By ALEXANDER BRUZUAL Friday, September 28 2012

click on pic to zoom in

FAREWELL: Meena Harripersad is surrounded by students of the Raghunanan Road Government Primary School at the funeral service yesterday for her husban...

« prev photo next photo »

THERE was standing room only yesterday as relatives, friends and students of murdered schoolteacher Jagdis ‘‘Teach’’ Harripersad attended his funeral service at the house of mourning in Maraj Trace, Lawrence Wong Road in Longdenville.

Harripersad, 43, a father of two was stabbed in the chest during a confrontation with a group of men along Raghunanan Road, Longdenville. Harripersad, a Standard Two teacher at the Raghunanan Road Government Primary School was cremated at the Caroni cremation site following the funeral service performed under Hindu rites. Officiating Pundit Navin Omadath Maharaj described Harripersad as a good, righteous, virtuous, and honest person who encapsulated all the qualities a man should have in life. He said the deceased always sacrificed his wants and desires for the happiness of others.

“In giving himself to others, he would often forget his own self and this shows how much of a loving and caring person he was. Even though his death may have been premature, by the extent of his actions in his life and by reaching out to help so many and making an impact on so many, he lived a fulfilled life,” Maharaj said.

Schoolteacher Cassiram Soogrim also spoke highly of Harripersad. He said Harripersad became a member of staff at the Raghunanan Road Government Primary School in September 1995, and for the next 17 years, left an indelible mark on the lives of the hundreds of students whom he taught.

“Anyone who knew Harry would not hesitate to agree he was a person who never shunned his duties and responsibilities to his students and school. He was highly motivated, resourceful and full of initiative. He was loved, respected and admired by both his students and co-workers. So today, we celebrate the life of an excellent teacher, friend, and brother, and with a deep sense of sorrow and grief, we can take comfort in the fact that he is in a better place,” Soogrim said.

On Saturday, Harripersad was on his way home when he was forced to stop his car when a car suddenly pulled in front of him. Four men got out of the car and began beating Harripersad. He was later stabbed twice and died at the scene.

Two out of three men who were arrested have since been released with the third suspect being placed on a series of Identification Parades. Investigators are expected to seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions soon. Investigations are continuing.