Dear Editor,

PLEASE permit me to briefly respond to Jonathan Subrian’s missive, ‘Mother’s Day event at Mandir did not bring Hinduism into disrepute’, (SN May 20), which was in response to my previous letter on the said subject.Mr Subrian did not deny that the function was held in the Mandir. He further admitted that:
(1)   “Bollywood-themed songs were crooned by various artistes. To create a convivial atmosphere, a Bollywood video of songs and dances was shown as guests were filtering in.”
(2)   Dancing took place in the Mandir. He wrote: “As dinner tailed off, DJ music (sic) wafted through the air, and a few mothers swayed to the rhythmic beats.”
Remember, all this took place in a Mandir, a place of worship. Conspicuously absent, however, was any mention of any form of religious activities.
The writer tried to justify the above by referring to Lord Shiva performing the Shiva Tandava dance, and also the various Indian classical dances. Were the dancers performing the ‘Kathak’ or ‘Odissi’ to the beat of the devotional “Maa Teri Manta Kitani Pyaaree …?”
I am all for changes. But our Dharmic and Hindu values must not be compromised in the name of ‘change.’ The integrity of Hinduism must not be sacrificed at the altar of modernism. The sanctity of our Mandirs must be preserved and respected. If the supposed custodians of our Dharma do not get it, then God help us.
Mr. Subrian’s letter speaks for itself. Let the public judge.
Our Sabha’s membership comprises 21 practising and aspiring Pandits from the West Bank, West Coast and East Bank Essequibo. We shall be working along with other Hindu Organisations, Swamis and Cultural organisations for the establishment of an Oversight body, as mentioned in my previous letter.
Yours truly,

Pandit R Balbadar
President, Sanatan Vedic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region 3