Last rites for Pundit Maharaj

BEFORE THE SPIRITUAL HEAD of the Hindu Community, 78-year old Pundit Krishna Maharaj, was cremated yesterday, President George Maxwell Richards said that his passing “had created a void within the Maha Sabha which would be difficult to fill.” The Dharmacharaya, who was attracted to religious pursuits from the age of thirteen, and who was the father of seven (four boys and three girls) died on Wednesday last. President Richards said, “The Dharmacharaya would always be remembered for his visionary and astute leadership qualities.” The Spiritual Head, the President said, had motivated others to “improve the condition of the poor and the under-privileged and during his lifetime he helped not only Hindus but the entire community.”

Academically Pundit Krishna Maharaj was an outstanding student. His Excel-lency noted,  “It has to be said that the secular education helped the young Pundit to better serve and reach the hearts of your devotees.” President Richards said, “The Dharmacharaya dedicated his life to sharing the universal message of love, truth and harmony.” The Dharmacharaya, according to President Richards was a modest person who exercised patience and kindness as he shared with devotees the benefit of his wisdom and his experience without any sense of condescension. Basdeo Panday, leader of the Opposition, said that Pundit Krishna had been practising civil disobedience during his lifetime when he refused to accept the Trinity Cross award some eight years ago for community service. He noted that Pundit Krishna politely advocated an award that would be representative of the multi-racial and multi-religious nature of the population of Trinidad and Tobago. A service was held at the home of the Dharmacharaya starting at 10.30 am after which funeral rites were performed at the  Pundit Krishna Caroni Hindu School, following which the body was cremated at the Caroni Banks.