Dear Editor,
Indeed! Swami Purnananda remains iconic in serving the cause of Hindu Dharma and culture in Guyana. He was a towering figure in facilitating education and progressive, harmonious values for the youths who were prepared to abide by the strict rules, discipline and sage guidance that characterized his visionary personality.
Swamiji arrived in Guyana in 1953 as a Hindu Monk under already very polarizing political conditions.
The abomination of colonization had relegated the East Indians and, for that matter, all non-white Guyanese to the status of second-class citizens. He wanted the poor but ambitious Hindu children to learn about their great culture and traditions in a forward-thinking educational institution. With this noble intention and goal, he set about to build on a donated piece of land an academic institution that would transform the lives of many Guyanese youths who have emerged to become leaders and successful professionals on the global stage.
Swami Purnananda Ji possessed a fearless and monumental personality. He was a natural leader with a magnetic and energetic vibrancy that commanded respect from anyone fortunate to be in his presence. He was very inspirational and surrendered to his calling and noble purpose to serve the greater good of his sacred, dharmic lineage. He cultivated a rare blend of confidence, charisma, and unwavering determination to nurture the aspiration and mould the energies of the youths to strive for excellence.
He was undoubtedly a bigger-than-life personality who, with uncommon sacrifice and commitment, played a crucial role in changing the trajectory of thousands of youths who can now testify, by their successes, to his incomparable transformational legacy in Guyana.
Such rare souls come to teach us that we can all do our part to create a harmonious world by serving the needs of the less fortunate. He truly embraced the sacrosanct virtues of Vasu Dhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one, and every life is co-dependent.
Cliff Rajkumar
October 13, 2024