“Let truth enlighten your life, and behold the Supreme Spirit in you. Grab
hold of the silken thread of realization, and climb to the Eternal Abode.” Guru Kabir
SURREY – The decades of interfaith work that Dr. Jagessar Das has contributed to our community and to the global interfaith movement was celebrated last weekend by honouring him with the Interfaith Legacy Award .
The event was held to coincide with the 20th year anniversary of the “Religious Horizons” series that first aired on Rogers TV in 1995-1996. The series explores the beliefs of twelve different world religions: The Bahá’í Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, the Kabir Path, Sikhism, Taoism, Unitarianism and Zoroastrianism.
The opening words for the gathering were taken from Dr. Das’ poem
*“Fast is society’s well being threatened,*
*Unless we act fast to make amends,*
*And halt the rising tide of suffering.*
*“Let us give our life substantial meaning,*
*To counteract these strong, subtle foes.*
*Let us fast become truly spiritual,*
*And fast build our noble character.*
*Let us share heartfelt love for others,*
*And resolve to create a pleasant world.*
*Let us nip fast-growing problems in the bud,*
*And improve life fast for everyone.*
*So let us fast be there for me and you,*
*And for family, friend and society too.”*
Connie Waterman shared the following summary of Dr. Das and his work:
“Dr. Das was born in Guyana and now resides in Surrey. He is a retired Medical Doctor who graduated from UBC in 1962. He did family practice for 42 years in North Delta/Surrey. Prior to, and since retirement, he has been involved in interfaith and religious activities, speaking on religion, spirituality and the search for truth in weekly congregations at the Guru Kabir Centre.
He also lectures in other cities, very recently returning from a speaking engagement in Trinidad and Tobago. He produced three TV programs commemorating Guru Kabir’s Jayanti celebrations and a 13-part series on world religions titled “Religious Horizons” for Rogers TV, wrote a number of books on the mystical teachings of Guru Kabir, and presented a paper titled “Religions as the Gateway To Peace” at a Montreal Conference named “World Religions After September 11.”
In 2010 he received the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award. He is the president of Global Clergy Association of Canada and Chair of Board of Trustees of the Guru Kabir Association of Canada.”
The speakers took turns sharing our gratitude for the many ways that Dr. Das lives his life with devotion, generosity and kindness. Roslyn read a “Certificate of Recognition” that was provided by MP Randeep Sarai honouring Dr. Das for his contributions to religion and spirituality in Canada.
Sikandar Hayat, the President of the B.C. Liberal Surrey-Newton Riding Association, made a surprise appearance to thank Dr. Das personally for his incredible contribution to our community. Both Sikandar and Rayya Hayat presented a bouquet of vibrant flowers to honour Dr. Das for his outstanding interfaith contribution. He said that “Dr. Das continues to bring a very high level of dignity, integrity, and respect to the field of interfaith work in our community.”
The organizers are grateful to everyone that helped organize and host this event. Special thanks to Suzanne and the team of volunteers from Amazing Tutors for providing the space and taking care of the event decorations and logistics.
Religious Horizons can be seen on Youtube/Religious Horizons.
David Dalley, Connie Waterman, Suzanne Hayat
