Terry Gajraj, recognized to many as “Guyana Babu,” has not solely made waves within the music business however has additionally quietly been making a big impression via his charitable work. In a current interview with Caribbean Life, Gajraj shared insights into his decades-long dedication to group service and his connection to the Safe Abee Foundation for Kids in Guyana.
Since his transfer to New York in 1986, Gajraj’s life has been a testomony to the ability of philanthropy. Guided by the teachings of his grandparents and fogeys, he realized early on the significance of giving again. His journey started in his homeland, Guyana, the place he taught music and aided these in want. This private connection to his philanthropic work has been a driving pressure in his life.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Gajraj highlighted the kindness and generosity of his household, recounting cases the place his mother and father selflessly helped others, even when assets have been scarce. These early experiences instilled in him a deep sense of compassion and a want to make a constructive distinction within the lives of others.
“We’ve been doing group work all my life; that’s how my grandparents taught us to be givers. My dad was a schoolteacher affiliated with the mandir. We performed a really instrumental half in serving to our brothers and sisters in our group…my mother was very charitable,” he mentioned.
Gajraj’s dedication to group service extends past his contributions. He actively encourages others to become involved and lend a serving to hand. He emphasizes the significance of giving financial donations and one’s time and abilities, emphasizing the transformative energy of schooling and empowerment.
In 2010, Gajraj teamed up with Protected Abee Basis for Kids with a mission to offer academic alternatives, abilities coaching, and help to underprivileged kids in Guyana. The muse’s flagship mission, a faculty in Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice, affords college students free pc schooling, math and English tutoring, and vocational coaching, empowering them with beneficial abilities for the long run.
“The impression of the Protected Abee Faculty extends far past its partitions. Many college students have secured jobs with respected corporations in Guyana because of the talents they gained. We firmly consider within the proverb “train a person to fish,” emphasizing the significance of imparting lasting abilities relatively than short-term help. Our dedication to empowerment is clear in our ongoing efforts, together with sending barrels of help, conducting annual medical outreaches, and organizing Christmas events for orphans in Guyana. Our charitable initiatives have developed, initially specializing in particular person efforts earlier than increasing to broader group help,” Gadraj famous.
Gajraj’s dedication to philanthropy has garnered recognition from native and worldwide organizations. Final yr, Starbucks donated to the Protected Abee Basis, acknowledging the impactful work executed to uplift Guyana communities.
Trying forward, Gajraj and the Protected Abee Basis have bold plans to additional their impression. They goal to host annual occasions, medical outreaches, and Christmas events for orphaned kids in Guyana. These initiatives are about offering instant reduction and creating lasting change. Gajraj’s imaginative and prescient is clear-he needs to encourage a technology of philanthropists who will proceed the work lengthy after he’s gone.
As Gajraj prepares to have fun the thirtieth anniversary of his hit track “Guyana Babu,” he stays steadfast in his perception that giving again isn’t just a duty however a privilege. By his unwavering dedication to serving others, Terry Gajraj continues to embody the true spirit of compassion and generosity, inspiring others to observe in his footsteps and make a distinction on the planet.
“It’s very, very humbling whenever you’re capable of assist others, and I need individuals to know that it’s the little issues that matter and your intention when doing one thing for somebody…you don’t need to have cash alone to make a distinction in somebody’s life,” he famous.
Gajraj’s dedication to creating arts, tradition, and schooling might be showcased in a historic pop-up trend exhibit on the Worldwide Museum of The Saree from Might 9 to July 18, 2024. For extra particulars on this exhibit, go to the museum’s Instagram @internationalmuseumofthesaree
