Minister of Finance Winston Dookeran has hailed Pundit Hardath Maharaj of Cumuto as "a true nation builder." He said Maharaj was "one who has laid the foundation stone promoting citizenship, integrity and civic responsibility with 65 years of community and humanitarian service to all the peoples of Trinidad and Tobago". Dookeran was delivering the feature address at the 80th birth anniversary of Pundit Hardath at the Laxmi-Narayan Mandir, Sewdass Road, Freeport last Sunday. More than 600 devotees, friends and family members, some of whom came especially for the occasion from USA, Canada and England were present.
"Pundit Hardath is a true innovator, a spiritual leader, a confidante, a guide and a guru of international repute. Trinidad and Tobago is richer with his presence...in the promotion of nation building, his compassion for the underprivileged...." Dookeran said. "The teaching, the message and the disciplined spiritual life which have become the hallmarks of Pundit Hardath are guides for all of us. Even at the age of 80 years Pundit Hardath continues to build on the foundation blocks which he initiated decades ago, and from which we must draw an inspiration and lesson in the formation of a just, peaceful and united society." Minister of Local Government Chandresh Sharma, in his short address, hailed Pundit Hardath as "a true guru, teacher and guide".
About Pundit Maharaj
Pundit Hardath's forefathers came from Uttar Pradesh. He comes from a lineage of Hindu leaders and thinkers whose contribution to Hinduism in T&T and the Caribbean remains insurmountable. More than 25 members of his clan are or were practising pundits. He has also worked with the late leader of the SDMS Bhadase Sagan Maharaj to construct Hindu schools in the country. One of his sons, Pundit Bimall is noted for his religious work in the USA. His other son, Alderman Pradeep Maharaj is a businessman and chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation. He has two daughters, Asha and Lalita. His wife Maharani passed away 11 years ago. He has 12 grandchildren, and one great grand.
At 80, Pundit Hardath continues to practise and expound on Hinduism. He remains agile, witty and adeptly recalls verses from the scores of Hindu religious texts. The late Archbishop Anthony Pantin was his classmate at St Mary's College, and even though they practised different religions they were close friends, each visiting the other up the late Archbishop's death. After giving 65 years of prolific service to the promotion and enhancement of Hindu dharma, Pundit Hardath concedes that he has no intention of hanging up his gloves.