Dear Editor,

I am a young Hindu and I was shocked and upset to read that a group of people calling themselves the Guyana National Diwali Committee are holding a Miss Diwali Pageant.  I grew up knowing that Diwali is associated with Mother Lakshmi, puja and prayer. In mandir, we are always told about the divinity of women and how they should cherish themselves and not put themselves in situations where they can be exploited. Putting our women up to parade amidst a rum-drinking crowd is totally against the Hindu beliefs. It is gross disrespect to Hindus and women to misuse a sacred festival like Diwali.

Shame on the Diwali Committte! How could Mr Samtani say that he’s bringing back standards.  If he is, he should not be a part of this attempt to desecrate our beautiful festival.
Diwali is as sacred to the Hindus as Eid and Good Friday are to the Muslim and Christian communities.

Hindus stand up and let your voices be heard; speak out against this pageant.

Yours faithfully,
Reshmi A Singh