FORMER President Janet Jagan died in the most auspicious time of Navratri in the Hindu calendar. Neither Mrs. Jagan nor her husband, the late Cheddi were religious people in the sense of attending churches. But they did perform religious acts. At a NY service, a worshipper referred to Mrs. Jagan as Lakshmi who lit up the pathway for others.

Swami Vidyanand Maharaj of the Cove and John Ashram told a gathering in NY that although the Jagans did not attend religious institutions, they served a higher religious order by addressing the needs of the poor and oppressed.

The Swami said they performed “karma yoga” which is highest form of religious calling. They pulled people out of poverty and ignorance.”

People may have their differences with Mrs. Jagan, but as well known lawyer Kawal Totaram and economist Dr. Jagopat pointed out in NY, she left a comfortable life in America to struggle for Guyanese. She may have been an ideologue and fought for her belief to the very end of her life but she made an enormous contribution to anti colonial and anti-dictatorial struggle.

Mrs. Jagan was a well rounded individual. As Totaram reminded people at a memorial service, she was also a prolific writer who was knowledgeable on virtually all issues and subjects.

She was also an unselfish and caring person as George Sobhraj, CEO of Zara Realty, pointed out that when he was locked up during the riot years, she t came by to inquire about his welfare.”

She was also a gracious host Sobhraj recalled when he visited the home of the Jagans, “She served roti and curry and was a great host.”

Because of her embrace of Guyanese culture, people referred to her as “Bhoujie” as popular radio announcer Robert Mohamed of WICR radio reminded his audience.

Mrs. Jagan lived a simple and humble life as reminded by Shrad Kublall of the NY Phagwah Festival Committee.

Anand Persaud of the Arya Vir Dal also praised her as a freedom fighter, a role model and an inspiration to all Guyanese.

Mrs. Jagan opened up the educational system for all. “She encouraged girls to go to school and urged parents to send their female children to school instead of preparing them for marriage at a young age”, said Bhola Ramsundar.

She also provided jobs for Guyanese. Well known lawyer, Albert Baldeo noted how Mrs. Jagan hired him to write sports articles for the Mirror newspaper. “She made me a better writer” and encouraged others to become better persons. Baldeo noted that when Mrs. Jagan paid him, “I was able to purchase my own typewriter and still had a little left over.” He described her as a great woman of character whom the nation will miss.
VISHNU BISRAM