It’s now just over one year since the United Madrassi Association Inc. (UMA) was formed, but it has garnered outcomes that demand respect and recognition, not only from the Hindu community, but from society in general.
It is made up of members and volunteers from all walks of life and from various religions and backgrounds.
It’s Founder, Vijah Ramjattan, explained that the Association was born out of a need to bring out unity within the Madrassi community, both locally and abroad. He said that, often times, Pujaries, Pundits and leaders of the community, in their teachings, highlight what makes us different and unique, but very few choose to highlight what binds us. According to him, what binds us is the love for the Divine Mother.
“UMA came about to break down those invisible barriers and lead by example to show that regardless of race, religion, gender, social status, etc., we are all one; Amma is one; God is one,” Vijah stated.
The UMA also seeks to bridge the gap between the Madrassi Community and the Sanatan Dharma Community and normalize and de-stigmatize the Shakti Worship aspect of Hinduism. The Founder intends to lead by example and restore a positive light on the worship of Maha Shakti Kali Amman.
Yet another of the Association’s mandates is to harness the energy of young, motivated individuals and steer it to serving humanity. Vijah said that the Association aims to educate devotees on how to coexist in harmony with everyone and everything in the universe, unconditionally, by promoting youth development; fostering female empowerment and serving as a platform for the younger generation to develop a sense of belonging where they can build identity through community service.
In order to accomplish this, the Founder leads community service events such as the Annapurna Amma Day, where the community comes together to feed and clothe the hungry and homeless; the Dharti Amma Day, where devotees and volunteers join to clean the waterways polluted by worshippers; singing at Elderly Nursing homes and much more.
Vijah said that his inspiration comes in ripple effects “from knowing that people no longer have to be ashamed of who they are because of who they worship; from seeing that Hindus are thinking twice about throwing murtis and puja materials into the ocean; from seeing little children, men and women walking proudly in public with their Madrassi garments; from seeing homeless and hungry children, men and women being fed from the hands of Maha Kali worshipers and from doing free monthly Havans for devotees and knowing that they do not have to strain to give Dakshina and gifts to get God’s blessings.”
According to him, UMA has grown to become one of the premiere Volunteer Humanitarian organizations in Queens, New York. Its activities have had a generational shifting effect where people are more proud to say publicly that they are devotees of the Divine mother, Kali.
Apart from engaging in UMA’s activities, Vijah is a self-taught musician and vocalist, a selfless humanitarian at heart and also the founder of the Jyoti Sangeet Kirtan Group, the only non-profit Kirtan Group which aims to illuminate humanity through divine songs and Music Ministry.
Professionally, the holder of Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Comparative Religion works for the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Colombia University as a Research Field Director. He also serves as the Chairman of the New York City Brooklyn Youth Council Corporation; Treasurer and Title 1 District Representative at PS 121.
