Shri Prakash Gossai remembered

June 29, 2009 | By Anupa

The Indian Commemoration Trust yesterday held a ceremony at the Indian Monument Site to celebrate the life of the Late Shri Prakash Gossai.

The ceremony was attended by Samuel Hinds, Prime Minister of Guyana, Dr. Yesu Persaud, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh and other dignitaries.

Dr. Yesu Persaud who welcomed the patrons, described Gossai as a “messenger of the Lord,” who worked tremendously to educate both Hindus and non Hindus.

Prime Minister Sam Hinds and Dr. Yesu Persaud at yesterday’s ceremony.

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh gave one of the many tributes yesterday afternoon. According to the Chancellor, Shri Prakash had brought a message of love and unity back to Guyana when he returned to his homeland.

Singh jokingly told the gathering that Gossai was envied by many politicians because of the crowds that followed him.

The chancellor said that Gossai lived a life of simplicity, and never sought fame and popularity. Singh noted that most of Gossai’s attributes came naturally and he was committed to work.

Attorney at Law, Anil Nandalall, who also spoke fondly of Gossai, told the gathering that he was privileged to have known such a devoted and simple person.

Nandalall described Gossai as a talented and devoted philosopher, further noting that we should not be afraid because he has left his many teachings and musical renditions to inspire us.

He said that Gossai took up the mantel after he saw that Hinduism in Guyana was being placed on the back burner.

He said that Shri Prakash quickly recognised the many challenges and confronted them head on, bringing light to one of the oldest religions the world has known.

Shri Prakash Gossai, a special assistant to President Bharrat Jagdeo, and popular Pandit and activist of Hinduism, known for his devotional songs, died at a hospital in Miami, Florida two weeks ago. He was 56 years old.

Gossai had undergone triple bypass surgery during the mid nineteen-nineties, and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Balwant Singh Hospital in Georgetown after from suffering chest pains. He was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital to access better medical attention.

After discussions between doctors at the Georgetown Hospital and Gossai’s New York doctors, it was decided that he would be flown to the US where an angiograph would be performed. He was flown to Miami where he was immediately admitted to a medical institution. He later died at that same medical institution.