Head of State at “Ashes ceremony”

Sunday, 23 August 2009

An “Ashes ceremony” was held for the Late Shri Prakash Gossai, today at the De Hoop Mandir, Mahaica, his hometown.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, who attended the ceremony, noted that because of his unique personality and admirable qualities, Pandit Gossai made an impact on the lives of everyone who knew him.

His Excellency, President Bharrat Jagdeo pays tribute to the Late Shri Prakash Gossai, at a special “Ashes ceremony” at the De Hoop Mandir, Mahaica.

The Head of State posited that Pandit Gossai left the United States for the sole purpose of coming back to his homeland to serve his people, a service that extended beyond the confines of religion, race and belief.

He stated that Pandit Gossai knew instinctively, that it was only through hard work and positive attitude that the nation would move forward in the right direction. “He understood the trauma that this country was going through, and he recognised that unless that trauma was healed, this country will never realize its full promise” the President said.

President Jagdeo and the children of the Late Shri Prakash Gossai, Arun and Pratiksha Gossai.

The President noted that despite improvements in every sector of the country, if Guyana’s people were not a cohesive unit, then sustained progress would not be achieved. This he said is a “soft side” of development in which Pandit Gossai excelled.

Reminiscing on Pandit Gossai’s role in his administration, the President said that he did not just function as a religious leader; instead he focused on his service towards the Guyanese people and assisted him (the President) to execute an essential part of his duties and to engage in the process of nation building.

President Jagdeo, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and other officials of the Government, at the ceremony.

The President reiterated Pt. Gossai’s service towards humanity, stating that he addressed everyone, regardless of religion, with equal zeal and effort. Revealing that on many occasions he would shied away from publicity and had no desire for reward. This, the President said, is an exemplification of an essential part in Hinduism.

A section of the gathering at the ceremony

Pandit Shri Prakash Gossai 56, succumbed to a heart condition after he was medivaced to the US. He was cremated in New York and in accordance with his wishes; his ashes were today dispersed in the Mahaica River.

Pandit Gossai was born in Handsome Tree, Mahaica Creek, East Coast Demerara, on April 25, 1953. He was a special Advisor to the President. In 2002, Pandit Gossai was awarded the Medal of Service on the anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, for his contribution and commitment.