Editor,
I read with great interest the article by Benjamin Lyngdoh titled “A Spectacle called LGBT ” (August 29, 2017). It was indeed a matter of great pleasure to perceive the kind of sensitivity that the author had on the need for our society to start recognising and appreciating the existence of the LGBT community. It has become imperative that we as individuals are made aware of the essential acknowledgement of the existence of this community. The author has put forth a number of questions before us to start finding answers to in order to bring about a change that would be overwhelming for all in the society. Thank you for igniting a spark that must not be doused.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email
A new cult following
Editor,
This refers to your thought-provoking editorial “National Shame” (August 29, 2017). CBI Judge Jagdeep Singh deserves kudos for his verdict of 20 years imprisonment for rapist Dera chief Ram Rahim.There are several notable self-styled gurus that have faced criminal action or are presently lodged in various jails across the country in numerous sexual assault cases.
The self styled Babas in our country are good for nothing and they want cheap publicity, money power & fame and are looting the gullible followers and indulging in nefarious activities. Singh is one of the several self-styled godmen and cult leaders to be embroiled in scandals in recent years. Today’s gurus have built hundreds of ashrams across the globe and run flourishing businesses in everything from herbal medicine to meditation and yoga workshops. They travel in luxury cars, glide past airport security and are guarded by gun-toting police officers and bouncers.
As India becomes wealthier and increasing numbers of people feel left behind, they turn to gurus for spiritual and material sustenance. The new generation of guru is, however, less the wandering ascetic, and more a powerful, flamboyant personality, often rich, and with the means to summon supporters on to the streets. Though health, well-being and spirituality are what they all profess, some like Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh have made it to the headlines for the controversy they create, like financial irregularities, sexual abuse and, sometimes, even murder. These modern-day mega-gurus are nothing like the wandering saints of ancient Hindu religious texts, who meditated and lived on alms, renouncing all worldly possessions. Don’t we think in the past two decades, spiritual life in the country has undergone a transformation as Indians embrace hectic urban lifestyles and move away from their cultural roots of village-based worship?
Yours etc.,
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad – 15