SIRJU PERSAUD MISIR 1923-2012 – On January 5, 2012 Pandit Sirju Persaud Misir passed away at the Markham Stouffville Hospital at the age of 88 after a brief and minor surgery. He passed away just as he lived; peacefully, with a smile on his face and surrounded by his family and loved ones. His unmatched humility, his gentle and compassionate nature, his immeasurable understanding of Sanatan Dharma- these qualities are definitive of him and are partly why he lives on, and will always live on, in the memories of those who knew and loved him.
Before becoming a Pandit, the profession that he is most known for, he was a very successful life insurance salesman in Guyana. During his time at this post he spent his days traveling across Guyana, seeing different villages and lifestyles in the process. This time gave him a greater understanding of social responsibility, which he carried with him for the rest of his life. This career, while successful, did not distract him from his spiritual vision. In 1948, Sirju Persaud Misir became a full fledged Pandit.
As an active Hindu priest for over 60 years, Panditji presided over innumerable marriages and yagnas up until his sudden and unexpected departure. He was an unparalleled source of spiritual knowledge and inspiration for Pandits everywhere regardless of their age. Anyone who went to him for guidance or help of any kind would not leave disappointed- he was always more willing to share his bountiful knowledge with whoever sought it. On the other hand, Sirju Persaud Misir’s charity extended far beyond imparting his wisdom.
In Guyana he was the first to pledge a donation towards the improvement of the Hindu temple in Clonbrook village. This generosity was a constant throughout his life; he never hesitated to donate to a cause, or to help a soul in need. His behavior exemplified his approach to life- to practice what he preached. His reputation as a Pandit speaks for itself, yet this is perhaps one of his most defining qualities as a leader among Hindus.
However he was much more than a spiritual leader and Pandit. He was a family man who loved life; who would be seen with a smile on his face and laughter in his eyes more often than anything else. His wisdom and knowledge went hand in hand with his sense of humor and youthful exuberance. He was the personification of all the qualities Hindus, and people in general, should strive to attain. For this reason, among many others, his memory remains instilled within the hearts and minds of his loved ones as a constant and undying source of inspiration. Just as he was in life.
This piece is being written before the funeral service, after 2 prayer services were already held at Toronto’s Vishnu Mandir in Panditji’s honor. Each of the 2 nights featured turnouts of well over 500 people seeking to pay their respects. During the memorial services, pledges were made by the presidents of both the Devi Mandir and Vishnu Mandir in Canada to commemorate Panditji’s life and contributions to Hinduism with engraved memorials in his honor within the temples.
Panditji is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years Smt. Dalia, 5 sons (Pt Jaiwant and Anant of NY, Shiv, Hemant and Ravi of Toronto), 5 daughters (Chandra of Guyana, Basso of Trinidad, Raj, Parbateee and Kay of Toronto), 3 sons-in-law (Dr. Youtradeo Maraj, Yudistir Rampersaud, Khemraj Persaud), 5 daughters-in-law (Radica, Savitri, Oma, Geeta and Benita) and 18 grandchildren. Those stricken by grief also include Panditji’s countless friends and godchildren around the world. This is exemplified by the continually growing number of people flying in from Trinidad, Guyana, the United States and various parts of Canada in order to pay their last respects. The numerous loved ones left behind by Sirju Persaud Misir grieve, but they can take comfort from knowing he is now in the embrace of Lord Krishna.
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