Name: Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home
Address: Toronto, ON

Pandit Somair Sitaram was my uncle.  I am from Guyana and he was my fathers younger brother.  My father was Ramjas Somai.  I met Pandit Sitaram in 1993, just a few months after my dad had passed away.  Their sister Catherine told me that his name was not "Sonny" anymore.  When I came back from my dad's funeral, in Guyana, I made an effort to locate Pandit Sitaram.  I did find him, unfortunately it was just one time.  
Just a few days ago, I realized that he had passed away...four years after his passing.  My family's sympathy goes out to Aunty, Chandra, Gupti and the rest of your family.

Feel free to contact me @ sabrina.sumere@gmail.com

Sincerely, 

The Sumere Family (Patrick)


March 25th, 2014

Dear Deepa and family,

Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family on the loss of Nana.  

I had the honour of meeting Nana a few times, including in the last few days of his remarkable life. He always made me feel special by sharing his wisdom and values with me, despite his frail state. I will always treasure these memories. 

Nana's humility, wisdom, and gentility will undoubtedly always inspire those who were blessed to meet him.  

May Nana attain Moksha.

Our thoughts are with you.

Love, 

Jerome and family

An article on Pandit Sitaram entitled, “Renowned Arya Samaj activist passes on at 95”, can be found in the October 6, 2010 (Vol. 28 No. 3) edition of the “Indo-Caribbean World” newspaper. 

An earlier article, “Life of nonagenarian Vedic priest a lesson in self determination”, celebrating Panditji’s 90th birthday can be found when scrolling down on the online archive page for Indo-Caribbean World found at the following link:
http://www.indocaribbeanworld.com/archives/2005/march_05/community.htm

Dear Deepa and Family,
 
We are deeply saddened by the loss of your beloved Grandpa. Know that you are in our prayers during this sad time.
 
Love,
Claudia, Joseph and Maya

To Chandra, Gupte, Aunty and the entire family,

We we very sad to hear about the passing away of Uncle. May he rest in peace.

From: Fareeda, Winston, Marc & Family, and Wayne & Family

Love you all

Dear Chan, Gupte and Mom,

Please accept Shawn and my deepest sympathy. Hope you are all doing OK. Sorry I couldn't be there for the funeral, but my thoughts were with you. I was very happy that Booba and Mazack were able to attend the funeral. Hope Suraj is doing well. Give him my sympathy as well. Take care of yourself Chan and your Mom. 

Love Always

Thank god I had a chance to know Pandit Sitaram...He was a very kind person...I always used to see him at my Uncle's Mandir and he was great to talk to...I miss you and I wish I could have seen you one more time...May your soul Rest In Peace.

Namaste. On behalf of the members of Vedic Mission Scarborough, I would like to express  deepest sympathy to Maataji and the rest of the family on the loss of this great soul. Panditji was very dear to us and we will cherish his memories forever. It was a privilage to have been part of his life. He was a great teacher of Vedic Philosophy and always taught us to to never compromise. We will miss him.

Jenny Chandrapal for Vedic Mission

I love my Nana a lot. He was my Great Grandfather. I’m happy that he was here for 95 years. I’m happy that he wasn’t feeling bad for a long time in the hospital. I’m happy that he’s with God. I miss you Nana. I love you Nana.

I am very priviledge to have had a mamoo as Pandit Somair Sitaram.  I was an infant prior to him migrating to Trinidad, but I became to know much of him during his years in Canada.  He visited my home and other family members home on many occasions during is 35 years in Canada.  Very often he conducted Havwan services for us at our homes. After these services, he would often shared and reminisce on his youthful days growing up in Guyana.  We loved to hear stories of our grand parents, since most of us were not around when our grand parents were alive.  My dad, late Mr. Ganesh, and him become good budies during his Georgetown days after he left Canjie Berbice for Georgetown.
I greately admired his commendable efforts and contributions which my mamoo made while in Trinidad, and in particular here in Canada towards the Arya Samaj movement.  I attended many of his services and lectures while he was the officiating Pandit for the Toronto Arya Samaj.  There, I found him to be a very dynamic speaker, with a wealth of Vedic knowledge, and never failed to impart or share his knowledge with others.
He will certainly be missed by us.  He was the last surviving family member on my mother side the late Rajkumarie Ganesh.  We thank him for keeping the family history alive, so we inturn can share this rich legacy with our children.
My his soul be blessed and his desire be fulfilled.

Pandit Sitaram will always be in my memory,since meeting him one cold winter's day 15 yrs ago.He reminded me of my grandfather who passed away when I was growing up in Guyana,very passionate about Vedic culture and allways encouraging.He will be miss and would always be remembered.

A brief biography of Pandit Sitaram:

In the early morning hours of September 27, 2010, Pandit Somair Sitaram passed away in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the age of 95. Pandit Sitaram was well known in Guyana, Trinidad, England and Canada for his nobility, wisdom, fearlessness and scholarship, and was one of the leading authorities on Vedic Philosophy in the Western World. 

Born in Canje, Guyana in 1915, Pandit Sitaram migrated to Trinidad in 1945. By trade he was a tailor, designer and owned several garment manufacturing companies over the years. Pandit Sitaram was a pioneer in the establishment of the Arya Samaj movement in the West Indies. He was a founding member of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Trinidad and was a foremost speaker on Vedic Dharma and conducted many Yagnyas across the region.  

In 1965 while in England, British doctors had given him one month to live due to several health complications. At that time he was fortunate to meet the Great Maa Yog Shakti and shared his story with her. She looked into his eyes and told him that he would live to a very old age. She prompted him to seek Yog and Ayurvedic treatment at the Bihar School of Yoga in India. Here he mastered the art and science of Yoga and the one month he was given to live turned into 45 more years. 

Under the tutelage of his Guru, the Late Professor Bhattacharya, Pandit Sitaram undertook rigorous studies and became a scholar of the Sanskrit language. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Vedic Schools and the preparation of the widely used Prayer Book, the Vedic Upasana. 

One of his greatest accomplishments was the introduction of Yoga classes for the people of Trinidad. No one before him had practical knowledge of Yoga especially the Asanas, Pranayamas and Kriyas. 

In 1975, Pandit Sitaram migrated to Canada where he continued spreading the word of the Vedas. He founded several Arya Samaj organizations and taught many students the knowledge of the ancient scriptures. 

Pandit Sitaram is succeeded by his admirable wife Smt. Inderdai to whom he had been married for 72 years, daughter: Ahilia (Chandra), son: Satyanand (Gupte), son-in-law: Pandit Suraj Persad, daughter-in-law: Judy, grandchildren: Arna, Druva, Vasan, Deepa, Pratima, Pradhan, Federico and Neesha, great grandchildren: Maya, Naina, Rohan, Nicholas and Savanna. 

May this enlightened soul be blessed and may all of his noble desires be fulfilled.

Guruji has enlightened my life and changed my life around to make me the person I am today. I am very greatful that I have met this great soul. I have missed him and will miss him for the remainder of my life. 
The impression he created within me will last for as long as I live. 
With the little knowledge I was able to gain from him, I do hope I will be able dissminate it to others.
May The Supreme Being bless his soul and grant him his desire.

Namaste, I am very priviledged to have known pandit sitaram through our mandir Vedic Mission Scarborough. I have learned to recite mantras and prayers for which he taught me. He also gave me speeches that I use sometimes as updesh whenever i conduct the havan yajna at our mandir and for this I am very grateful.

Pt Sitaram was a wonderful friend, spiritual adviser and priest. I am so glad that i had an oppoutunity to be associated with him. He has left us memories that we will never forget. May his soul rest in peace... Suresh & family.

Sometime about six months ago, I was fortunate enough to meet a very special man and a very special lady - nana and nani. I was welcomed into their home as if I were there a thousand times before. We had lunch - nothing other than rice and dhal. Nana and I talked about various topics - family; his grandson, Druva; religion; culture; and, his current medical state and the procedure he was hoping to receive. My thoughts on nana when leaving their was "what a smart man; what a kind man; what a great man". Since that time, I have visited nana on various occassions, in his home and in the hospital. I saw his condition worsen. Over the past three days leading up to nana's funeral, I have learned so much more about him and about his faith. There are so many people that have a special place in their hearts for nana - his family, his friends, his students - and he will dearly be missed by all, including myself.

Pandit Sitaram Memorial Speech from Deepa Persad (Granddaughter):

Pandit Sitaram was my Nana. He was the greatest man I have ever known. He was my Grandfather, a Father, a Guru, and a Friend. We shared a bond that is stronger than many know. I am truly blessed to have known this great soul. 

I was privileged enough to be with him and care for him in his last moments. In the early morning hours of September 27th I noticed what my Nani and mother had relayed to me the two nights prior. They had told me that he wouldn’t sleep in the night and that he was restless. That night when I was with him, it began the same way. 

I started playing mantras in the hospital room and put the speakers close to his ears so that they were loud enough for him to hear. The atmosphere was peaceful but he was still unsettled. As the time went by I visibly saw the life removing itself from his senses. I sat on his bed and started to massage his leg. He always fell asleep when I massaged his legs and feet and I hoped that a good rest would reverse the process that I was witnessing. I was in denial. 

He was breathing heavily through his mouth trying to take in as much air as possible and I heard a loud distinct rattling, that I remembered through my studies, as a sign of the active dying process. I got scared and couldn’t see my Nana go through that because I felt that for those moments he was suffering. With all of my heart I prayed to God and asked Him to please be merciful on this soul and not make him suffer anymore. God was kind. 

Not too long after, Nana closed his mouth and started breathing very slowly through his nose. I monitored his pulse beating on the side of his neck and saw the movement getting slower and slower. I realised what was happening. I suddenly remembered what he taught me. "When you are in your final moments you must try to contemplate Om". I stopped massaging his leg and immediately rushed to his ear and chanted Om. His body gave me a subtle signal of acknowledgement. 

I naively wished that that meant that everything was better now. I started walking back to his leg to begin massaging it again when suddenly I heard a “Click” sound. His denture had fallen from the top of his mouth. 
He was gone.

It hit me like a jolt. An epic life had come to an end. 

Please know, his angst was short-lived and he went peacefully.

These past few days have been both numbing and heart-breaking but I have tried to take comfort in the fact that I am immensely blessed to have spent his last moments with him. I also take solace while recalling one of his well known messages:

“This life is only one incidence in the eternal journey of the soul. The deeds and misdeeds you commit impact on your Karma. Everyday is judgment day and you are continuously being judged in the court of divine justice”

Thank you to all of you that have been present over the past few days. You are all just like his family and his blessing are with us all. 

I know that he would be especially proud of all of his students. No matter what Mandir, district or audience you serve, the greatest dakshana you could give to Pandit Sitaram is to continue spreading the word of the Vedas and the message of this noble society.

In closing, I'd like to pay due respects to my Nani. You gave him a good life. You are an admirable woman and I love you very much. May God always keep you in his good graces. 

Thank you again to all of you for the love and respect that you have given to my Nana. On behalf of his family, we thank you all for coming here and sharing your happy memories with us. 

Finally, we ask as a family that you all take a moment and pray that this great soul be blessed with a healthier, happier, and even more enlightened life the next time around and for all of his births to come.

I love you Nana.

I have lived most of my early life with my brother-in -law and sister in Trinidad. Really he has been more of a father to me and has guided me through my school years and helped me to better understand the world and people in my formative years. With my wife Elaine we owe much to him in helping us in our early marriage years. In his calm and humble way,he made all in his presence feel there is goodness in this world. In our sorrow and deep love and in all humility and respect for him I say farewell. 

Danny Narain (England)

Namaste nana this is Maya, I love you nana a lot. You were always very special to me. Thank you for teaching me how to write my name and the alphabet in hindi. I miss you very much and hope you can see me and always be in my heart. I love you nana forever.

I wish to add my personal tribute to my dearest Brother-in-law Pandit Sitaram whom I have known for over 50 years and have come to love and respect during that time. I feel priviledged to have been part of his life. My children know him lovingly as Uncle Pandit and all of my relatives have enjoyed being in his company and listening to the wealth of knowledge and experience he imparted to them.Pandit has left us a rich and lasting legacy and he will be missed dearly. I hope he will find eternal peace always. Our sincerest sympathy goes out to our dearest Sister Soonu and all the family.

My dear nana, I can not find the words to describe the pain, sorrow and grief I feel in my heart that you are no longer with us. You were not only my grandfather but you were and still are my mentor in life. You have taught me to be a  better person, to be compassionate and acknowledge and cope with the battles life may throw at us. You were a great man in the eyes of many people and I am very proud to say I’m your granddaughter. Being the oldest grandchild I was very luck to have had the opportunity to be spoilt by you and nani. These memories will be with me forever. I have always looked at you with admiration for all of your life accomplishments and I hope that I can become half the person you were.  I love you, miss you and you will always be in my heart.

Namaste. Pundit was instrumental in getting me married to my late husband. I could have confided things in him that I could not with my parents. He was there for me and I have regrets, but my love for him was never lost. He was my aja's best friend. A truly great soul has departed for a better place. A Very brilliant and soft spoken human being he was, and truly Second to none. He was a scholar and an intellectual. Truly a soft spoken person always showed love and compassion for others. He started the first Yoga class under our home in Debe, Trinidad and there was no turning back. Because of him a lot of people including my late father Narine Persad learnt the art of Yoga. A blessed person has left but for a better place. I love you Pundit. He was a very very brilliant person, and he loved his children, grand children in laws and great grands unconditionally. His memory will forever be with us.


Namaste.  Our dearest Pundit Sitaram has always been a wonderful human being that sets the highest standards for all people to follow in his footsteps.  He spoke from the heart, helped everyone he could, and truly championed the cause of righteouness in name of Vedic Dharma.  Truly a "Great Soul".

God bless him forever and forever.

Namaste.  Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

Namaste Nana. From the firts time we met you always made me feel confortable, and I always felt like you were my grandfather too. Every time we met your first questions to me were how's my parents, sister and grandmother, I think I never met somebody nice, kind and sincere like you. I think I started loving and caring more for my grandmother because of you, because of how you were, you taught me that. I am really blessed that I came to Canada and I had a chance to be with you again, one more time. I will never forget you, what you have done for my wedding and your "white velcro" shoes. I always spoke about you as THE BEST to all of my friends and relatives, for what you've done in your long life. You will always be in my heart. I pray for you and I hope you whatch on all of us.

Ciao Nonno e Grazie, Fred

The life of a great man, an amazing husband, an ideal father, a wonderful grandfather, a very special great-grandfather, an intellectual teacher to us all, a learned spiritual leader, and a powerful soul has inspired me very very much! My Nana, my wonderful grandfather will be missed. He leaves behind a multi-talented family who he has influenced tremendously! He leaves behind a large community - world wide - who he has inspired tremendously! My Nana was one of the greatest men to ever bless this wonderfull earth of ours. He is now in peace, and in a better place. He is the strongest human being that I know. I love you Nana, and this world will be be a different place now, but you will  always be present in our lives.
Druva Persad

Namaste. My Nana also known as Pandit Sitaram, illumined the life of many, including my family.  He was a pillar for the community and a fearless leader. He was a gentle, humble, wise human being from which we all looked up to as a role model. Nana was a true inspiration and will be dearly missed. To be totally honest, he was the best grandfather that one could have. One of the most amazing things about Nana was that although he was the age of 95, he always managed to look much younger! We pray that he is in a comfortable, safe place now and that he will continue to shower his blessing onto us.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

My Nana was the greatest man I've ever known. I was blessed thoughout my life to have him as my Grandfather, Father, Guru and Friend. He was my sweetheart and I'd do anything for him. I only wish I could have done more. He's better now. I am so blessed to have spent his last moments with him and I will take comfort and peace in that. I pray and ask everyone to pray that this great soul be blessed with a healthier, happier and even more enlightened life the next time around and for all of his lives to come. I love you so much Nana.

OBITUARIO

Pandit Somair Sitaram

15 febrero, 1915 – 27 septiembre, 2010

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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