THERE were two letters recently, lambasting Pandits, One from a Pandit himself, one Pt. Balbadar and another from Mr. Jadunath. I believe that these were very unfair publications, meant only at the disintegration of the Hindu community in Guyana. As a Pandit, Mr. Balbadar ought to know that astrology (Joytishi) has from inception been one of the main tenets of Hinduism. For example, long before the western scientists knew about solstice, Hinduism revered the occasion as Makar Sankranti.

I have recently read that the Sri Lankan President makes all his national decisions after consultations with his astrologers. It is true that the system has been abused, but to cover all Pandits, including himself with the same blanket, is indeed reprehensible.

There are scores of very straight forward and respectable Pandits in Guyana and it is unfair for Pt. Balbadar to paint them with his brush. People living in glass houses should not throw stones.

Men of God do not wash their dirty linen in public. There were better dharmic ways in which Pandit. Balbadar could have handled this problem, rather than just attempting to seek public attention. May I ask the goodly Pandit what has he done to assist Pandits in need? What has he done to assist in the various social problems facing Hindus: alcoholism, suicide, broken homes, etc.?

It is very strange and rather alarming that Pandit Jee chose not to give recognition to the herculean task that the Dharmic Sabha is playing in the training of Pandits. Like any body else, Pandits have to work at various jobs to maintain their families. If devotees like Jadunath used to adequately compensate them, they may have had more time to devote to their religious training, but the good man pretends not to know that a dhoti or sari is five yards. He writes with sarcasm and goes to do puja with that same attitude and expects manifold blessings. Has he ever presented his priest with a nice puja book, or anything else that can help him to serve him better? A priest coming to your home is not regarded as someone doing a job for you, but a medium in your attempt at God realization. A Hindu group in Canada is sending Dharmic books for distribution in Guyana. Brother Jadunath, please secure them and read and understand.

Pandits in Guyana, despite their limitations are doing a great community service. Books are not available, formal training is very scarce, the language is a challenge and the curse from the very people they serve is never ending, yet they persevere to maintain Sanatan Dharma. There is no financial backing to maintain the system. They do so out of their pockets. People who are abusing them should, therefore be ashamed of themselves.

Is there any surprise that youths are reluctant to venture into Panditai? We say thanks to people like Balbadar and Jadunath for that.

One thing is however for sure, Sanatan Dharm, as the name signifies will never die.