I am not one of those persons who gets involved in religious arguments or beliefs but there comes a time when we need to stand up for what we believe in and I hope that there are many more persons who are going to do the same.

On Sunday 29th June 2008, at the last minute I decided that out of curiosity I was going to go to the “Maha Ganpati Yajna for Peace and Prosperity for the country of Guyana and its citizens worldwide”, at the National Park. I was already confused with the name “Om The Art of Living’ since I know there is another organization in Guyana called the Art of Living.

The phrase “Curiosity Kills the Cat” is so correct. My hope of the Yagna bringing peace and prosperity was all dashed when the pooja which started late, was stopped half way through to break for lunch. This is the first time in my entire life of almost 50 years, I have ever heard of a pooja having a ‘break for lunch’. As a child and now an adult, I know we only eat after the entire pooja is completed.

This was not all that dashed my hope for any sort of benefit from this pooja for us in Guyana. The “Guruji” Rajendra Sharma went on to tell the audience that they should not have altars in their homes neither should they use Murtis in their worship. Worst of all he said we should not bow down to or parents and elders. Now all of my life, I have grown up knowing that an Altar in the home with Murtis is a part of our religious belief; it is what makes us unique as Hindus.

Before writing an exam, I must take the blessings of my parents and elders! This is what I have grown up learning and these same values I have imparted to my children. My religious background and blessings received from my parents and elders are what gave me the success I am so proud of today.

My problem here is who gives these people the authority or right to come to our country and tell us what we should or should not do. If they are so great people let them start with their homeland – no need to come and have an organization registered in the United States of America hold its inauguration in Guyana? Are we now ‘Guinea Pigs’?

The worst part of this whole episode is that three of our most revered Pandits & Swami were present at this Yagna and to date I have not heard a single word from any of these three – Pandits Reepu Daman Persaud and Prakash Gossai and Swami Aksharnandaji Maharaj. These three noble sons of our soil said absolutely nothing at the National Park, neither have they made a pronouncement on these two major statements of ‘Guru’Rajendra Sharma.

I would like to see a system put in place where any overseas based persons, organizations etc that wants to come to Guyana, be it to pray or hold a show or whatever it is, there must be some sort of a scrutiny done on them before permission is granted to come here. The Government should have a Commission or Committee put in place where some form of background check can be made before permission is granted to perform in Guyana and I hope more persons will come out and speak on this issue.
NAME AND ADDRESS PROVIDED
Editor’s note: We sincerely hope that the two Pandits and Swami mentioned in the letter above will respond appropriately.