Guyana, November 3, 2011 (Guyana Times International–an old report): President Bharrat Jagdeo presented the Arrow of Achievement (AA) award to Spiritual Head of the Guyana and America Sevashram Sangha, Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj, at a special ceremony held in Queens, New York on November 2. An award ceremony befitting that of a Swami whose exemplary life, religious and spiritual contributions to Guyana are incomparable, was held November 2, 2011, at the America Sevashram Sangha in Queens NY. President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo bestowed on Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj, the most prestigious Arrow of Achievement award. Swamis of the Ashram, distinguished dignitaries from the City of New York including Queens Borough President, Ms. Helen Marshall, representatives of the Guyana Consulate in New York, Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad, prominent businessmen and hundreds of devotes of the Ashram from the Tristate area and Canada, all attended the event.
Almost 60 years after his initial encounter with the Ashram, today Swamiji continues to serve the Hindu community in Guyana and in the USA. In the feature presentation, President Bharrat Jagdeo illustrated Swamiji’s achievements and contributions to Hinduism. He related his encounters with the Saint through the years and the reasons for bestowing the award on Swamiji. “The Cove & John Ashram, under the leadership of Swami Vidyananda, has made such a positive change to society in Guyana.” President Jagdeo went on to describe Swamiji’s strength and resilience to promote and preserve Hinduism over the decades.