GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, November 5, 2015 (Stabroek News): Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj, spiritual director of the Cove and John Ashram and the America Sevashram Sangha, was remembered yesterday as a holy man who influenced everyone who he came in contact with positively, as hundreds flocked the Cove and John Ashram to pay their last respects. (The name is that of the town, “Cove and John,” located 18 miles east of Georgetown).
The crowd of devotees, schoolchildren, dignitaries, and others sat on the lawns of the Ashram as they recollected the swami’s contributions and influence towards society. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo hailed him as “someone who in many ways has influenced all our lives” and recalled his first meeting with the Swami. He said that while he was a bit troubled back then, the meeting influenced him in such a positive way that he felt resolved and was motivated to push further and harder to achieve his goals.
The Swami, 79, died in the US last week and his body was returned to Guyana.