Dear Editor,
November 6, 2016 will be in the history books as the date on which the tallest Hanuman Murti in Guyana was consecrated at Blenheim, Leguan, in the presence of supporters from many backgrounds. However the significant speeches given by religious leaders should be recorded for posterity as they seem to reflect an era of mutual respect.
One of the speakers, Reverend Albert James, has served the Essequibo islands for decades in various roles but remains a humble unassuming servant of the common man. It was no great surprise to read his words, “there is no need for conversion once a person practices the tenets of his faith sincerely.”
As Pastor of St Peter’s Anglican Church, first constructed in 1827 and replaced by its present structure in 1855, Chairman James’ comments are appreciated and long overdue.
Chairman James was never a wealthy person but always had time for needed projects. In 1993 we toured both Leguan and Wakenaam on bicycles organising and persuading local groups to cooperate with overseas Guyanese who were adopting their schools after the late Dr Dale Bisnauth then Minister of Education had given his blessings to the Adopt A School programme. By 2015 his mode of transportation graduated to a motorbike which we rode to the cremation site at Uniform Village at the back of the island and discussed ways to improve the pathway especially in rainy season. He quotes often from the book, Mohandas K Gandhi and his inspiration the Bhagavad Gita, available at Eastern Primary school in support of their library. Apparently he shares his wisdom with family and friends.
I distinctly recall speaking to a class at the secondary school in 1993 about Mahatma Gandhi and was quite impressed with the knowledge and confidence of a female student who eventually told me with pride “My father is Albert James.”
Conversion as a process of reaping new souls as if on a balance sheet has been the cause of injustices and atrocities for centuries and has not gone unnoticed by world leaders in their struggles to be free from foreign domination.
Mahatma Gandhi linked conversion with imperialism by all European powers and while some are still blaming our current situation on Columbus for getting lost, nations are now independent and must find ways to respect religions of peace within their borders. The observations of this great soul will still find unconditional support among many when he stated he loved Christ and the Sermon on the Mount but not Christians who were so unlike Christ.
Another source of conversion is inter-religious unions compelling one party to take the religion of the other as a condition of the marriage. Like the state-sponsored or commercial conversions these are equally disruptive of family life. One claims to love the other so much that they will abandon thousands of years of culture and family traditions. Others respect their partners and even children who are exposed to all beliefs but free to make their choice.
Religious conversion in Guyana seems an easier and faster process than changing support for a political party which decides who will govern the nation. This disrespectful practice based on the false premise that only one religion can lead to salvation ignores the fact that there are genuine spiritual seekers and good people in all religions.
It has left families with permanent wounds.
A recent census showed that Hindus were reduced from 35.5% of the population in 1991 to 25% in 2012 and conversion is certainly part of the cause. Hopefully this practice will cease one day soon and the efforts to unite a nation will not be stymied.
If all in Leguan were converted, asked one devotee, who would have built the many temples and now this national landmark?
Social cohesion must start with recognising the contributions of all groups to the development of any nation and all the speakers from the various religions seem clearly aware of this.
October 6, 2016 can attain towering significance way beyond the 52-foot Murti, not only in Leguan but throughout Guyana if it is remembered as the day when religious and political leaders acknowledge that religious conversion is an impediment to national unity.
Gandhi’s guidance is still relevant: “No one faith is perfect…what is wanted is living friendly contact among the followers…and not a clash among them in the fruitless attempt of one to show the superiority of its faith over the rest.”
Hinduism was recently acknowledged by the legislature of Ontario, Canada, with the introduction of a Bill proclaiming October as Hindu Heritage Month. The significance of Navratri, Durga Puja, and the globally celebrated festival of lights, Diwali, will now be shared by a wider community.
Hindus have been coming to Canada since early 20th century and have helped in all fields to build the country—science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, culture, sports. The same body passed the South Asian Heritage Act 2001 proclaiming May as South Asian Heritage Month and May 5 as South Asian Heritage Day since May 5, 1838 was when the first ships the Whitby and Hesperus arrived in Guyana.
They should be allowed to practice their way of life without threat of conversion in the interest of the first country they contributed to in the Western Hemisphere. Every person or group should say Stop it.
Sincerely ,
Ramnarine Sahadeo
