School History
Around the year, 1976, Pandit Seereram Jadoonanan Misra of 4711 SS Erin Road, Penal decided to establish a Hindu School of Theology in order to educate, primarily, aspiring pandits. This undertaking of his had been in existence many years before but ‘Babs’ as he was fondly called, saw the dire need to formalize the programme. He was absolutely convinced that a durable framework had to be put in place for the preservation of the authentic teachings in our many religious texts. Out of his vision was born Sanatan Vidwad Vidyalaya (SVV), Hindu School of Theology.
Classes were held on Wednesday evenings at his home. His services were free of any charges. Those who were close to him were not surprised by this gesture for they knew him to be an intellectual with a burning desire to raise the bar in the practice of pandits. Among the first batch of students were Pandit Roopnath Maharaj of Tarouba (deceased), Pandit Krishna Maharaj of Penal (deceased), Pandit Om Maharaj of Gandhi Village (deceased), Pandit Dinesh Sharma of Woodland and Pandit Vishnu Narine of Tunapuna.Subsequently, Pandit Bhadase Maharaj of Cedar Hill and Pandit Sharma Maharaj of Palmyra joined the group. |
This group had vivid memories of ‘Babs’ quoting at will to support the intention of Shastric Laws. His prowess in Jyotish (Astrology) was well-known across this land and beyond. His dissection of tough Sanskrit Shlokas was awesome. All these admirable facets of Pandit S. Jadoonanan Misra have carved an indelible mark on those who were fortunate to enjoy his company. The Sanatan Vidwad Vidyalaya was there to stay. Babs not only taught pandits but there was a programme for all who were interested in learning Hindi.
About a year later in 1977, collaboration between Pandit S. Jadoonanan Misra and Pandit Mahase Maharaj of St. John’s Trace, Avocat, led to the introduction of a Ramayan class to be headed by Pandit Mahase Maharaj. This class was held on Tuesday nights at the home of Pandit Mahase. Again, the tuition was free. Among the first batch of students were Pandit Roopnath Maharaj of Tarouba, Pandit Sharma Basdeo and his brother, Ramnarine, of Rousillac, Pandit Vishnu Maharaj of Princes Town (deceased), Pandit Narendra Maharaj (son of Pandit Mahase), Pandit Bisham Maharaj of Avocat, Pandit Ashram Sharma and his brother, Dinesh, of Woodland, Pandit Sharma Maharaj of Palmyra and Pandit Vishnu Narine of Tunapuna.
It was not long before the students realized that here again – just like classes at Debe – we were in the presence of a great Guru. Quotations – especially but not only from Ramayan – were the order of the day from ‘Baba’. He grilled the students on the art of delivery in Katha and emphasized the importance of being relevant on the topic chosen for narration. In addition, he moulded us into acceptable chanters of Ramayan verses and when there was need, he would compose for us. His composition skills are well-known by classical singers across the land.
In between classes over all these years, the School – spearheaded by both Gurus - still found time to assist in many worthy causes, volunteering its services in the process. In 1984, the school was relocated to 23A Laltoo Trace, Penal.
In 1988, Pandit S. Jadoonanan Misra migrated to Florida, USA. He requested that the school be continued under the guidance of one of his loyal students, Pandit Vishnu Narine. An aging and unwell Pandit Mahase Maharaj, was happy with the decision because he, too, wanted the work of the school to continue. Pandit Shayamdeo Maharaj of El Dorado and Pandit Bisham of Avocat were among students of the continuing programme.
Sadly, Pandit S. Jadoonanan Misra passed away in Florida in January 1996. Our other Guru, Pandit Mahase Maharaj, passed away in July 2009. The work and mission of both Gurus continue with the blessings of Ma, the spouse of Pandit S. Jadoonanan Misra, who resides in Florida.
Yours respectfully,
Pandit Vishnu Narine
Wednesday 14th May 2014
About a year later in 1977, collaboration between Pandit S. Jadoonanan Misra and Pandit Mahase Maharaj of St. John’s Trace, Avocat, led to the introduction of a Ramayan class to be headed by Pandit Mahase Maharaj. This class was held on Tuesday nights at the home of Pandit Mahase. Again, the tuition was free. Among the first batch of students were Pandit Roopnath Maharaj of Tarouba, Pandit Sharma Basdeo and his brother, Ramnarine, of Rousillac, Pandit Vishnu Maharaj of Princes Town (deceased), Pandit Narendra Maharaj (son of Pandit Mahase), Pandit Bisham Maharaj of Avocat, Pandit Ashram Sharma and his brother, Dinesh, of Woodland, Pandit Sharma Maharaj of Palmyra and Pandit Vishnu Narine of Tunapuna.
It was not long before the students realized that here again – just like classes at Debe – we were in the presence of a great Guru. Quotations – especially but not only from Ramayan – were the order of the day from ‘Baba’. He grilled the students on the art of delivery in Katha and emphasized the importance of being relevant on the topic chosen for narration. In addition, he moulded us into acceptable chanters of Ramayan verses and when there was need, he would compose for us. His composition skills are well-known by classical singers across the land.
In between classes over all these years, the School – spearheaded by both Gurus - still found time to assist in many worthy causes, volunteering its services in the process. In 1984, the school was relocated to 23A Laltoo Trace, Penal.
In 1988, Pandit S. Jadoonanan Misra migrated to Florida, USA. He requested that the school be continued under the guidance of one of his loyal students, Pandit Vishnu Narine. An aging and unwell Pandit Mahase Maharaj, was happy with the decision because he, too, wanted the work of the school to continue. Pandit Shayamdeo Maharaj of El Dorado and Pandit Bisham of Avocat were among students of the continuing programme.
Sadly, Pandit S. Jadoonanan Misra passed away in Florida in January 1996. Our other Guru, Pandit Mahase Maharaj, passed away in July 2009. The work and mission of both Gurus continue with the blessings of Ma, the spouse of Pandit S. Jadoonanan Misra, who resides in Florida.
Yours respectfully,
Pandit Vishnu Narine
Wednesday 14th May 2014