Spiritual awareness on the rise in Guyana – Pandit Gossai

Pandit Bankim Gossai, brother of the late Shri Prakash Gossai, is of the view that faith and spirituality in Guyana are growing.
The United Kingdom-based Guyanese religious leader is currently in Guyana to conduct his first ever yagna in the country of his birth.
Pandit Gossai, who has been travelling the world, said he is very pleased to see that the people in Guyana have been preserving the traditions that were passed down to them by their ancestors.
The religious leader added that he has seen the growth of morality and spirituality in Guyana, and in other countries, particularly Ghana, which, he said, has the “best Hindus” in the world.
He said that while some areas in Guyana have witnessed a decline in spirituality, others are preserving their heritage.
He noted that the decline must be addressed and this could be done through the various religious institutions. Nonetheless, he was upbeat about Hinduism. “Hinduism is definitely not in a decline” he said, contending that, in England, large sections of Hindus, particularly youths, converge and organise conferences, yagnas, and other gatherings to promote and foster understanding of the religion.
“Our religion (Hinduism) is racing forward and people are becoming more interested in it, and this can also be seen in Guyana,” the pandit said.
Pandit Gossai added that local mandirs must not only be places of worship but also educational institutions.
Gossai, who migrated to the UK 42 years ago, has visited Guyana occasionally over the years, but has never presided over a yagna in his home country, until now. While the primary purpose of his visit was to conduct the yagna at his birth place in Mahaica Creek, East Coast Demerara, he also intends to establish relationships and help those in need.
Gossai, a chartered accountant, gave up his job to become a full-time religious leader.
He worked on the expansion of the 30-year-old Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan temple, considered the “nicest” and biggest mandir in England. The religious site attracts visitors from all over the world, including India.
Pandit Gossai is also known for his contributions to charitable causes, and for this, he received a prestigious Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) honour  from her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11.