| Renowned Hindu Spiritual leader, Shri Prakash Gossai, died yesterday in Miami, Florida, USA, of a heart attack. He was 56.Shri Prakash Gossai receiving his Medal of Service from President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2002.Pandit Gossai had been medivacced over the weekend for emergency treatment for a heart condition. He became ill last Thursday evening after leaving work, and was admitted to the Balwant Singh Hospital and subsequently transferred to the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI).Gossai was the founder of the Bhuvaneshwar mandirs in the United States of America and Guyana.Shri Prakash, his followers said, dedicated his life to selflessly serving humanity by spreading the word of the Shri Ramcharitamanas. He felt strongly that Sanatan Dharma should be part of each and every Hindu home, they added.Born in Handsome Tree, Mahaica Creek, East Coast Demerara, on April 25, 1953, Pandit Gossai, as he was commonly referred to, is the sixth of eight children.Pandit Gossai attended Cummings Lodge Government School, where he spent four years and topped his class every term. At the GCE exams, he attained nine subjects, with several distinctions. He then proceeded to the University of Guyana (UG), where he pursued medical technology for two years, after which he embarked on a Bachelor of Science degree, and then graduated as best graduating student in the faculty of natural sciences.Gossai migrated to the USA in 1983, where he founded the Bhuvaneshwar mandir. It is there he performed most of his religious practices and got youths involved in their culture and religion.Gossai spent one year in India educating himself extensively on Hinduism.He later returned from India and started to work in New York as a ‘Hindu Missionary.’From 1992 to 2007, Pandit Gossai was exclusively involved in religious work in New York,Jerseys From China, and then President Bharrat Jagdeo asked him to return to Guyana to render his services in his homeland.In 2002, Pandit Gossai was awarded the Medal of Service on the anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, for his positive contribution and commitmentA press release from the Office of the President said that it was saddened by the death of Pandit Shri Prakash Gossai, who was a Special Assistant to President Bharrat Jagdeo.President Jagdeo reacting to the news of the death, said, “Pandit Gossai was a true patriot, an outstanding religious leader with long and dedicated service to the moral, spiritual and social development of Guyanese and Hindus throughout the world.“He was a humanitarian who did extensive work in communities across Guyana.Throughout his long and distinguished career, Pandit Gossai led by example and inspired everyone with whom he made contact.“Indeed Guyana has lost a true son with his passing, but the leadership and courage he demonstrated will always remain an inspiration for the Hindu community in Guyana and elsewhere.”Office of the president added that Pandit Gossai will be remembered for his contributions to Indian culture and excellent mobilization skills in the Hindu community.“He spread happiness and made hearts blossom with his charisma, melodious voice and expertise in musical instruments.”The Office of the President will be holding a wake for the late Pandit Gossai at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, tonight. |
