HE has been described as “a true champion of Arya Samaj, a light in our Diaspora, the ultimate Guyanese Baboo, and my extraordinary uncle” by attorney-at-law Roger Sawh, who had the distinct pleasure of introducing Pandit Virjanand Joe Jaglall as the 2026 recipient of its Annual Award for his humanitarian and selfless work within the Canadian community and further afield.
Held at the imposing and majestic Vedic Cultural Centre/Arya Samaj Mandir in Toronto, Canada, recently, the event treated the appreciative, sold-out audience, which included several prominent dignitaries, to an evening of cultural presentations from various singers, and the audience was serenaded by Devin Ramoutar, one of the most sought-after musicians in Toronto.
Among those extending greetings was Guyana’s President, Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, who, in a video recording, described Pandit Jaglall as a remarkable son of Guyana whose life has been measured not simply by the years of service but in conviction and enduring determination to community and country.
According to Sawh, “The audience featured dozens of people brought out in the name of community to bestow a deserved honour upon a man who has spent his time, his energy, and quite frankly his existence transforming that Vedic principle into tangible human dignity.”
Sawh pointed out that “to understand the calibre of the man we celebrate tonight, we must look to the setting that forged him. Uncle Joe’s story begins in the rustic simplicity of Number 66 Village on the Corentyne in Berbice.
“Raised in the agricultural tradition by his humble, hard-working parents, Pitaji Jeet and Mataji Savi, his childhood was defined by their character and Vedic grounding. For many of you who have been members of this Mandir for a long time, you would remember Mataji and Pitaji, ever smiling, ever kind, ever committed.
“Joe also derived great guidance and inspiration from his late uncle, Pandit Budhram Mahadeo, a renowned name on both the religious and the political scenes in those days. The moulding and shaping began from the very start.
“And like so many of his generation, when the reality of migration came about at a relatively young age, he found himself in the Great White North. He packed an unyielding work ethic with him and found himself making his connections and establishing new roots through familiar means – religiously, through the Toronto Arya Samaj, and politically, through the Association of Concerned Guyanese.”
Reminiscing, Sawh pointed out that “in becoming established in this country, Joe also professionally pushed himself to greater heights step by step. From the demanding conditions of a factory job to several twists and turns in between, he always brought his qualities and character to the fore and somehow stayed involved in helping people.
“Today, so many know and respect him as a realtor in the Greater Toronto Area and further afield, making a prominent name for himself in that realm. It’s no wonder, in fact, that the professional journey has been somewhat of a full circle, with an involved, leading role in the impressive Mahaica Meadows project that is being developed.”
Despite a busy professional schedule, Joe still finds time to volunteer and help others. He describes himself as a humble servant of the community who never looks for anything in return for his efforts, adding, “My blessings come as an opportunity to be in a position to help others because of my passion for working with people, regardless of differences.”
While he is a long-standing member of Toronto Arya Samaj, he has not limited his support to that organisation but has extended his volunteer services to other organisations as well, including Peel Arya Samaj Mandir and Cultural Centre; Shiva Mandir in Scarborough; Seva4life Canada Inc.; Humanitarian Mission of Port Mourant, Guyana; Vedanta Academy in Bush Lot, Berbice, Guyana; Prabhu Sharan Orphanage in Cornelia Ida, Guyana; youth training camps, both in Guyana and Toronto; Shiv Sewa Sangh Mandir in Scarborough; Panwar Music and Dance Academy; Sangeet Vidyalaya Vedic Cultural and Educational Centre Inc.; Maha Rudradev Mandir and Cultural Centre in Scarborough; and Guyana Festival, Toronto, among others.
In January 2019, Pandit Joe spearheaded a special committee to raise funds to assist Jessica Motilall, a victim of domestic abuse and violence, allowing her the opportunity to return to her normal life.
Within the first week of his arrival in Canada, he met the late Sash Sawh (former Minister of Agriculture in Guyana) and joined the Association of Concerned Guyanese (ACG). He also started the First Arya Samaj Internet Radio, a very popular programme that brought the community together.
With encouragement from him and Pt Ramoutar, many youths had the opportunity to perform on the big stage with established artists, helping them develop their musical talents.
Pandit Joe currently serves as Vice President of Mahaica Meadows, Guyana’s largest privately owned real estate company, which is building a city on the East Coast of Demerara in Guyana. His wife, Shinita, and his family have supported him, giving him the time to do his charitable work. The award also acknowledges her role.
According to Joe, while he has received many accolades from other organisations, this one coming from his home one will hold special significance for him.
Among those in attendance were the Mayor of Markham, Ned Blair, Senior VP, National Ethnic Press, Dr Vivian Rambihar, Swami Bhajanananda, Shiv Persaud (Chair of the Guyana Festival), Pandit Jageshwar Sharma, Roy Sugrim (President, Seva4Life) and Nadira Raghunandan Dyal (President of Shiv Sewa Sangh).
Apart from President Ali, video tributes were also received from Sattie Sawh (former Consul General, Toronto), Dr Terry Gajraj (world-famous Guyanese artist), Selwyn Pieters (international lawyer), Dr Yog Mahadeo, Phoolkumarie Gobin (Radio Guyana host, 89.5 RGI), Denny Persaud (ARD, Guyana’s most popular social media content creator), Hon Vickram Bharrat (Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister) and Mr and Mrs Ramkissoon (Mahaica Meadows owners in Guyana).
