I WAS shocked and saddened to learn about the recent passing of iconic spiritual luminary and my childhood friend Shri Roopnarain “Rupert“ Dasarath. My heartfelt condolences to all his near and dear ones.

Due to his unparalleled good deeds as a dedicated religious leader, philanthropist and astute entrepreneur, I believe that Rupertji’s great soul has attained Moksha or salvation. He is back home with his Creator.

The many temples Rupertji helped build or renovate stand together today as living monuments to the sterling contributions of this gentle, genial giant of the Hindu renaissance. He was the light of many lives. He turned scars into stars and became a legend in his lifetime.

Rupertji and I grew up in Pinetown. In his early twenties, he organised Krishnajanamasthmee and Raamnaumee celebrations at the Moodie Street cinema. My introduction to bhojpuri music was when I enjoyed a performance by the Riverside Sanathan Dancing Company at Rupertji’s house in Krishna Lane.

He was a progressive, positive and pragmatic leader driven by a sense of vision and mission.

Before his marriage to Sushielaji, Rupertji spent four years at the Ramakrishna Centre in Avoca. He became the first Hindu businessman to sacrifice profit by organising Ramayan satsangs during business time.

As a stellar initiative, Rupertji started the popular and prestigious national Hindu Light magazine in 2008. He also sponsored numerous Hindu-based publications. Rupertji was a leading light guiding organisations like the South African Hindu Dharma Sabha, Chinmaya Mission, ISKCON, Woodhurst Amman temple and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (SA).

He also served as trustee of and director of the Vaishnava Research Forum incorporating the Queensburgh Sanathan Dharma Society. Rupertji helped buy a building in Battersea Road in Malvern used for satsangs, festivals and Hindu renaissance festivals led by Pundit Munelal Maharaj, Pundit Chunelall Narine and Swami Premananda Puri.

In 2011, the South African Hindu Dharma Sabha conferred the coveted Hindu Renaissance Award on Rupertji. Being an apex humanitarian, he funded feeding programmes and shone as a beacon of hope for the hungry and poor.

Rupertji leaves behind an enduring legacy which instils pride in ancestry and hope for posterity. The sacred sandalwood tree has cut but its divine fragrance will linger on.

RAM MAHARAJ

President of the South African Hindu Dharma Sabha

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.

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