RAJIN Lallaram, 36, a well-known pandit of Region Five and Ministry of Education staffer, lost the battle to COVID-19 on Thursday.

Lallaram, who hailed from Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, succumbed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the COVID hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

He was admitted to the facility on May 10 when he started to experience severe symptoms of the disease.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that Lallaram’s wife, sister and mother were also tested positive for the novel coronavirus and have since recovered.

As the news of his death became known, many took to social media to express their shock and disbelief, while also offering words of condolences to his family.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand in a Facebook post, stated: “Heartbroked[sic] today over the COVID-19 death of 36-year-old Pandit Rajin Lallaram of the Education Department, Region Five. This was a committed, dedicated person with so much to offer. Our country is poorer with his passing. To his wife, mother, sisters and many, many friends and to our colleagues in education, my deepest condolences.”

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal also expressed similar sentiments in a Facebook post.

“My sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of the late Pandit, Rajin Lallaram. We have lost one of our great religious leaders. He was indeed a true friend; I remember the many valuable and enlightening discussions we had. Region Five has lost a great son,” said Ramphal.

Over in Region Six, religious leader Deodat Persaud was in shock at Lallaram’s death.

“This can’t be true. COVID-19, you are a monster! A severe blow to the Hindu
Community. Om Sadgati. May your atma finds [sic] mukti Panditji Lallaram. May you be in peace with Raghunandan! My deepest sympathies to his wife, mom, sisters and other relatives and friends,” he said.