Dear Editor,
I refer to Pandit Rajin Balgobin’s letter (‘Berbice Hindu Society denounces Miss Diwali Pageant, GC Oct1) and wish to respectfully state that I think he has his Diwali events mixed up. I do not believe that at any time the Diwali contestants tried to portray Mother Laxshmi.

It is the annual motorcade (greatly admired by most Guyanese), which has young ladies portraying Mother Laxshmi. This motorcade which is organised by the Hindu Dharmic Sabha, is a beautiful line-up of vehicles, filled with beautifully dressed women, as well as men and children singing bhajans. Is the problem here really the young women dressed up as Mother Laxshmi, or is it the “young, jeering, mocking, vulgar” men who taunt these beautiful, young lasses sitting in the motorcade? These young men are our own brothers and sons. With all due respect to Pandit Balgobin, let’s recognise the real problem in our society. I think mothers, mandirs, schools, and religious leaders need to teach the irresponsible men in our country to respect our sisters, mothers and daughters. Let’s reprimand and correct the real culprits here. It’s about time we learn to treat our womenfolk with more respect! If they choose to dress up in saris or wear make-up, it’s their God-given right! They should be allowed to do so without the men in our society chastising, teasing or taunting them!
Yours faithfully, 
Geeta Singh