Teemal hailed exemplar, patriot

Shastri Boodan

Independent senator Deoroop Teemal was hailed as an exemplar, patriot, and family man by his fellow parliamentarians Wade Mark, President of the Senate, and Opposition Senator Dr Amery Browne. Teemal, who passed away on Sunday, was cremated on Wednesday following a funeral service at the NCIC Nagar, Chaguanas.

Mark described Teemal as a man of deep integrity, quiet conviction, and an unwavering sense of duty. He said he served alongside Teemal as an Opposition Senator in the Upper House following Teemal’s appointment in 2018 by former President Paula-Mae Weekes. Mark noted that beyond his parliamentary contributions, Teemal also served with the NCIC and was the longstanding head of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh since 1988. Mark said, “His work in the cultural and religious spheres enriched the lives of thousands, he led not with fanfare but with quiet dedication and spiritual strength embodying the dharmic principles he held so dear.”

Mark shared that Teemal would beam genuinely and unapologetically when speaking of his family. “There was a lightness in his voice, a softness in his eyes. It was clear that beneath the public service and professional commitments was a man rooted deeply in love and legacy. For him family was not only his foundation, it was his greatest fulfilment.”

Brown said many regarded Teemal as a mentor, a big brother, a guru, and an exemplar. He added, “I have lost count of the number of times things would have gotten heated in the chamber and then senator Teemal would rise to his legs, and you just knew what he would say and how he would say it would edify, uplift and inspire and cool the temperature to a more decent and civilised climate.”

Browne said Teemal was someone who could be depended upon to help maintain the dignity of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, while uplifting its standards, “Always cool, always calm, always serene, I don’t know how he did it.”

He added that even when Teemal was “disrespected and denigrated” by those “unworthy to touch the buckle of his sandals,” he always maintained a quiet sense of dignity and respect for others. Browne said Teemal possessed a stillness that enabled him to rise above the mundane. He described Teemal as a devoted family man, deeply committed to his Hindu faith. “There is the real power for the love of his family, this quiet gentleman absolutely adores his wife and children,” he added.

The eulogy was delivered by his daughters, Kaajal and Priya Teemal, who spoke of the calibre of the man that was their father. They shared that their father was an animal lover who fed stray animals and even returned to feed them after the family relocated.

Greetings were also offered by Surujdeo Mangaroo, the first vice president of the NCIC. The funeral was attended by President Christine Kangaloo, as well as Members of Parliament from both the Upper and Lower Houses.