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Kamla pays tribute to Dharmacharya His Holiness Shri Uttam Maharaj
Posted On 29 Nov 2018
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dharmacharya and President General and Spiritual Head of the Maha Sabha, His Holiness Shri Uttam Maharaj.
Pundit Maharaj was known for his humility, calm demeanour, and as a kind person who was always willing to help those in need, or to offer sage advice.
Having served as Spiritual Head of the Maha Sabha for more than 13 years, he has made immense contributions to Trinidad and Tobago. He spent a great part of his life as an educator in his hometown of Rousillac, and was a firm believer in the important role education plays in ensuring children are instilled with positive values, and learn important life skills to become productive citizens of our nation.
He was also known to be an avid enthusiast of the arts, music and culture, and was an accomplished sitar player. In this area – music, he played the role of judge of competitions in different educational divisions of the Ministry of Education, and has taught Hindi, music and Sanskrit in cultural classes in different areas of the country.
Pundit Maharaj will be missed, and it is my hope that his legacy of devotion to his faith and service to people will live on. As a religious and spiritual leader, he called on people of all faiths and backgrounds to live in harmony. His message is important, as there is a great need for our citizens to unite and work together to develop our nation, and shape a brighter and stronger future for us all.
On behalf of the United National Congress and on my own behalf, I offer condolences to his family, friends, and members of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, as well as the national community.
May you find comfort in these words from the Hindu holy text the Bhagavad Gita:
“Na jayate mriyate va kadachin,naayam bhuta bhavita na bhuyah
Ajo nityam shaswatoyam purano, Na hanyate hanyamane sharire…
“The soul is never born nor dies…It is unborn, eternal and everlasting…”
Bhagavad Gita – 2:20
Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
Leader of the Opposition
