Latest update January 9th, 2025 4:10 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Alcohol and conversion

Mar 26, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

I do sympathize with Mr. Harripaul and anyone else who has to suffer the foolishness of a drunken state of others. Who has not had to bear that burden? What is offensive about his letter is that he thinks conversion to Christianity is the answer. I can assure everyone that here in the USA the vast majority of alcoholics identify as Christians. Our Hindu weddings, as a rule, disturb no one. Where beer, wine and whisky are quaffed, it is in moderation.
In 2019 I toured much of populated Guyana, often speaking at Hindu temples. I was made aware, and even experienced a taste, of sloppy, inebriated behaviour at the wake of a recently deceased Hindu. Several of my Hindu hosts bemoaned the high rate of addiction among their friends and family.
During a lecture tour in rural India I was exposed to the same problem. It seems that, as in Guyana, there is no real concept of “social drinking.” This would be defined as having a drink or 2 in an evening that might put one in a relaxed state, Apparently, unless one is mentally obliterated, more drinks must be consumed.
But the key here is not conversion. Hinduism offers more than enough parameters on behaviour that would, if followed, end this problem. What is needed is detailed alcohol education that begins at a young age and strong social support for those caught in addiction that will lead to recovery. The conversion campaigns I saw during my trip there confirmed guesses that part of the problem of a fragmented Hindu community is proselytization. Finally, I applaud Hindu priests who refuse to officiate at weddings where booze is served. This is a noble effort. I pray that more will follow the lead of such community stalwarts.

Regards,
Fred Stella
Member, National Leadership Council
Hindu American Foundation

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Seven Regional Champions to vie for direct promotion single spot in Elite League Season Seven

Seven Regional Champions to vie for direct promotion single spot in...

Jan 09, 2025

Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is set to commence the highly anticipated Elite League Qualification Playoffs on Saturday, January 11, 2025. This knockout-style...
Read More
Kennard Memorial Turf Club expresses sincere gratitude

Kennard Memorial Turf Club expresses sincere...

Jan 09, 2025

Canada-based Guyanese Umpire Suresh Budhoo excited to officiate at upcoming IMC Over-50 World Cup in Sri Lanka

Canada-based Guyanese Umpire Suresh Budhoo...

Jan 09, 2025

Anil Beharry Real Estate and Related Services contributes to CWC Bomb Squad award ceremony

Anil Beharry Real Estate and Related Services...

Jan 09, 2025

Alarm in West Indies over radical two-division plan for Test cricket

Alarm in West Indies over radical two-division...

Jan 08, 2025

After 18 years hiatus, West Indies arrive in Pakistan for Test series

After 18 years hiatus, West Indies arrive in...

Jan 08, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]