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

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