Dear Editor,
My attention was recently drawn to an obituary on Ayube Hamid (late renowned broadcaster) in the Sunday Stabroek of 25th January 2009 in which it was incorrectly mentioned that he was a founding member of Gandhi Youth Organization. I have done as thorough checking as I could and none of those I contacted can associate this gentleman with Mahatma Gandhi Organization (MGO) or Gandhi Youth Organization. I believe an error was made in the obituary between MGO and MYO, short for Muslim Youth Organization.
For your reference I have been associated with the GYO Circa 1971 and I served as Senior Vice President between 2003 to 2005 approximately. I contacted Bhai Darshanand (through my aunt) now residing in Toronto, as far as I am aware the oldest Life member alive aged 83 and still in good health, he has no knowledge of Ayube Hamid being associated with GYO. In addition I contacted Mr. Amernauth Muneshwer, son of Muneshwer Senior (one of the founding members) and he (Amernauth Muneshwer) says his father never mentioned Ayube Hamid nor was he (Amernauth Muneshwer) aware of Hamid’s presence at GYO even though he participated in GYO’s activities as a youth in the late 1950’s.
I further corroborated the above findings by contacting Pandit Purnadatt who was involved with GYO in the 1960’s through to the 70’s and he also said that Ayube Hamid could not be a founder of GYO.
I also contacted Life members Vinode and Deodat Sharma who both said the same.
The founders of GYO were Raghunandan Misir (intellectual author) and the Kawall Brothers, George and Louis. They were joined shortly after by Mr. Muneshwer, Pandit S.P. Sharma, et al.
Finally, I wish to add that I knew Ayube Hamid personally and even invited him to GYO while I was Snr. Vice President to attend an Indian Immigration event.
He never once mentioned that he was associated with GYO.
I write this in the interest of correcting the error made in the obituary of this great son of Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Christopher Persaud
Former Senior Vice
President GYO
