Ten people were honored by the Amarjyoth Mandir of Cunupia in a two-night yagya held on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December, 2024 to mark its 45th anniversary.
A major plank of its 45th Anniversary celebration was the recognition of individuals who have not only served at Amarjyoth but also in the wider community. This gesture demonstrates the readiness of the devotees of Amarjyoth to not only work with all groups and individuals but to also recognize their contributions with each presented a plaque and a shawl. The plaque read: Amarjyoth Sabha Inc. honours (Name of Recipient) for your invaluable contribution toward the propagation of Sanatan Dharma on the occasion of the 4th Anniversary of our Sunday Morning Service. 2nd December 1979-December 2024 Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om.
Mala Harkoo, Poonia Boodoo and Rajwatee Ramcharan were recognized for their contributions in food preparation and general cleaning; their contributions going back to more than thirty years.
Popular exponent of the Ramayan, Mangal Nancoo (Marj), was among the recipients. Marj has studied music with Mangal Patasar and also learned Hindi and Sanskrit, thus making him competent in delivering the massage of the Ramayan.
Khemchand Dev Mungalsingh of the Enterprise Mandir is well-known for his engagement in Hindu dharma. His early training with the late Swami Satchidananda has laid the foundation for him to continue walking the path of dharma. While other branches of the Divine Life Society are in dormancy, Khemchand has ensured that the Satsangh and other activities at the Enterprise Mandir are kept alive. More importantly is Khemchand’s willingness to work with all Hindu organizations including the Federation of Hindu Organization.
Settled at the Warrenville Mandir for the past twenty-seven years, Anirudh Phagu with his wife and other couples is engaged in the conduct of Satsangh. This strong commitment is going to guarantee not only the survival but the flourishing of our dharma. Calm and confident, Phagu reflects an aura of confidence, one who knows what he is about.
Gopichan (Sone) Ramnath was also among the recipient. Sone is not only physically huge but so is his heart. While he identifies with the Hindu Prachaar Kendra, Sone contributes in every Hindu activity and organization. At Divali Nagar he is in the car park working with React. He was a main pillar in the recently held Epic Hanuman Chanting and also the Ramlala Stapana program at Pierre Road Recreation Ground.
Also receiving an award was Savitri-Ojah Maharaj. Trained by Sandra Sookdeo, Savitri has her own school of dance. She has taught dance at schools throughout the country and abroad. Her focus on teaching the younger generation assures a bright future for dance in Trinidad.
Naresh aka Mano is a fixture at Amarjyoth. Known for his unique skill to play the tabla and sing at the same time, Mano has always made himself available to provide musical accompaniment to Pandit Amar in numerous visits to families during their time of bereavement.
Pandit Rishi is another pillar at Amarjyoth. Quiet but always on time, Pandit Rishi performs the pujas for the Sunday morning service and the several yagyas and events.
I was also among the recipients. I have been visiting the Amarjoyth prior to the new structure. Pandit Amar expressed appreciation and admiration for my effort at documenting aspects of our history and especially the roles played by our leaders, sadhus and pandits in the struggles to preserve our dharma.
What I like most about Amarjyoth Mandir is its readiness to work with all for Hindu dharma. I recalled that when the first Hindu Seva Sangh Youth Development Camp (Sangh Siksha Varg) was sponsored by the Hindu Seva Sangh in 1983 at the Moruga Composite School, two youths (Poorandath & Indarjit Lall) of the Amarjyoth Mandir were among the 40 odd participants. Throughout the Seva Sangh’s more than two decades of youth development and other programs, the cooperation and support of the Amarjyoth was always present.
The Federation of Hindu Organization is the brainchild of Pandit Amar Seepersad. This organizations brought together several mandirs to chant the Hanuman Chalisa and engage in street procession and cultural programs to mark Indian Arrival Day. I was happy to hear from Pandit Amar that he plans to revive this once vibrant movement.
Once again, I take the opportunity to congratulate the Amarjoyth on it 45 years of service to dharma and wish Pandit Amar and the devotees, future success in their endeavors. I also wish to congratulate the awardees and wish them well as they walk the path of dharma.