Phagwah festival in memory of Pandit Ramlall
Caribbean L BQ ife, Feb. 8–14, 2019 23
By Tangerine Clarke
The Guyanese community in
Queens will dedicate the 31st
Annual Phagwah Parade in
Richmond Hill to the late Pandit
Ramlall, a scholar, author,
teacher, and founder of the
colorful festival that will be held
on Sunday, March. 31.
Residents of the Indo-Caribbean
community bid a sad farewell
to Pandit Ramlall who died
on Jan. 16. He was 91 years old.
Scores of tributes from local
leaders, nationals, family, and
friends hailed the religious
leader as someone who has left
behind a legacy for many to
emulate during a week-long celebration
of his life and a going
home service at the Grace
Funeral Home in Brooklyn on
Jan. 31.
Pandit Ramlall, who pioneered
many projects in his
homeland Guyana and the
diaspora, migrated to the United
States from his rural village
of Berbice, staying close to his
community and steadfast to his
Hindu religion.
He was the leader of the Arya
Spiritual Center, an institution
that molded, and educated
youths, not only about religion
but also about their culture. For
all of this, he has received many
awards and citations.
Guyana Consul General to
New York, Barbara Atherly also
paid tribute to Pandit Ramlall.
Recently she presented him with
a GCA plaque on behalf of the
Guyana Cultural Association,
(GCA), organizers of the Annual
Folk Festival in Brooklyn.
For many years, and as
recent as last year, Pandit Ramlall,
rode a colorfully decorated
car at the Phagwah Parade, and
later in the year, on a brilliantly
lit vehicle at the Annual Diwali
Motorcade, as it moved along
the streets of Richmond Hill.
Over the years, he also played
a prominent role at the cultural
presentation “Havan Kund” on
the grounds of the Ayra Spiritual
Center.
Acclaimed author, and community
leader, Dr. Dhanpaul
Narine said Pandit Ramlall
stood tall as a person of principle
and high ideals. “His many
friends and admirers have stories
that will fill many volumes,
and they all attest to his moral
values.”
All who knew the spiritual
leader applauded his undaunted
spirit. Despite his failing health
and aging body, the selfless
servant of the people, continued
to give of his time and talents.
President of the Guyana Tri-
State Alliance, Patricia Jordan-
Langford called Pandit Ramlall
a man of truth, integrity, “a
great humanitarian, husband,
father, a guru to many, and
staunch patriot of Guyana.”
“I feel this loss deeply. Besides
being my Guru he has been a
friend through the years and
I have benefited from his wisdom
and truth. Guyana, the
Diaspora and the world have
gained from his wisdom and
extraordinary journey through
life, from being an orphan. He
made sacrifices as a freedom
Fighter for Guyana’s independence,
later becoming a world
spiritual leader.”
She added that he was an
Icon, spiritual leader, teacher
and one of the most respected
pandits in New York and around
the world. “It has been a great
honor to call him friend and
mentor for many years. He will
be missed,” she said.
Pandit Ramlall leaves his loving
family and a community of
thousands to mourn his loss.
Consul General of Guyana to New York, Barbara Atherly,
presenting an award plaque to Pandit Ramlall on behalf of
the Guyana Cultural Association, (GCA) at the Awards Ceremony
at Brooklyn Borough Hall in August 2018,.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke