Korea Village resident Hemant Maharaj grew up in a broken home and never knew the fun and joy of having a toy for Christmas, now years later, Maharaj is able to bring joy to scores of children in the area in Carapichaima.
Maharaj, who now heads the Korea Village Outreach programme , is a well known community activist.
From a tender age of five, Maharaj, who grew up in Carlsen Field, started working to get money to buy food to eat and to help himself. From the many stories of how horrible his past was, he grew up with a mind of wanting change and a heart to help families in need.
“I never scorn and look down at people because I was once that way. After starting my family of my own - four daughters and one son, things were tough, sometimes my wife and I would go without food to make ends meet just to make sure my children were fed,” Maharaj said.
Maharaj formerly headed the then S.H.A.R.E programme (giving out hampers to those in need), then proceeded to tutor under the Ministry of Community Development. He was also a former president of the Korea Village Council. He is responsible for the now formulated community policing initiative to eradicate crime within the community.
Due to all his community service he was nominated and won the Prime Minister’s award for community service.
With the dedicated and continued support of the Couva North MP, Ramona Ramdial, Maharaj yesterday successfully pulled off his annual Christmas treat.
“Christmas time is all about giving and it is giving that you shall receive,” Maharaj said.
“Today (yesterday) we gave out snack bags to over 300 children and had Santa arrive on a fire truck…the children were very happy and I feel a sense of accomplishment when I see those smiles,” he added.