I feel compelled to rebut certain statements made by Mahadeo Panchu which was published in the letters column of last Sunday’s edition of the Chronicle Newspaper.
The issue of debate is that there is no leadership for Hindus in Guyana which I contradicted in my article where he subsequently gave a long epistle, revealing and perhaps confirming his real intentions: denigrating the role of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha in leading the Guyanese Hindu community and supplanting it with a new organisation. His advancement of an umbrella body to represent Hindus is a smoke screen where persons of his choice are catapulted in leadership position.
There are certain competencies and qualities a leader of an organisation/community must possess albeit some people are natural leaders. One of those qualities is visioning which presupposes that he/she can strategically position the organisation in the future within the context of a rapidly changing social, political and economic environment. In this regard strategies and tactics must be formulated by the leaders to successfully influence issues at the microcosmic and macrocosmic levels. The irrevocable proof is that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has been able to articulate the concerns of the Hindu man.
Panchu wrote when he referred to the GHDS, “…oldest does not always means the best” and he posited that some organisations have outlived their usefulness and must be radically changed and new organisation formed to advance the cause of Hinduism”. That is quite a mouthful. This position contradicts his expressed desire to bring all Hindu organisations together. My own view is he wants an umbrella organisation but without the GHDS which is not only prejudicial and is ostensibly shaping an agenda to the detriment of all Hindus.
As a Hindu I will not subscribe to any radical/fanatical approach to resolve my issue that may infringe on the rights, observances or practices of Hindus. We must be tolerant, engage in dialogue with other stakeholders and act within the ambit of the law. His reference to “clap hand church” is disrespectful and perhaps violates the right of an individual’s constitutional right to freely associate. Hinduism respects the freedom of choice of every person and even among Hindus the principle of choosing a deity or a certain path of worship in accordance with one’s disposition and the scriptural injunctions is a fundamental right.
The GHDS has placed the Hinduism on a higher pedestal through the production of Ram Lela that brought together many young persons who performed par excellence, in drama, singing, and music and dance the story of Lord Rama in the Ramayan. Dr Vindy Persaud who conceptualised, choreographed, and coached all the artistes must be congratulated. Kala Utsav (the festival of Arts) held every year showcases the talents of youths across the country and weekly training held at the Dharmic Sanskrit Kendra in the art forms would have also made a tremendous impact on the lives of many. The Sabha’s social and health care programmes are other areas that foster the growth and development of Hindus.
We as Hindus should not be agitated, obsessed and act impulsively to anything and everything. Rather a rational solution must be sought. India was ruled by the Muslims and Christians for hundreds of years. Many persons became coverts but that did not cause Hinduism to die. In fact Hinduism is embraced and practiced by millions of persons not born in Hindu homes. I remain optimistic unlike Panchu that there is a great future for the Hindu community. I insist that he continuously chant the mantra “O God remove ignorance and replace it with knowledge within me”.