Maybe it was the influence of these spiritual leaders, by whom he was guided during the early years of his career as a teacher at the Hindu College, that precipitated the life of personal sacrifice and service to mankind that Bharrat Jagdeo has embraced for the major part of his adult life as President of Guyana, because his dedication and commitment to serve people at every level is extraordinary, and he has maintained that spiritual connection to the Ashram, joining in this significant observance of Mahashivaratri practically every year.
Yesterday, as he sat ensconced among the sanyasins, solemnly observing the religious rituals of his ancestors in an ambience of tranquility and spiritual bliss, President Jagdeo most likely was spiritually rejuvenated, because the burdens of State lie heavily on his shoulders.
The reverence with which he treated Guruji Vidyananandaji Maharaj, and the benediction with which he was in turn bestowed, spoke volumes.  Earlier in the day Swamiji had said to the effect that, although he was unaware whether His Excellency the President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, was a religionist or a practicing Hindu, he is convinced that his exemplary approach to leadership is being guided by the genetic strains he inherited from the ancient rishis.
Mahashivaratri observances at the Guyana Sevashram Sangha began at 5.30 a.m. on Friday, 12th February 2010, with Sri Guru Aarti Procession with Holi Tulsi Plant and commencement of incessant chanting of the Maha Mantra; at 8.30 a.m. Naam Shivaya Yajna and incessant chanting of Om Namah Shivaya commenced, followed at 10.00 a.m. with the Havan Sri Guru Puja and Aarti, at which Guruji officiated.  Prasaadam was shared at 12.00 noon.
At there was a Ramayan Discussion.  The first Shiva Ratri Vrat Puja began at 6.00 p.m., and this was followed by a Bhajan session from 7.00 p.m.  At 9.00 p.m. the 2nd Shiva Ratri Vrat Puja commenced and this was followed at 10.00 a.m. by the screening of a documentary on the history of the Guyana Sangha. The 3rd Shiva Ratri Vrat Puja commenced at midnight with the final Shiva Ratri Vrat Puja beginning at 3.00 a.m. yesterday morning.  After the cessation of the Mahamantra chanting at 5.00 a.m. the 24-hour observances concluded yesterday at 6.00 a.m. with Aarti.
During the Havan Shri Guru Puja on Friday presentations were made by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and U.S. Vice-Consul to Guyana, Mr. Phillip Assis.
Appropriate Bhajans were beautifully rendered by several persons, with the Hindu College chanting verses from the Bhagwat Gita under the guidance of Principal, Ms. Rajkumarie Singh.
Chairing the event was former Finance Minister, Mr. Saisenarine Kowlessar, who is a former student of the Hindu College.  Present at various times during the day were Ministers of the Government, including Ministers Bheri Ramsaran, Manniram Prashad, and Attorney-General Charles Ramson, who sat quietly in pious obeisance, head reverently bowed, as he humbly sought the Lord’s blessings.
Throughout the 24-hour celebrations dignitaries, millionaires, the penurious all sought the benediction of Lord Shiva, visiting the several beautiful mandirs adding to the splendour of the Ashram’s compound.  Guyana’s star cricketer, Shivnarine Chanderpal, was no exception, because he is known to be an ardent Shiva Bhakt (disciple).
The magnificence and magnitude of Mahashivaratri observances at the Cove & John Ashram defies description, and the mammoth scale of the preparations would not be possible without the very many generous donors and volunteers who work around the clock, because their worship of their Lord is appropriately rendered by seva ( service), so the food never ran out during 24 hours of chanting of religious texts and devotion from thousands of devotees who come from all over the world to pay obeisance to their Supreme Lord on this most auspicious of occasions at this site that has been sanctified by the blood, sweat, and tears of the saints and devotees who sacrificed much to create an institution of spiritual solace and intellectual rejuvenation.