THE ashes of the late Pandit Shri Prakash Gossai will be brought to Guyana and placed in Mahaica River following a religious ceremony scheduled to start at 09:00 hrs today at the De Hoop Mandir, De Hoop Public Road.

The “ashes” ceremony will be conducted by Pandit Bankim Gossai, brother of the late Shri Prakash Gossai, and assisted by Bhai Arun Gossai, son of the late Shri Prakash Gossai, is a collaborative effort of family and friends of the late Priest.

During the ceremony, tributes will be paid by friends and relatives.

Pandit Gossai who passed away on June 15, 2009 in a Florida hospital following a heart attack, was born in Handsome Tree, Mahaica on April 25, 1953 into a devout Hindu family. From an early age, the depth of his awareness and interest in Sanatan Dharma was evident.

In his teenage years, he joined the Gandhi Youth Organisation and pursued his interest in religion, music and Hindi songs.

In 1983 he immigrated to Queens, New York where he taught Marine Biology. This provided the opportunity for him to interact with Hindu youths. Having realised that children were lacking spiritual upliftment and were drifting from this rich culture, he consulted with family and friends and founded the Bhuvaneshwar Mandir in Brooklyn, New York in 1984.

In 1993, he began his studies in India under his Guru, Brahmrishi Vishvatma Bawraji Maharaj of Pinjore.

His ardent desire to consecrate his life to the love and service of God thus found fulfillment. He emerged as a spiritual leader and messenger of God and travelled and lectured widely.

In 2002, he received an award from the Premier of Ontario for his contribution to the Hindu community. The said year he received the Medal of Service from the Government of Guyana. He has left an indelible mark on the fostering of Hinduism and humanity.

All are invited today to pay their final respects to this outstanding son of Guyana.