of the true scientific spirit behind this
great tradition.
In May 2004, Bhuvaneshwar Mandir relocated from Brooklyn, New York
to a new venue at 86-06 101 Avenue, Ozone Park. Queens. New York to
better serve the Hindu community and the devotees of Bhuvaneshwar
Mandir. The first anniversary of Bhuvaneshwar Mandir in Queens, New
York was celebrated with a one-month Yagna, which commenced on May
30th and concluded on June 26th 2005. This was also the 21st year
for Bhuvaneshwar Mandir in New York. During these celebrations many
devotees and members of the Mandir were recognized with certificates
and awards for their contribution, dedication and tireless work.
Students of the Mandir showcase their talent throughout this event.
 On June 9, 2005 New York City Council and the Tri-state Alliance
recognized Shri Prakashji for his humanitarian services, as well as
his contribution and commitment to the community in the field of
culture and religion. The Honorable Leroy Comrie and Yvette Clark,
Council Members presented him with an award from the City of New
York. Several dignitaries were present for this event, including the
Honorable Brentnol Evans-Consulate General of Guyana and Mr. Robert
Persaud from the office of the President of Guyana. Shri Prakashji
expressed his gratitude for being recognized, in his acceptance
speech, he said “there are many who are qualified to receive this
award and I humbly receive it on all their behalf. This supply a
catalyst for us to work more assiduously to make a better New York
City and make our President and the people of Guyana proud of the
work of Guyanese living in New York”.
Shri Prakashji has emerged as a powerful spiritual messenger in a
long line of spiritual giants that Guyana has produced.
OM SAHA NAA VAVATU SAHA NAU BHUNAKTU
SAHA VEERYAM KARAVAA VAHAI
TEJAS VINAA VADHEETA MASTU MAA VID VISHAA VAHAI
OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI
Let us be saved together; let us be reared together; let us be
united and strengthened together too. Let us not be jealous of each
other.
Peace, peace, peace.
Jai Shree Ram
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