Dear Editor,
In recent letters and newspaper columns, Mr. Frederick Kissoon has singled out and viciously attacked Swami Aksharananda for exercising his right, as an Indian, to express certain political ideas in the public domain.
In contrast, he decided what constitutes or makes a “brilliant devotee of Hindu culture” and exemplary Indian, despite declaring himself in discriminatory terms of being a “Chamar.” He says Mr. Yesu Persaud is an exemplary Indian. Most people may never be like the honourable Yesu Persaud. Still, this is what Mr. Yesu Persaud said about Swami Aksharananda who was at Mr. Persaud’s book launch in Guyana.
“I’m going to mention a special gentleman. He is much more than that, Swami Aksharananda. He has a school that is now competing with Queen’s College. In fact last year his school which started seven or eight years ago was no. 2….I will say give him a big hand….and I have always said to him unlike other swamis and pandits who go and hide themselves in temples, you’re doing something tangible to help the young and give them a sense of direction and that is highly appreciated. Continue the good work sir.” In ending, he said to the audience of the swami: “He is a very, very exceptional human being.”
Yours faithfully,
Rakesh Rampertab
