On August 6, Mungal Patasar will be presented with the prestigious Mahant Ramdass award at the Andre Camperveen Hall, Centre of Excellence, Macoya, the details of which were given by the president and vice president of the El Dorado Shiv Mandir (ESM)."The Mahant Ramdass Award is in the name of the first pandit of the El Dorado Shiv Mandir, Mahant Ramdass," said ESM's president Nirmala Harrylal.She added: "Mahant Ramdass literally translates: mahant, meaning an elevated soul and ramdass, meaning a servant of god. Mahant Ramdass therefore meaning a great servant of god."Mahant Ramdass, or Kutia Baba as he was fondly referred to by his devotees, was the first pandit of the El Dorado Shiv Mandir. As his life story noted, the Mahant was a simple man and accepted only day to day essentials for his sustenance. He gave his life to service and prayers to the community.
"The Mahant Ramdass Award, therefore, seeks to honour those who have demonstrated through their actions, excellence and commitment to this nation and Hindu socio-religious and cultural evolution in Trinidad & Tobago."We are very proud to bestow the Mahant Ramdass Award to Sri Mungal Patasar," she said."Sri Mungal Patasar, like the Mahant Ramdass through his simple ways, has provided leadership and contributed significantly towards our rich cultural landscape," said vice-president Vishnu Balroop."Through the years Mungal has been a sterling educator, motivator, coach, facilitator, always willing to assist others. He is known world over for his musical talent as a sitar player and as an innovator of pantar."Trinidad and Tobago is highly commended world over as a result of his musical talent," he said.Previous Mahant Ramdass awardees include Finance Minister Winston Dookeran; Minister of Planning, Economic and Social Restructuring and Gender Affairs, Bhoendradatt Tewarie; Professor Vijay Narayansingh; the late Lal Paladee; and Ruby Ramdial.