Sri Lokesh Maharaj, the Chief Executive Officer of Radio and TV Jaagriti and the host of the popular programme “Straight Talk”, passed away on Friday morning at the Medical Associates Private Hospital.
A release from Radio and TV Jaagriti stated that he died peacefully in the company of his loved ones whilst they were offering prayers at his bedside.
Over the past few days, His Holiness, the Dharmarcharya, Pandit Dr Rampersad Parasram, Pandit Rishi Maharaj (Secretary of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha Pandits’ Parishad), Pandit Navin Omadath Maharaj and other pandits of the Parishad visited and offered prayers. Other pandits from across the country also offered prayers on his behalf. Others offered prayers and support.
Maharaj, like his late grandfather, was an ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman. In his last moments, he took solace in the frequent recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa.
"The recommended ‘Gita-path’ (verses of the Srimad Bhagwad Gita) was recited to him. Other prescribed end of life rituals were performed for his benefit at this crucial juncture. We feel assured that his transition was a smooth one from this mortal world," the release said.
The family and executive of the SDMS thanked all the doctors and nursing staff who attended to Maharaj.
The final rites will commence at 8:30 am on Sunday at the house of mourning at Wilkinson Street, El Dorado. There will be live coverage of this part of the ceremony on Radio and TV Jaagriti. His body will then be taken to the Caroni Cremation Site for 11 am.