TRINIDAD/TOBAGO, April 14, 2013 (Newsday by Vishnu Bisram): I write to pay tribute to Guyanese Pundit Reepu Daman Persaud who passed away on April 7 and was cremated last Thursday. He is well known throughout Trinidad for his expertise in Hinduism and for conducting yagnas in several parts of the island.
He was one of the longest serving Members of parliament in Guyana — over 40 years. During that period, he also served as deputy speaker of the assembly and vice-president of the country between 1997 and 2004.
Pundit Reepu, as he was known, was enormously popular and was the most respected pundit in Guyana and the Caribbean and among the Guyanese and Indo-Caribbean diasporas. He was the quintessential Hindu leader for non-Hindus as well during the period of the oppressive PNC dictatorship in Guyana. He was a frontline soldier in the struggle for the restoration of democracy during the 28-year period of authoritarian rule. He was seen as a true patriot, taking on the British and the rigging of elections in his homeland.
Pundit Reepu, as we fondly called him, was an icon held in high esteem in North America and Trinidad where Hindu leaders have been speaking fondly of him and tributes have been pouring in on Indian radio stations. He left deep long-lasting impressions. He will never be forgotten.
See related story: http://www.guyanatimesgy.com/?p=8650