BAVINA SOOKDEO
As the country observes Indian Heritage Month, pundit Navin Omadath Maharaj emphasises the importance of understanding and appreciating the social diversity, practices, and traditions of each community within our cosmopolitan society.
Maharaj is a 48-year-old fourth-generation pundit and an acting vice principal who engages with young people, imparts knowledge to future generations, and offers life guidance rooted in Hindu teachings. He believes that respect and tolerance for each other’s cultures are essential for developing harmonious relationships and fostering societal growth.
“This month serves as a perfect opportunity to express these perspectives,” he says.
[caption id="attachment_1086437" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Pundit Navin Omadath Maharaj -[/caption]
The pundit continues the legacy initiated by his great-grandparents, pundit Parmeshwar Chowbay and Shrimati Mahadai Chowbay, who arrived in Trinidad from Bihar, India in 1908.
“My family has maintained the tradition of being
purohits (pundits) for generations, serving dharma by maintaining sacred obligations and duties to society and God,” Maharaj shared in an interview.
[caption id="attachment_1086435" align="alignnone" width="768"] Pundit Navin Omadath Maharaj, left, with his cousin, pundit Rohit Maharaj. -[/caption]
Chowbay was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva (the Hindu god who creates, protects and transforms the universe) and a skilful
sarangi (a short-necked three-stringed instrument played with a bow) player from a background of Shandilya Brahmins.
His great-grandparents had six children – four sons: Hariprasad, Dindial, Radhay Kishore, Benny Madho – and two daughters: Ramrajie and Baboonie.
Three sons eventually went on to become pundits. Radhay Kishore married Batchiya and they had five children: – Jassodra, Ramesh, Deodath, Hemloutie and Baldath. The eldest son, pundit Ramesh, married Basanti and had three sons – Navin Omadath, Avindranath and Surindra.
Aside from being the fourth generation of pundits from his paternal lineage, Maharaj’s
nani (maternal grandmother) was the daughter of the late pundits Vyas and Samdaye.
Maharaj was first tutored by his father, pundit Ramesh Kishore Maharaj.
“My initial guidance in Hindi, Ramayan, singing, and chanting came from my father,” he recalled. His training was further enriched by his guru, the late pundit Krishendath (Kaysho) Byragie, who taught him Sanskrit, Pauranic literature, Pravachan, Karamkhand and astrology. Maharaj also did a two-year course with the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha Pandits Parishad in 2002 and continues his education through online courses offered by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan University, New Delhi.His dedication extends beyond his personal practice. As of July 2023, he was elected president of the Pandits Parishad of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha. Between September 2022 and June 2023, he served as the public relations officer of the Inter Religious Organisation (IRO) and since June 2023 he has been its assistant secretary. Currently th
