By Sue-Ann Wayow

NATIONAL icon, Dr Hans Hanoomansingh was laid to rest on Monday after passing away at age 84.

His life celebration service took place at the Curepe Presbyterian Church.

But celebration of his life continues on Saturday with a public musical tribute at the Divali Nagar Site at Endeavour Chaguanas.

Those who attended the service were encouraged to be an agent of change, just like he was.

Hanoomansingh, a former parliamentarian, broadcaster and advocate for Indian culture was head of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC)when the popular  the Divali Nagar was conceptualised and introduced in 1990.

He was awarded the Hummingbird Medal Gold in 1990 for his contributions to culture and media.

At his life celebration service, songs were sung were sung for him both in English and Hindi.

Reverend Adrian Sieunarine said Hanoomansingh was born at a time when persons had to learn something without the use of internet or technology.

“Hans developed a heart of wisdom, a love for learning, a passion for life.”

Quoting from the Bible, Sieunarine said it was the heart of wisdom that was most outstanding in Hanoomansingh whom he called “Uncle Hans” and the application of that knowledge was done in love to uplift and inspire.

He also said Hanoomansingh had a love “for the ancient ways.”

Sieunarine quoted from Jeremiah chapter 6 verse 16, which says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

“As we think about Uncle Hans, one of the things that I remember was how in so many ways, he was able to accomplish a change in many people’s perspective where sometimes people who were embarrassed about their culture and their background, they learnt how to celebrate it,” Sieunarine said.

A caregiver said Hanoomansingh had more stories to tell than libraries combined.

“Bossy, carried with him a history of a life fully lived,” she said.

His nieces also spoke lovingly of him.

One said, “Uncle Hans was not just a national treasure of Trinidad and Tobago, he was our treasure. Our family’s mentor, historian, father figure, story teller and so much more.”

Both of Hanoomansingh’s sons spoke greatly of their father saying, “Dad was a once in a generation type of leader.”

Upon Hanoomansingh’s passing on July 4, tributes poured in from various persons, politicians and those who he worked with and impacted over the years.

Hanoomansingh had one other son, Peter Hanoomansingh who passed away in 2022.