The Anirood Persaud Vedic Library

The United Arya Samaj Foundation has named its Vedic library in honor of my Aja (Paternal Grandfather)--Anirood Persaud. It's a great feeling of pride to see his contributions being recognized in this form. I'm sure Aja would be very touched at this gesture by the UASF as he worked at a library and valued education above all else. :)

Library Named to Honor Anirood Persaud  

  L to R:
Pt. Ramlall, Bahen Mayia, Sista Vashti (My cousin), Pt. Ramesh (My uncle),
Sharda Chachee (My Aunt), Bahen Geeta,
Bhai Dev (curent President--My uncle), Bhai Gangaram, and Pt. Shivraj

New York, May 11, 2007 The Arya Samaj USA Mandir named its library in honor of Anirood Persaud, the father of Ravi Dev, former Member of Parliament in Guyana Persaud passed away in February 2005 in Queens. He had been living in the U.S for the last 20 years and was lifetime member of the mandir.

Anirood Persaud, was a sugar worker at Uitvlugt estate. Because of the early social militancy of the Arya Samaj movements which he joined a youth, he became politically active and was a avid follower of Dr Jagan in the early 1950s’.

The late Persaud attended Mandir regularly and always sat quickly at the back. After mandir services, he would rush off to his job at the Queens Public Library. Arya Samaj USA was an integral part of his life. The mandir gave invaluable spiritual sustenance and inspiration to his life during his stay in the US , the family told executives of the mandir. His wife had a desire for his name to be associated with this mandir in a tangible way for perpetuity.

The mandir’s executive said they agreed to name the library after Persaud because of his enormous contribution to Arya Samaj and his commitment to the causes of the mandir. He gave invaluable advise on the development and progress of the mandir.

The library is now called “The Anirood Persaud Vedic Library.”

The mandir’s library is open on Sundays when the temple holds its weekly services for worshippers. There is a large selection of Vedic Books in English on the Vedas, Yoga, children and SANSKRIT-HINDI DICTIONARY. Some of the books in the library’s collections are Satyarth Prakash, Sanskaar Vedi, Life Teaching of Swami Dayananda. The Library is open to members for at no charge. Books can be borrowed for two weeks.

One objective behind the library is to educate members, especially the youth, on the Arya Samaj faith. Children are urged to visit the library and take out books for their educational advancement. The library is collecting books. If anyone wishes to donate Hindu books to the Library please call (718) 849-9818 or write to Arya Samaj USA,110-17 101 Ave. Richmond Hill , NY 11419.