Pandit Shri Prakash Gossai (Apr. 25th, 1953- Jun. 15th, 2009)

The Hindu Communities of Guyana, the Caribbean, Europe and North America have suffered an irreplaceable loss in the untimely death of Pandit Shri Prakash Gossai who passed away on Monday June 15, 2009 at the Miami Hospital, Florida.

Pandit Prakashji revolutionized the imparting and teaching of the Hindu scriptures, especially the Holy Ramayana, which he was very conversant with. He blended the chanting of the soul-solacing verses of the Holy Ramayan with his distinguishable and melodious voice and the soothing notes of the Harmonium (Indian Organ) which he so artistically mastered.

Pandit Prakashji has set the standard for all aspiring young Pandits (Hindu Priests) in Guyana and North America. He inspired and enchanted Hindus and non-Hindus alike in many countries of the world, including Mauritius, Fiji, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Holland, etc.

He displayed a true sense of love and patriotism for his birth land, Guyana, when he decided to re-migrate and serve his country at the request of President Bharat Jagdeo.

Besides being an outstanding and highly qualified Hindu Priest, he was also a talented singer and musician. He was a former Biology lecturer at the University of Guyana, between 1977-1979. He also worked as the head Lab Technician at the Georgetown Public Hospital Laboratory, between 1979-1984.

He migrated to the U.S.A in 1984 where he taught Biology at a High School in New York City. His original goal was to pursue studies in medicine but his love for Hinduism and Indian Music was greater and prevailed in his calling to serve humanity.

At a time when the Hindu Diaspora was passive and dormant about their religion and culture, Pandit Prakash lit the fire of enlightenment and knowledge in many homes and hearts. He touched the lives of millions of people all over the world. In 2004, he received the Medal of Service Award from the Government of Guyana.

In 2005, he returned to Guyana to serve his country as Personal Assistant to His Excellency, President Bharat Jagdeo in the Office of the President. He maintained his role as a Hindu Missionary and Community Worker.

Pandit Prakash was the father of two children, Arun and Pratiksha who currently reside in New York with their mother Leela Gossai (nee Singh).

The Hindu Community the world over is today much poorer with the passing of this great son of Guyana’s soil.

Thank you,

Mani Singh,
Association of Concerned Guyanese (ACG – Canada).