Prayers for president

THE EDITOR: The Satya Anand Ashram, Temple for Peace and Bliss extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the late president Prof Maxwell Richards. Prof Richards made his mark on Trinidad society by being a president of all the people.

I recall one of his Divali messages where he asked us to emulate the humble Deeya. A message that rings true even more today as we witness the senseless murders that stalk our land. The humble deeya does its best and consumes itself in service. On behalf of the Satya Anand Ashram and the Hindu community I extended condolences to the family and friends of former president Richards.

Former president Richards passed away on the same day of the announcement of the President designate Paula Mae Weeks.

While president Max Richards did not actively intervene on the behalf of the Hindu community during the many instances of the Patrick Manning administration, the Hindu community nevertheless found a president always willing to listen to the issues.

There are many instances where president Richards would have invited various people to discuss national issues that they may have seen as important.

President Richards, noted for the UWI fete that bore his name, continued this love for life and national culture into his presidency. It is perhaps in large part of this “joie de vivre” that the nation can reflect fondly upon the term of president Richards.

It is expected that president Richards will receive a much-deserved state funeral. We request, however, that all religious groups join with us in praying for his soul

Pundit Satyanand Maharaj, Temple for Peace and Bliss