Now that Divali is upon us, I am hoping to hear the announcement of some goodies for the Hindu community from the government. For example, in San Fernando Hindus have been ‘pus-pussing’ for a Hindu school for the longest while. I was hoping that that the presence of the Minister of Education, Dr Micheal Dowlath, at the Annual Divali Celebration at the SSL Car Park on Sutton Street would have delivered the good news but that was not to be. The Minister spoke generally on culture without mentioning anything about the urgent need for a Hindu school despite a lone campaigner with a placard.
Last year Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley spoke at Divali Nagar. I took the opportunity to go as close as possible to the podium to listen to what goodies he had for the Hindu community and there was nothing. I am looking forward to hear what Prime Minister Kamla has to offer the Hindu community. And yes, she is going to deliver the Debe Campus, the Siva Boys and Parbatie and so many other schools where Hindus stand to benefit.
The reality is that Hindu leaders do make demands on the political directorate but these appear to be myopic rather than for the welfare of the community. I am trying to source a wheelchair for someone and was given a list of numbers to call. I called six of the ten numbers listed. Four went to voicemail and the two that responded asked that I call back in three to four weeks. A few months ago, I wanted a wheelchair for a cousin and after calling several Hindu leaders, I did not get a positive answer. I then called someone who is well known for his charitable nature and he had one which he passed on to me.
With the exception of the Maha Sabha, are there other Hindu leaders who champion Hindu causes? The reality is that these leaders make demands for themselves- assistance for their Ramleela celebration (not the for the National Ramleela Council) or for financial assistance to change the roof of their mandir but never about the Hindu or national community.
Another point I wish to make is that the Hindu mind generally does not go beyond an idea- we need a Hindu school in San Fernando. To develop a strategy and to execute it is beyond our capacity. What inhibits our demand is our fear that our persona and family’s interests may be jeopardized.
I have not touched on the colonial and political past that discriminated against the Hindus and favored other denomination. That was applicable in the past but today the country is more liberal and open where every creed and race find an equal place. The truth is the average Hindu leader is busy building his own little castle where he and his queen can live in style and glory with servants at their behest and lavish dining, belching and farting (passing air).
