Sri Prakash Gossai was ‘the best of the best’

By Stabroek staff | June 17, 2009

Dear Editor,
Over a thousand people packed the Shri Bhuvaneshwar Mandir in Ozone Park, Queens, Monday night to remember Shri Prakash Gossai, the spiritual leader of the temple, who passed away early Monday morning at a hospital in Miami after suffering a heart attack. His death has sent shock waves throughout the tightly-knit Guyanese community in the wider Richmond Hill/Cypress area. People from all over New York and New Jersey flocked to the mandir for a prayer service in memory of Gossai who was described by speakers as “the best of the best, a legend and an icon.”

Gossai’s body will repose ‘in state’ at the mandir on Tuesday all night. Thousands were expected to view his body. The streets around the mandir were to be closed off to facilitate the flow of mourners. A 20 foot video monitor was to be set up outside the mandir for viewers who could not get inside. There would be a wake on Wednesday afternoon and evening [today] at the Grace Funeral Chapel. On Thursday, the remains of the late Prakash Gossai will be cremated. At the mandir on Monday night, politicians, community leaders and pandits showered Gossai with glowing tributes and prayers. Many also sang solemn bhajans. NY City Councilman Eric Ulrich said: “We meet in sorrow to talk about this great man. When I heard about his death, it sucked the wind out of me. I was in this mandir recently to celebrate his birthday and present him an award from the city council. He did many wonderful things for the community. I know he is respected widely here in NY and internationally because people talked about him. Let us celebrate his legacy and his life.”

Pandit Rizvi of Mumbai described Gossai as “a great philosopher, human being, guru and teacher.” He said, “We will never forget him.” Pandit Manoj said, “He was the best amongst us,” adding, “Gossai-ji sang bhajans differently from others with a melodious voice with his own unique style.. He told the large gathering “not to despair, Prakash will return in another life. If you have faith, you will not grieve. He had a great soul. He will enter the kingdom of Lord Shiva.”

Pandit Muchan Persaud described Gossai as the most popular religious figure in the West. “He lived many lifetimes during his one life. He did so much for people. He never wasted time because he wanted to accomplish so much for others.” Arya Samaj Pandit Ramlall said Gossai was “a messenger who performed the Lord’s work.” Pt Ramlall petitioned the Lord to “bless Gossai’s soul and grant him eternal bliss.” He said Gossai enlightened so many and he asked the Lord when Gossai returns to earth, “may he continue to enlighten people as he did throughout his life.”

Pandit Maitlall said Gossai left an impression on millions with his passionate rendering of the scriptures and his singing.

Radio disc jockey Robert Mohamed said Gossai was one of the best in his field. “He had his own inimitable style in anything he did. He was accomplished in music and religion. His death is a loss to Guyana and humanity. He was a beacon of Hinduism, the Tulsidas of this century. He served the Lord well. Let the Lord take him in his shining abode. His legacy will live on.”

Pandit Rajin of New Amsterdam said Gossai took his message of love and peace everywhere: “He was a gift to us from the Lord.”

Albert Baldeo said, “Gossai embraced and exemplified all that is good. He was a legend. He was among the greatest of our countrymen. He inspired many. He saw God in humans and served them. He performed countless charitable activities. We celebrate a wondrous life. He left a legacy and we must continue his work. His philosophy of life, singing, satsangh exemplified the best. He represented the kind of change people wanted to see in the world. He will live on.” Pandit Harry’s words were, “God has chosen him for heavenly abode.”

There were sobbing and teary eyes among the large congregation throughout the service. Some worshippers bawled out upon seeing his children who returned to the mandir from Miami midway through the service for their father.

After the service, there was an outpouring of emotion as mourners broke out into loud crying.

People talked about how they will miss him for he was “irreplaceable.” Many worry about who would perform their religious services for Gossai was for them “truly the best.”

Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram