Funeral for former NCIC president on August 25
THE funeral of former National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) president Deokinanan Sharma will be held on August 25 at 10 Woodlands, Valsayn at 9 am.
An NCIC release said there would also be a viewing at the NCIC Divali Nagar Site at 10.30 am before he is cremated at the Caroni Cremation Site at 12.30 pm.
The NCIC said Sharma died peacefully on August 23, “leaving behind a legacy of dedication and cultural pride.”
Born March 14, 1937, the NCIC said his journey from humble beginnings in Debe as the son of an indentured labourer to a prominent figure in the landscape of national and Indian culture in TT was “a testament to his resilience and commitment.”
It said Sharma was a civil engineer who served as the past NCIC president and the chairman of Divali Nagar for 20 years. It said he was awarded the Humming Bird Gold Medal in 2012 for his work in Indian culture, an honorary doctorate from UWI, and the Pravasi Bharitya award from the government of India. It said Sharma also served as treasurer in the Maha Sabha under the late Badase Sagan Maharaj.
Following his passing, President Christine Kangaloo offered condolences to his family, friends and colleagues on behalf of her office.
“He is celebrated for his immense contributions to the cultural landscape of Trinidad and Toabgo, particularly in promoting Indian culture through his roles with the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and the National Hindu Youth Organisation.”
Joining in offering condolences on Sharma’s passing, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said in a release on August 24 said Sharma, who was one of the founders of the Divali Nagar in 1986, leaves behind a lasting impression on the national cultural landscape.
“Without state funding or support, it came from nothing to become the largest national festival in Trinidad and Toabgo, second only to Carnival.”
She added: “By his living example, Pundit Deokinanan Sharma embodied a sublime faith in his fellow citizens and an enduring belief that despite our innate ethnic and religious differences, the common thread of our rare cultural beauty would eventually unite us in a unique, beautiful tapestry of togetherness, and evoke the best expressions of our collective humanity. As a nation, we owe a debt of eternal gratitude to Pundit Deokinanan Sharma for this truly beautiful gift he taught us to claim, realise, and embody and for the very rich, inspiring heritage he has left us for posterity.”
In a release, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randal Mitchell too commended Sharma for his national contributions.
“As we reflect on his passing, Trinidad and Tobago remains grateful for the indelible contributions made by Sharma. Indeed, he was a true son of the soul and has left a lasting mark on the cultural tapestry of our people and country.”
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