ON a couple of occasions, I wrote in your newspapers about articles on religion printed in the “Letters” Section of your informative newspaper. It will be impudent for me to dictate to you, Sir, what should or should not be printed in your newspapers. However, since most Guyanese, both home and abroad, would like to read about what is going on in Guyana and how much progress is being made to improve the living standards of all Guyanese, it may be appropriate for your newspapers be focused in those areas.

Recently, perhaps inadvertently, I notice a few articles on religion. May I add that arguments in religion are rarely won since religion is based on one’s own personal beliefs.  

My daily life is guided by a personal but simple philosophy taken from The Mahatma numerous teachings:  “A Hindu should try to be a better Hindu, a Christian should try to be a better Christian, and a Muslim should try to be a better Muslim.”

One can be intimately familiar with religious texts of all the world’s great religions, but if he / she does not strive to be a better individual, it would be fair to state that his / her knowledge of the religions become meaningless.

It would be best if writers on religion keep their personal religious views to their place of worship and not in the daily newspapers which is meant to serve a different and inclusive purpose.

May I respectfully suggest to the Editor that he/she gives strong consideration to avoid printing letters on religion since it adds very little value to the integrity of newspapers. Some readers may even find the writings offensive.
Dr. ANIL MAHARAJ