Pandit Virjanand Jaglall

BY PAUL JUNOR

Joe Jaglall as he is affectionately known, is a pillar in the Hindu community in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. As a renowned philanthropist and dedicated volunteer, he has devoted hundreds of hours to multiple religious organizations, community groups, philanthropic endeavours and artistic groups. Joe Jaglall was born in Number 66 Village, which is located on the Corentyne Coast in the County of Berbice in eastern Guyana. His parents (both late), Savitree and Jeet Jaglall are credited for Joe Jaglall’s humility, simplicity and charitably inclined personality. He has one brother and three sisters. Joe attended New Market Anglican School in Guyana and later Tagare Memorial High School where his favourite subjects were Mathematics and Economics.

Joe was strongly influenced by his uncle Pandit Budhram Mahadeo and the former President of Guyana, Dr. Cheddi Jagan. His parents played a pivotal role as they enabled him developed a strong moral and ethical disposition. His early years provided him with a strong religious foundation and political roots that motivated with the intent of, “Making this world a better place by being a good example to others.” His Hindu faith is integral to how he lives his life. Joe states, “We were taught tolerance and inclusion. I’ve always attended other religious services with the hope of knowing, learning, respecting and appreciating others and their faiths and beliefs.”

Joe migrated to Canada in 1982. He studied fashion at Seneca College and has worked in different settings from factory to office to sales. He subsequently pursued his Life Insurance and Mutual Funds License and became a Real Estate broker in 2014. Joe is presently a Real Estate Broker in Canada and is involved with Mahaica Meadows in Guyana, as the Vice-President of Sales, Marketing and Communications. Mahaica Meadows is a Gated and Non-Gated community recently launched on the East Coast in Guyana with over 700 homes including Commercial and Industrial lots.

Joe Jaglall has been involved in many causes and worked tirelessly to support many Hindu-based religious organizations and others. Some of the names of the organizations with include:

• Toronto Arya Samaj
• Sangeet Vidyalaya School of Music, Toronto
• Sewa4Life Foundation
• The Guyana Festival Committee, Toronto
• The Guyana Consulate, Toronto
• Pranav Ashram, Toronto
• Shiv Sewa Sangh Mandir, Scarborough
• Shiva Mandir & Cultural Centre, Scarborough
• Thandavam Culture and Arts, Caledon
• Maha Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Mississauga
• Dharmic Cultural Center, Cambridge
• (STCC) Dance Academy, Ajax
• Maha Rudra Dev Mandir, Scarborough
• South Florida Hindu Society, Florida

And the list goes on….

There have been many letters of commendation, appreciation and recognition from spiritual leaders, individuals and others of the excellent community work of Joe Jaglall.

Pandit Dave Ramoutar, from Sangeet Vidyalaya, school of music, wrote, “Pt Joe Jaglall, a pillar of Integrity and Service. Since 1996, we have worked alongside Bhai Joe on countless Vedic and Hindu weddings, satang’s, birthdays, wakes, and funerals across the GTA and beyond. While all of these contributions have been meaningful, we all agree that the most valuable moments of service have been during times of illness and loss, when Bhai Joe and our family have offered our support at wakes and funerals—completely free of charge. This selfless dedication remains at the heart of our mission, and we continue to offer this service to this day.”

A letter was written by Nadira Raghunandan-Dyal, President of Shiv Sewa Sangh Mandir & Cultural Center “Pt. Joe Jaglall ji, without a doubt, I can attest that you are a selfless Humanitarian. Your outstanding leadership, guidance, commitment, dedication and deliverance are second to none. Pandit ji when it comes to you preparing of a charitable event or any event as a matter of fact, the words ‘Leaving no stone unturned’ – is your personal Mantra- unwavering dedication and countless hours invested in perfecting the behind-the-scenes intricacies from the beginning to the end. You are indeed a selfless Humanitarian. Thank you. We are forever grateful.”

In the words of Swami Bhajanananda from Canada Sevashram Sangha Inc., “Virjanand popularly known as Joe Jaglall radiates a happy personality with an infectious smile. He is courteous, respectful, polite, tactful and friendly. He conducted a fundraiser for the Pranav Hindu Mandir Cultural Centre with volunteers of the Ashram with resounding success of over $261,000. To our infinite gratitude, Joe Jaglall did not take a penny from the Pranav Hindu Mandir Cultural Centre for this fundraiser.”

Pandit Khemraj Singh, Chairman of the South Florida Hindu Society Inc. writes a letter of appreciation. He states, “Specifically, I want to recognize your outstanding work on our Annual Feeding Programs; your selfless contributions have not gone unnoticed.”

From Sunanda Dhanna, founder of Thandavam Culture and Arts, which helps West Indian Artists and highlights Indo-Caribbean culture, “From that initial project we worked on together, I had no doubts that Pandit Jaglall was a man of integrity; a man of his words. An individual who works selflessly, with humility, compassion and dedication.”

Shobha Sandy Maeck, Artistic Director of Shobha Dance & Cultural Centre (STCC) Dance Academy wrote, “Mr. Jaglall has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to our students, inspiring them to pursue their passions in arts and culture. We successfully raised funds to secure a dedicated studio space where our students can learn and grow in their artistic pursuits. This achievement has been a transformative milestone for our organization, and it would not have been possible without his tireless support and advocacy.”

Sharmelo Inderdeo, President of Dharmic Cultural Center writes, “Pt. Joe’s ongoing support of dharma and love for his community, religion, friends and family will forever be cherished by Dharmic Cultural Center. On behalf of Dharmic Cultural Center, our deepest affection, respect and support will always be with Pt Joe Jaglall.”

Mr. Roy Sugrim of Seva4Life penned in his commendation. “Pt Joe Jaglall has been an inspiration to other leaders and followers of Seva4Life.The Organization has benefited tremendously from his involvement and support.”

Pt Laikram Tiwarie from Shiva Mandir writes, “Bhai Joe is a decent, honest and kind person in every way as a good human being. I can safely say that society benefits from people like him.”

Pandit Jageshwar Sharma from Maha Lakshmi Narayan Mandan writes, “Pandit Joe Jaglall is a renowned philanthropist within the Greater Toronto Hindu community. He has dedicated recent years to serving and promoting our dharma and rich culture by supporting numerous temples in the GTA with their funding initiatives”

Pt Ravi Sharma from Maha Rudra Dev Mandir writes, “I have gotten the opportunity to know Mr. Joe Jaglall by working closely with him on various initiatives, and I can say without a doubt that you are dealing with a person of very good moral character and a high level of integrity, who always fulfills his commitments. He displays humility and kindness in all his interaction. He is known for his generous nature, whether it’s giving of his time or other resources.”

Adiyanand Kumar, President of Toronto Arya Samaj (the organization to which Pt Joe Jaglall is a lifetime member since his arrival in Canada over 40 years ago) writes,” Pt. Virjanand Jaglall, one of Toronto Arya Samaj’s long-standing members and spiritual leader, has made many contributions over the decades, going back to the 90s,when Toronto Arya was in its infancy. Through his gentle nature and smile to all who come in contact with him, Pt Jaglall has become a respected leader with the Samaj as well as the greater Hindu and Indo-Caribbean community in the Greater Toronto Area.”

His extensive volunteer work attests to his innate drive, passion and purpose to make this world a better place. Remember the name, JOE JAGLALL.