Raja Yoga rep: 'Violence the new normal'

The fear and anger generated by the murder of schoolteacher Ashram Boodram has been described by a member of the Raja Yoga Centre as part of the “new normal.” Violence is prevalent in every aspect of TT’s society.

Boodram was shot and killed outside his home at Hibiscus Drive, Debe during a robbery on January 24. The funeral was held at his family’s home at Woodland Main Road, Woodland, on Thursday, and streamed 'live' on Facebook by freelance videographer Hollis Clifton.

Speaking at the funeral, Silvereen Mongru of the Raja Yoga Centre sought to comfort his relatives, saying the soul is immortal and Boodram would continue on his journey, although the manner of his death was violent. "He was a sweet and loving soul who was taken away from us and it brings a lot of anger, it brings a lot of fear also."

She said violence seemed to have taken over the country and had created a lot of fear. “It is becoming what we now call the new normal. The new normal means violence is everywhere. But, she urged, "We have seen there are changes in the world, we also have to learn to adapt and accept those changes.”

Boodram's nieces and nephews formed a line to read the eulogy, with one niece saying he was “always the reliable one” to visit family members and friends.

“Uncle Ashram was the life of the party Whenever friends and family gathered, he would be the one to show us a good time. The event was not complete without him,” another niece said. Another niece said, “We loved his jokes, his singing and yes, he loved to play his musical instruments. Uncle Ashram always had that drum in the car.

“He was so fun and energetic, (and) always kept us entertained without a drop of alcohol. It is so unfair to lose him the way we did. It is also heartbreaking that on his last day, none of us got the chance to tell him how much we loved him and how proud of him we are,” another niece said. “He was taken from us far too soon and has left us all heartbroken.” Students of Union/Claxton Bay Secondary School presented Boodram's family with a drawing of their teacher.