Dr. Jagan cared for his people - Yash Paul Soi
Written by Chamanlall Naipaul
Monday, 24 October 2011 02:46
Source - Guyana Chronicle Online
Yash Paul Soi (right) with Dr Jagan in New York
YASH Paul Soi, a member of the Indian diaspora in New York who hails from Chandigarh and who has been a vibrant social activist ever since he migrated to the US in the 1960s, received a special award last Friday from President Bharrat Jagdeo for his contribution to the struggle for Guyana’s restoration to democracy.
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Mr. Soi recalled that his interest in Guyana’s struggle for the restoration of democracy began in 1989 when he met late President Dr Cheddi Jagan in 1989 in New York.
“I saw in his eyes that burning fire of his dream for free and fair elections. I am happy that dream came through,” Mr. Soi fondly recalled.
He added that Dr Jagan was a true Guyanese patriot who needed help to return Guyana to majority rule. Asked what were the qualities that struck him most about Dr. Jagan, Mr. Soi replied that it was his honesty and integrity and a genuine leader who cared for his people.
As a result he said he was moved towards assisting Dr. Jagan and the Guyanese people in the struggle for free and fair elections.
Soi, who started a Radio Station in 1969, mainly to promote Indian culture and history, recalled that he interviewed Dr. Jagan at the station and this helped to highlight the Guyanese cause. He said he also introduced Dr. Jagan to several major news agencies in the US and this helped the issue of free and fair elections in Guyana to get many write ups, thereby highlighting Guyana’s plight.
He also disclosed that he worked with President Jimmy Carter in his 1980 election campaign and as such,had established close links with him and this was instrumental in getting the Carter Centre involved in the struggle for free and fair elections in Guyana.
Soi recalled that in 1990 in conjunction with the Guyanese diaspora, he was able to organize a successful US$100 per plate fund-raising dinner which was very successful.
On his impressions about Guyana, which was first, Soi said it is “a beautiful, green panorama-very close to nature.”
Even though he arrived just a few hours before speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Soi said he sensed an ongoing renewal in Guyana and was very impressed with the many nice houses, beautiful parks, the Guyana National Stadium and the courtesy of the people.
He also observed that the massive ongoing construction and the large number of commercial banks are an indication of economic progress.
Mr. Soi has a first degree in environmental engineering and a Masters degree in management.
Written by Chamanlall Naipaul
Monday, 24 October 2011 02:46
Source - Guyana Chronicle Online
Yash Paul Soi (right) with Dr Jagan in New YorkYASH Paul Soi, a member of the Indian diaspora in New York who hails from Chandigarh and who has been a vibrant social activist ever since he migrated to the US in the 1960s, received a special award last Friday from President Bharrat Jagdeo for his contribution to the struggle for Guyana’s restoration to democracy.
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Mr. Soi recalled that his interest in Guyana’s struggle for the restoration of democracy began in 1989 when he met late President Dr Cheddi Jagan in 1989 in New York.
“I saw in his eyes that burning fire of his dream for free and fair elections. I am happy that dream came through,” Mr. Soi fondly recalled.
He added that Dr Jagan was a true Guyanese patriot who needed help to return Guyana to majority rule. Asked what were the qualities that struck him most about Dr. Jagan, Mr. Soi replied that it was his honesty and integrity and a genuine leader who cared for his people.
As a result he said he was moved towards assisting Dr. Jagan and the Guyanese people in the struggle for free and fair elections.
Soi, who started a Radio Station in 1969, mainly to promote Indian culture and history, recalled that he interviewed Dr. Jagan at the station and this helped to highlight the Guyanese cause. He said he also introduced Dr. Jagan to several major news agencies in the US and this helped the issue of free and fair elections in Guyana to get many write ups, thereby highlighting Guyana’s plight.
He also disclosed that he worked with President Jimmy Carter in his 1980 election campaign and as such,had established close links with him and this was instrumental in getting the Carter Centre involved in the struggle for free and fair elections in Guyana.
Soi recalled that in 1990 in conjunction with the Guyanese diaspora, he was able to organize a successful US$100 per plate fund-raising dinner which was very successful.
On his impressions about Guyana, which was first, Soi said it is “a beautiful, green panorama-very close to nature.”
Even though he arrived just a few hours before speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Soi said he sensed an ongoing renewal in Guyana and was very impressed with the many nice houses, beautiful parks, the Guyana National Stadium and the courtesy of the people.
He also observed that the massive ongoing construction and the large number of commercial banks are an indication of economic progress.
Mr. Soi has a first degree in environmental engineering and a Masters degree in management.