Latest update December 12th, 2024 1:00 AM
Not correct to say Mr Swami
DEAR EDITOR,
Reference is made to “Political Stunt” (Oct 16) to correct usage of the honorific and respected title “Swami” and “Ji” by one Dr Annie Balliram. Swami is not his name and Aksharnand has been ascribed to him by gurus after becoming a Swami. It seems that Dr Balliram is not familiar of Swami Aksharnand. Otherwise she would not have referred to him as Mr.
I applaud Dr Balliram for chastising the Swami. I hope she will also assail all those from all organizations and political parties who abuse their supporters or mislead them down a labyrinthine abyss of which they will never climb out.
I do not subscribe to the attack on the character of the President or on anyone. I leave that to politicians. Rather than attack the President, the court should have been used to challenge his legitimacy if one feels he is illegal. There being no challenge, the conclusion or assumption many would make is the President is legal. The party’s supporters feel he is legal while the opposition feels otherwise. The CCJ could have pronounced definitively on the issue. Why the reluctance to go to court? It reminds me of the unwillingness to challenge the illegality of the Burnham constitution. As academics, we must be objective and hold all leaders accountable and not selective slamming a few and leaving some unscathed. We must be above the fray not part of the fray.
I will not prejudge the Swami and or the reasons for Swami Ji inviting the President as the main guest at the school’s graduation ceremony. I would not like to be in his shoes. It is a tough call that was or is bound to have consequences either way. It is an internal decision making of the school management’s committee and it should have taken into account the views of the community and other stakeholders. I don’t think it was his decision alone. I hope all stakeholders played a role in the decision making. The SVN should have done what was or is in its best interests. And in making a decision, one also must take into consideration of how SVN was treated by previous governments. Which government better serve the interests of SVN and its constituents? Which one least disrespected SVN and which one has been most helpful to SVN? The Swami is not above criticism. But in boldly criticizing the Swami would Dr Balliram and others also be equally courageous in criticizing their own leaders of organizations or political party when they act against the interest of their supporters? Did their party (whichever one they support) act in the best interests of their supporters? If not, did Dr Balliram or others ever speak out?
I presumed Annie is a Hindu but even if she is not, she ought to know that Swami itself is a title and a highly revered one. There is no need to place Mr. in front of this honorific title; it is inappropriate. If she did not know or was unsure of the meaning and usage of the term, she could have asked religious leaders or elders or those in the know for advice. One does not say Mr Pope, Mr Pastor, Mr Reverend, Mr Father, Mr Imam, Mr Bishop, Mr Archbishop and Mr or Ms for other religious titles. Swami is an achieved and conferred title after one goes through a rigorous course and training by seniors (gurus) in India. After being conferred a Swami, a name is given. Aksharnand is the name chosen and given by the learned gurus of Swami-Ji.
Annie correctly used “Ji” at the end of the name. It is okay to say Swamiji and Aksharnand-Ji and Annie-Ji. One need not say Ms. Annie-Ji though not incorrect. The Ji is the title of respect for the person and used at the end of the name or title.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram-Ji (PhD)
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