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TRINIDAD, May 1, 2002: Anantanand Rambachan, professor of religion at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, USA, and a native of Trinidad, wrote in the Trinidad Express recently, “The current violence between Hindus and Muslims in India must stir pain, sadness and outrage among the followers of Hinduism everywhere and be unequivocally denounced.” Another part of his article reads, “Although pained memories of victimhood can stretch long into the past, how far are we willing to reach back into time to resuscitate ancient battles and victimize the innocent?” His article brought a sharp and often personal retort from Parsuram Maharaj of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha. Parsuram wrote, “The Hindu and Muslim communities in Trinidad and Tobago since the time of indentureship have existed side by side in a harmonious manner that can serve as an example to religious tolerance to other parts of the world. … Rambachan also fails to recall that the most important Hindu scriptural texts are delivered with violence as a backdrop. … Hindu incarnations of God always spoke of peace but they were always armed to back it up if the need arose.” Sat Maharaj, Secretary of the Maha Sabha also wrote a response. “Rambachan continues perpetuation of the myth of the weak and docile Hindus.” Rambachan responded to both comments in a further article, “Violence and Hindu Identity.” He said, in part, “What is truly disturbing on this particular issue, however, is the manner in which a text like the Bhagavad Gita is routinely and uncritically cited to legitimize and justify the violence which was unleashed in Gujarat.” The original articles and responses are available in full at “source” above.

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