Your reporter, Sarada Singh stated (March 31) that Swami Vidyanandaji contends that there are four “classification of duties”: 1. The religious leaders 2. The military, police, intellectual and political leaders 3. Business community 4. Working class.

This sounds to me as a corollary of casteism, the Hindu castes being Brahmins, Ksatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras - corresponding to the Swami’s “classification”.

Sarada Singh needs to return to the good Swami and clarify if he believes in the Hindu caste system, and whether our jati (caste) is determined by the good Lord, and whether we can ever get out of this caste that we are blessed, or cursed with.

If Swami Vidyanandaji claims that he does not subscribe to the caste system, then, would he be willing to take a minute to sweep the road near the Cove and John Ashram; (Brahmins do not ever desecrate themselves by holding a broom to do “low” work such as cleaning).

Whenever these acharyas and gurus come to Guyana with “answers” to our problems, the first question reporters should pose to them is their support for casteism (in India, Guyana and elsewhere).

Sri Ravi Shanker, founder of The Art of Living Foundation, who has visited Guyana at least once, encountered flack in India for his lack of support for the Shudras. When he graces our land next, he also should be asked whether he would be willing to clean the shoe of one of his followers, and if Shudras should submit quietly to the status quo - jealously guarded by those on top of the Hindu hierarchy.
Devanand Bhagwan