Munelal and wife Naveeta on the religious trail

Celebrated couple, husband and wife team of Pundit Munelal and Naveeta Maharaj of Chaguanas, has been travelling to many parts of the world on their religious trail reaching thousands of people with their songs and lectures. Pundit Munelal is an author, recording artiste and practicing pundit and also the recipient of the NAFEITA award for achievement in culture. Naveeta is the holder of a BSc degree in Engineering and is presently pursuing her MSc in Communication Technology at UWI. They both have been doing a lot of work in temples and other religious institutions in the country. Today, the twosome are very much in demand for religious functions in TT and in places such as Canada, New York, Florida, Baltimore, Washington, and the UK. In the Caribbean they have been holding yagyas (prayer meetings) in Guyana, Virgin Islands and Barbados. While many  recording artistes based in East Indian culture are promoting the contemporary songs and music, both Munilal and Naveeta have found new and innovative ways to do the old songs that are religiously based in order to reach the younger folks.

They have since produced 11 CDs and written three books that are religiously oriented and are marketed in the countries where they have been conducting devotional services. It is amazing the kind of work this couple has done within the five-year period that they have been married. To top it off they have a two-year-old daughter Vaishnavi who is already singing bhajans (religious songs in the Hindi language) in the village temple. The latest publication is called Lakshmee Mahima and it was compiled by Naveeta. She has been working on this book since January of this year. “I wanted the book to be available for members of the public in time for Divali, so that those who are not familiar with the teachings of Goddess Lakshmee can now get this book and learn all about the goddess,” she said. The couple has also released their brand new CD entitled, Maiya Tere Jyota for the local airwaves. This CD contains some of the most significant bhajans for Divali celebrations. They come from religious backgrounds and as many say, it was really by the hands of God that they came together. Pundit Munelal began his work as a pundit from the age of 13. In 1993 he went to India where he studied Hindu Philosophy, Sanskrit, and Vedanta under Swami Anubhavananda of Mumbai University. On his return to TT, he organised 108 yagyas throughout the country. Having accomplished this, he set about to do his writings and recordings for his CDs.

Naveeta on the other hand is the only daughter of Pundit Randhir and Drupatie Maharaj. Having been brought up in a religious home, Naveeta had first hand knowledge about the various gods and goddesses in the Hindu religion. She told People that she was always interested in ancient history, not only in the Hindu philosophy but that of the Romans, Egyptians and Vikings. She has been spending long hours researching the history of ancient civilisations. She said that she was inspired by her maternal grandmother, Binmatie Maharaj (who died six years ago), who at 72 was able to read and write perfectly. Her grandmother would tell her many stories of India and this was the foundation of a life filled with research and study of ancient history for Naveeta.   Having been involved in the religious circles in the central area, Pundit Munelal came in contact with the intelligent Naveeta who impressed him with her knowledge of Hinduism. It was no surprise that the two decided to get married. Today they have worked together on more than 200 projects and have been successful in all of their endeavours. They pray together and compile their material for the public together. Naveeta told People that she has always been shy and reserved while her husband is the outspoken type who has that kind of charisma that reaches people. “I will do hours of research on any topic that he wants to use for a yagya, lecture or for compilation in the publications and for the CDs. He will then take the material and give it to the public,” she said. Talking from a religious point of view, the two agree that life has been full of small miracles. Like any other normal couple they both have their differences but they manage to get back on track within quick time. Their mission in life is not about personal satisfaction but about reaching people out there and inspiring them in the field of religious education.