Family members and devotees joined with Pandit Omkar and Pandit Ashram in a Memorial Service for the late Pandit Rabindranath today ( Sunday December 7, 2023) at the Sri Ram Mandir, Endeavour, Chaguanas.
Delivering the feature address was Pandit Gayadath, an elder brother of Pandit Rabindranath who is now residing in Canada. Pandit Gayadath recounted Pandit Rabindranath’s early effort in the field of studies and work and his later striving to train in the field of panditai. He recapped the role of Swami Satchitananda and the Endeavor Hindu Youth Organization among others in shaping his life as a Pandit.
Pandit Ashram recollected going to Barrackpore incognito to listen to Pandit Rabindranath’s performance in his first yagya. Seeing his elder brother, Pandit Rabindranath asked him to sit on the singhasan next to him. “Not dressed in traditional clothing I resisted but he demanded and I complied,” said Pandit Ashram.
Pandit Ashram said that he always praised Pandit Rabindranath for his singing and the latter was always grateful for that.
Pandit Omkar has inherited the mantle from Pandit Rabindranath who always said to him that “ you must continue my legacy.” Now in charge of the Sri Ram Mandir, Pandit Omkar is a shining light.
A new project that was born after the passing of Pandit Rabindranath is the Pandit Rabindranath Maharaj Memorial Foundation. So far the Foundation has made a big impact on raising funds and assisting with the upgrading of facilities at the mandir and reaching out to the lesser fortunate. I am amazed at the amount of work this Foundation has done so far!
Music and singing was integral to Pandit Rabindranath’s role as a Pandit. This was acknowledged by the bhajans rendered skilfully by the kirtan group.
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The large audience that came out for this memorial service is testimony to the impact that Pandit Rabindranath had in their lives. His charity and generosity knew no bound as he always reached out to those in need. Pandit Omkar recollected that he said that doing good was greater than speaking words.
I feel confident that the legacy of Pandit Rabindranath is in safe hands and would only grow from strength to strength.
Meals and parsad were prepared and served to all.