Finding a Caribbean Hindu Space: CSEC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION in the Caribbean

Dear Editor,
Five special Hindus met virtually for about six hours on December 12, 2021 in an attempt to contribute changes they wished to see in their world. That world may be limited to the Caribbean, but the knowledge they wanted to share is universal. These volunteers from various educational and professional backgrounds were struggling to meet a deadline of December 13, as CXC was in the process of reviewing the syllabus for Hinduism. They painstakingly combed through the 2012 syllabus, comprising of 180 pages, and came up with a consensus of 12 pages of amendments they thought should be included and taught to students in the Caribbean.
A few of them had recently contributed submissions with respect to the Indo-Caribbean history syllabus, and only coincidentally learned that Hinduism was also about to be reviewed. Within two weeks, they created a network of volunteers from many countries, who shared their ideas that produced a proposal that was shared with the CXC board. Their request to appear virtually before the decision-makers could not be accommodated, but they were promised a copy of the draft syllabus.
It was very clear to them that the advent of political independence did not mean that education was free from colonial influence. They were reminded of the dictum of Chanakya: “people, no matter how wealthy, cannot claim to be free if they are enslaved by a foreign culture”. They had to address terms that express the views of other religions, but which were alien to Hinduism. This challenge starts with the fact that this knowledge-based philosophical system was not a religion in the first place, with no prophets or founder, and not a single book. Other alien concepts, like heaven, hell, and sin, pervade other religions, but also infiltrated the psyche of every student who was exposed to Judea-Christian values taught in all Government schools.
This may have been reflected in the fact that only a few students register for the Hinduism option of religious education. Researchers can confirm the exact number after conducting a survey, and provide an explanation for a state of affairs which many Hindu leaders may find embarrassing.
When Indentureship ended in 1917, about half a million Indians had arrived in the Caribbean. Guyana alone had the largest number of approximately 268,000. Trinidad and Jamaica also had significant numbers, but a substantial majority were Hindus. Census figures indicate a gradual reduction of Hindus as a percentage of the total population over the years. Some speculate that if this trend continues in another 50 years, even Guyana and Trinidad would follow other Caribbean islands that witnessed the disappearance of the culture that came with their ancestors from India.
Of all the religions practised in the region, there is little doubt that Hinduism in perhaps the least understood, and it is necessary to teach it properly in the classroom by qualified professionals. While credit must be given to priests and the temples and similar organisations for keeping the culture alive, it is clear that a more systematic and comprehensive method of teaching is required. If costs were a barrier, this is rapidly changing.
We are aware of a few recent attempts to fill a huge void. One is the establishment of the Badrinaath Ashram by the generous Dhanrajh family on the Essequibo Coast, where students, including girls, can be trained to become priests within one year, free of cost, including accommodation. ([email protected])
Students of any age can also attend free online classes taught by the Radha Krishna Foundation in Hindi, music, classical dance, karate, Sanskrit. Yoga, etc. with volunteer teachers from India to Guyana. (support@radhakrishnafoundation).
The Caribbean needs intellectual spaces where the Hindu tradition, culture, philosophy etc. can be debated. Also needed are special libraries with Hindu texts. The sordid history must be told and recorded, but Hindus cannot continue to see ghosts of Colonialism and play victims forever.
The Hindu College at Cove and John, Guyana, can be expanded to be one of those unique locations. Its dormitory can house about 75 students from anywhere in the Caribbean, but the buildings are old and need some renovation. The recently constructed computer centre should attract technology students. However, the entire campus has potential for expansion, but this will need the help of former graduates and others who now live all over the globe.
Trinidad, with its numerous private Hindu schools, has already made a difference, but the syllabus on Hinduism, if amended, would introduce all students from any institution to this ancient culture.
No matter if schools are private or public schools, more parents and teachers need to persuade students to take the CSEC examinations. Everyone must take some pride in global developments, supporting cultural practices that may not have been appreciated by many in the region.
On Tuesday December 15, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) added “Durga Puja in Kolkata” to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity element. This makes the representative list 14 for India alone. By promoting and safeguarding this ancient heritage of oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events and knowledge, UNESCO contributes to social cohesion and a lasting culture of peace.
Adults who wish to expand their knowledge and cannot afford to travel overseas can do online studies at the Hindu University of America ([email protected]). This pioneering institution concentrates on a dharmic perspective by offering courses in Hindu philosophies, traditions, culture and civilization, with a global faculty.
Parents are well advised to teach their children Dharma as early as possible, for society now gives them ample access to Adharma. The social issues resulting from exposure to some sources are numerous and harmful, including alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, and even suicide.
The recently formed group CSEC HINDUISM ADVOCACY NETWORK plans to produce educational materials or links to same, to assist students to prepare for the examination. In addition, they will be seeking volunteers to teach the subject online.
(Dr Indranie Rampersaud)
Contact:
CARIBBEANHINDUADVOCACY [email protected]