Swami Vidyanandaji bestowed with Guyana’s National Award

An award ceremony befitting that of a Swami whose exemplary life, religious and spiritual contributions to Guyana are incomparable, was held last evening, November 2, 2011 at the America Sevashram Sangha in Queens NY. President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo bestowed on Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj, the most prestigious Arrow of Achievement award.

Swamis of the Ashram, distinguished dignitaries from the City of New York including Queens Borough President, Ms. Helen Marshall, representatives of the Guyana Consulate in New York, Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad, prominent businessmen and hundreds of devotes of the Ashram from the Tristate area and Canada, all attended the event.

Master of ceremonies Richard B. Mahase, in his presentation of the biography of Swami Vidyananda, narrated Swamiji’s childhood experiences and his early spiritual revelations that led him to choose a spiritual path. The biography went on to describe Swami’s struggles in his effort to spread the teachings of Swami Pranavandaji Maharaj throughout Guyana, the Caribbean and North America. Almost 60 years after his initial encounter with the Ashram, today Swamiji continues to serve the Hindu community in Guyana and in the USA.

Dignitaries, distinguished guests and children of the Ashram showered praises for the contribution the Swami had in changing their lives.

Former finance minister, Sasenarine Kowlessar, echoed praises of Swamji’s life as a teacher and principal of the Cove & John Secondary school, “I am proud to be a former student of the Cove and John Secondary School under the guidance of Swami Vidyanandaji and so too are hundreds of others.”

Swami Bhajanandaji Maharaj, joining the celebration from Canada, reminded President Bharrat Jagdeo of the congratulatory message Swami Vidyananda sent him on his assent to the highest office of the country -“the courageous and fearless act of taking up the mantle of leadership at your tender age shows the spirit of a true and dedicated citizen to lead the country with distinction in its time of turmoil and hardship.”

Queens Borough President, Ms. Helen Marshall, in her contribution reminded the audience of the positive effects of having an organization such as the America Sevashram Sangha, under the leadership of Swami Vidyanandaji in Queens. “Hearing the youth’s speeches, based on their experiences at this house of worship, I am sure they will grow up to be influential members of society.” Ms Marshall went on to describe her encounters with President Jagdeo and her recent visit to Guyana.

In the feature presentation, President Bharrat Jagdeo illustrated Swamiji’s achievements and contributions to Hinduism. He related his encounters with the Saint through the years and the reasons for bestowing the award on Swamiji. “The Cove & John Ashram, under the leadership of Swami Vidyananda, has made such a positive change to society in Guyana.” President Jagdeo went on to describe Swamiji’s strength and resilience to promote and preserve Hinduism over the decades.

Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj in his acceptance remarks noted; “In Sat Yuga, the Golden Ages of our Religion, when a righteous leader or a king is coming to the end of his sovereign rule, he visits the dwelling of the holy community. He seeks their guidance. He knows that beyond his intellectual grasp is the transcendental ocean which is the next most exhilarating to cross. So this visit of our President tonight makes him a truly gifted and noble soul. He has followed in the path of some of the most unique leaders in the Hindu history and has remained modest. You are greatness incarnate” he told the president.