Dear Editor,
On October 2, 152 years ago, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India. This event is celebrated globally, but 2021 may have special relevance because recent events brought to light some of the issues that he confronted and exposed as he confronted the greatest Empire on earth armed only with truth, knowledge, courage, and a walking stick.
Gandhi is much revered globally, but many of the countries of the former Empire, including India, are still feeling the after-effects of the wounds inflicted from the idea of cultural and religious superiority that the European explorers took with their flags to foreign lands.
One of these is the practice of religious conversion.
The Canadian society is still trying to find ways to heal, and has recognised September 30 as a new holiday to pursue TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION. (See letters in Guyana Times of September 30)
The political saint was among many icons that questioned the unnecessary practice of religious conversion, and highlighted the methods used and the harmful results to the Hindu family and society. His views were expressed in his publications YOUNG INDIA and HARIJAN as early as 1925. He made it abundantly clear that he was not against the message of Christ. Some of his quotes on the subject are summarised from page 128 to 131 of the book MOHANDAS K. GANDHI, THOUGHTS, WORDS, and DEEDS.
Swami Vivekananda also addressed religious bigotry at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago as early as 1893. The late Swami Dayanand Saraswati wrote to the Pope in 2015, reminding him that conversion was an act of violence and an impediment to world peace.
This subject was discussed at the First World Hindus Congress in 2014 in Delhi. This concern was echoed at The Second CONGRESS in Chicago in 2018, to mark the 125th year of Swami Vivekananda’s first speech in the West on 9/11 1893. This global nefarious practice is not only unethical, but the methods used can violate generally accepted legal principles from simple trespassing to terrorism, generating fear and intimidation, depending on the definition and context.
Hopefully, S 18 of the UN CHARTER OF RIGHTS, which limits itself to freedom to convert, needs to be amended to denounce illegal or unethical methods of religious conversion in all member states, as it remains a barrier to universal brotherhood. Even in the smallest nations, it is a source of disunity and disrespect.
GANDHI and JESUS
Despite his bold opposition to conversion, Gandhi was a great admirer of Christ, and took Bible studies when he was in England long before he read the Gita. In fact, to his embarrassment, the message of Krishna was introduced to him by two Englishmen. He was particularly smitten with the message of the Sermon on the Mount, and felt that it was a complete guide to one who wanted to live a Christian life. A similar message was reflected in the Gita, which in graphic language reduced it to a scientific formula.
In all his struggles, commencing in South Africa and up to his death, consistent financial and public support flowed from Christians, Jews and Muslims.
GUYANA: A QUIET CRISIS
Guyana, the first country in the Western world to which the children of Bharat were sent as indentured labourers on May 5, 1838, is still reeling from the effects of religious hegemony. According to census figures, the percentage of Hindus continues to drop significantly. Some speculate that if this current trend continues, the culture would disappear, as in other Caribbean countries where Indians still live but do not practise the way of life of their ancestors. They echo the same sentiments as Gandhi, that the missionaries start as vendors of scarce goods and services, followed by disparaging remarks about religion, culture, food, and clothing, resulting in family division. While the statistics prove there is a crisis by conversion, it is compounded by the fact that friends, family or neighbours do not lend adequate support to the victims of unethical conversion in situations where they ought not to be quiet. The few evangelists who actively continue to reap souls are persistent, effective, and most likely financed from abroad.
The first step is to let those who proselyte know that their words and deeds are offensive. Generally, religious leaders respect other faiths, at least when speaking in public.
The situation in Guyana was confirmed by a report of Fred Stella, who, as a member of Hindu American Foundation National Leadership Council, visited on a lecture and listening tour in 2019. ([email protected])
KNOWLEDGE MUST REPLACE IGNORANCE
The current situation, where knowledge of the life and message of Gandhi is known by only a few students, even at the university level, has to be improved, and we must all take some responsibility for this. Initiatives like essay competitions and scholarships to encourage students must be applauded. Knowledge will always trump ignorance to stem the tide of conversion. The Vedic Saraswati Civilization has left a body of universal knowledge for us to learn, share and practise, not for a limited group, but for the spiritual advancement of all mankind. Yoga and meditation are only a few that are now being used in many countries. Religious respect for all faiths is hopefully our next goal, if our numerous temples and educational institutions can find ways to share this knowledge with others. In this regard, the Gita as a book of Universal ethics remains the centerpiece.
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
Even though Gandhi was never awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a posthumous recognition is still a possibility when mankind realises how much this Apostle of Peace has done to reduce conflict in the world. There is precedent.
In 1891, he qualified as a barrister at London’s Inner Temple. However, when he was convicted on sedition charges, he was disbarred in 1922. The Bar of England and Wales restored his membership 40 years after his death and 66 years after his disbarment. Perhaps evidence of their belief in reincarnation.
Speaking up against injustice, especially when it is a continuation of the ideas of those from whom all religious groups united to gain political independence, does not necessarily divide people who have a mutual respect for each other, and where truth is the goal. The only kind of conversion Gandhi supported was for a Hindu to become a better Hindu, a Christian a better one, and so on. Those who continue to demean the religion of others cannot reasonably claim that they are interested in peace and unity. Time to live, and let others live their way of life.
Sincerely,
Ramnarine Sahadeo
