RAM NAUMI - LESSON 2: RAVAN – VIBHISHAN : ABILITY TO SPEAK THE TRUTH WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR

Thakur Ranjit Singh

This is the second lesson from Ramayan that you may not have heard before in such light, with relevance to modern man.

After the King of Lanka, Ravan “stole” Lord Ram’s wife, Sita, and heard that Ram’s battalion was on its way to Lanka, he called a meeting to take views of his advisers. All of his Ministers advised him to go to war with Ram, as they felt Ravan was invincible, unbeatable, so they voted for war.

Ravan is the type of demon king who only wants your advice if you tell him what he wishes to hear.

However, Ravan’s brother, Vibhishan advised him not to go to war. He stated that it did not suit a King like Ravan to commit this cowardly evil deed of stealing someone’s wife, therefore he should return Sita to Ram and seek forgiveness and peace him.

Vibhishan was very brave to stand up to Ravan to remind him about his mistakes. Ravan is the type of demon king who only wants your advice if you tell him what he wants to hear.(Remember some people you know like that?). Anybody doing otherwise would suffer the consequences.

Vibhishan pleads to Ravan and tells him that Ram is God and Ravan has abused his powers. Clasping Ravan’s leg, Vibhishan prays and tells him that “where there is wisdom, prosperity of every kind reigns; where there is lack of knowledge, misfortune is the inevitable end. This is from the famous Chaupai (quadruplet): jahan sumati tahan sampati nana, jahan kumati tahan bipati nidana.” 

Ravan claims to be all powerful and chides Vibhishan for taking the enemy’s side. He tells Vibhishan to go and join the enemies if he so much loves them. Ravan then kicks his younger brother while he was clasping his feet. That kick and departure of Vibhishan was the beginning of end of Ravan. While departing, Vibhishan gave advice to them in this Doha:

“Sachiu, vaidh, guru tini joh, priya boleh bhay aas; Raj dharam tann tini karr hoi beghi naas”

When the three: a Minister (adviser), a physician (doctor) and a religious preceptor (guru, teacher, mentor) – these three use pleasing words from fear (darr) or hope of reward (lalach, greed), the result is that dominion (country) health, and faith – all the three forthwith, go to dogs (meet sad end).

This is very good lesson to people who have false fans, followers or admirers because either you are rich or powerful. People will butter you because of greed, or fear.

Vibhishan pleads to Ravan and tells him to come to his senses, return Sita to Ram, and seek forgiveness and peace.

A lesson in real life of this lesson is the fall of Mahendra Chaudhry’s peoples Coalition Government on 19 May, 2000 in Fiji. Many Vibhishans came to advise Chaudhry to shed his trade-union type arrogance and behave like a statesman Prime Minister, but he ignored all advice. He was wisely advised not to grant permit for the march which resulted in his overthrow. But he ignored that advice.

Yours truly, Thakur Ranjit Singh also joined in as a Vibhishan to tell him to improve his ways in Radio Fiji’s Fiji Hindi programme ‘Tanik Humri Bhi Suno. (Hear me out, dude). 

I ran this programme at Radio Fiji in 1999-2000, among others with Dinesh Sharma and Zarina Begum Reece. Gyan Prabha Nand and Veena Bhatnagar (now an Assistant Minister in Bainimarama Government) from Radio Fiji were the anchors. In one crucial programme that resulted in death of our programme, we had pleaded with Chaudhry to get rid of his arrogance, show some respect for Chiefs and Fijian institutions, and win support of ITaukei population. 

Like Ravan, he kicked us out from the programme and was not prepared to listen to what he did not wish to hear. With his Communications Assistant Minister Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi, they shut us off from Radio Fiji and canceled our programme and assaulted freedom of media and speech. This was also an assault on democracy which gave him an overwhelming majority that made him Ravan -like. And his government was assaulted in return by the Fiji Times' partisan news coverage and George Speight. And the rest is history.

Unfortunately, while many sing Ramayan, they fail to appreciate this bold lesson taught by Vibhishan: even if your brother is wrong, stand up for righteousness, peace, and truth. There is shortage of such people with courage of standing up to ills in the community. 

Many are afraid to walk the talk of religious teachings. Because of my obsession to do right things, I generally find myself ostracized by the rich, mighty and influential in our community, who like Ravan, get offended when they do not hear from me what they wish to hear. 

Some rich and powerful in our community hate Thakur for speaking boldly what he thinks is right. It is for this reason that some Indian media in Auckland used to black-ban Thakur. This is for the truth I spoke against these media organisations.  Their rich and influential proprietors, like Ravan, think they could also kick away this Vibhishan.

Even some of the elites have told some organisation I associate with, that they will not donate if Thakur is associated with them. Hence, we have the Ravans of Kaliyug lurking around us, kicking Vibhishans, who speak the truth. But Vibhishan keeps on keeping on.

Ravan tells Vibhishan to go and join Ram, if he so much loved him. Ravan humiliates and abuses him, and kicks his younger brother who was bold enough to speak the truth. He chases the one speaking the truth, at his peril, and the whole of Lanka perished.

We just hope, the pracharaks and pundits preaching Ramayan, and in particular, this episode, try to relate it to current times. We still have arrogant Ravans around us. And like Ravan’s Ministers and advisers, many still, for fear or hope of reward, (darr or lalach) advise and tell them what they wish to hear. 

What our society needs is more Vibhishans who can stand up to Ravans of modern times and make a difference by speaking the truth that many amongst us are afraid to do. Unfortunately, I personally find myself punished and side-lined for being the Vibhishan amongst us. And this is generally by those who purport to be disciples of Bhagwan Ram. Wah re prabhu ke bhakt (Hail hypocrisy of such prophets and followers of Lord Ram)

I hope you will learn from the teachings of Ramayan. Do not be a fearful bystander - speak the truth, be honest and liberate your loved ones by speaking the truth. Point them out, like Vibhishan, if they are wrong.

One learned philosopher said: FOR EVIL TO TRIUMPH, IT ONLY TAKES GOOD PEOPLE TO DO NOTHING - Be like Bhakt Prahalad - speak up truth against evil, even if it happens to be your father. May you be like Thakur - speak boldly against injustice and evil you see, even if you become unpopular for doing so, or get a kicks like Vibhishan from Ravans of our community.

May you be blessed by Shri Ram in Ram Naumi - and always. 

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a blogger, a media scholar and a person who has been singing Ramayan since he started reading Hindi over six decades ago. He is former Secretary of Nasinu Branch of Sanatan Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji. He advocates Ramayan pracharaks and those conducting discourse to IMPORTANTLY preach about the relevance of Ramayan to modern man, instead of repeating stories we already know about.]

RAM NAUMI - LESSON 1: AVOID “MANTHRAS” OF MODERN TIMES - GOSSIPERS AND BACKBITERS.

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Ramayan for modern generation is full of teachings that are very relevant to us. But the lament is that in many cases, people sitting on vyas gaddi, or pracharaks, those delivering lectures, do not take this opportunity to make a link between Ramayan’s teachings and it relevance to us today for the modern man.

Many people tell the same old stories of Ramayan we have been hearing for decades. We all know it, BUT HOW ARE THEY RELEVANT TO US TODAY? FIJI PUNDIT will tell.

The relevance of Ramayan for modern men (new generation) is to be careful of an evil "Manthra" who plants seed of discord, disunity and infighting between peaceful and loving families and friends. So be warned against such Manthras, discover them before they can cause you misery. And do not fall for them. 

I will fill that vacuum over this period of Ram Naumi. The first lesson that I wish to speak on is the “Manthra”, the backbiter, the ‘chugalkhor”, the gossiper, the spoiler – the one very near to the family, but who does great damage to family unity. Yes, something that I have personally been through, being victims of people who belong to religious organisations, act as devoted people of Gods, but never learn anything from the real teachings of scriptures. There are many around us. Be careful of those who talk about others. They will start talking about you as soon as you leave. This brings discord in the family, between brothers, sons, sisters-in-law and many other relatives. Many of you may have been through this situation.

In Ramayan, Kekei was very loving “mother” to Ram, and Ram mutually loved her very much. So did Ram’s father, Dashrath, for whom this love for Kekei became a “fatal attraction” (as he loses his life in fulfilling the vows he gave her). She was one of the three Queens of King Dashrath. He lost his life for a “vachan”, promise or vow he had given her in time of vulnerability in a war. Kekei was almost unaware of it, till her servant from her father’s place, Manthra, reminded her of this on the last night before Ram's coronation. 

Manthra” filled the ears” of a hitherto loving mother, Kekei, with false situations that she would be rendered as a slave queen and Kaushalya (Ram’s biological mother) would become the Queen Mother. In the greed to become Queen Mother, at insistence and “filling the ear” by Manthra with evil thoughts in a loving family, Kekei halts Ram’s coronation and had him banished and exiled to forest for 14 years, while announcing coronation for her son Bharat. However Bharat (also called Dharam Raj or the righteous one) rejects this, insisting that the eldest brother, Ram should rightfully be the king. He oversees the kingdom of Ayodhya in trust for Ram, till his return 14 years after the exile. (One of the reasons for which we celebrate Diwali)

Be careful of modern-day Manthra spreading the seeds of disunity in families.

But the problem we have in Kaliyug, our modern times, is that we stopped producing righteous and selfless brothers like Bharat. We are full of selfish people, brothers, who have been singing Ramayan for decades, but still failing to learn much from the half-brotherly love depicted in Ramayan – the sacrifices that a half-brother Bharat does for his elder brother Ram. Ramayan is full of very noble and good teachings for modern men, but unfortunately, much of these are not practiced, or imparted by those preaching Ramayan. Most often, they tell the story only, and abstract teachings with little relation and relevance to current times.

Hence, the lesson we should learn from Ramayan is to be careful of people like “Manthra” –the modern day Manthra, masquerading as your friend and relative, but in reality, holding much malice against you and your family, and spreading false rumours or feeding others with gossip that causes rift in the family. 

Some audience may feel bad and assume that such teachings and lessons refer to them. Too bad, if the hat fits you, and you happen to be acting like “Manthra”, the gossiper and backbiter, then put the hat on.

Improve yourselves from lessons and morale delivered by Ramayan. No use going to the Katha, eating prashaad and food, (and some consuming grog) and going home. It is a waste of time-you have been doing this for many years, in fact decades. Abse sudhar jaao - improve from now.

Manthra feeding the evil thoughts in the mind of Queen Kekei - the type of people we need to be wary of in modern times who feed us with lies, distortions and divisive information which ultimately results in destroying peace and family unity.

We have a Fiji-Indian saying that if somebody tells you that a crow has flown away with your ears, DO NOT RUN AFTER THE CROW- FIRST FEEL YOUR EARS AND SEE THAT THEY ARE INTACT. What that means is that do not fall for such rumours and unfounded second-hand gossips.

ESTABLISH THE FACTS BEFORE MAKING ANY RASH DECISIONS. 

Kekei -the face of good turned evil by a backbiter Manthra, in 'the latest Ramayan serial, "Siya Ke Ram"

Please I hope you will learn from the teachings of Ramayan to be careful to avoid falling victims to “Manthra” of modern times. They are lurking around you, both as males and females, as friends. Many may be your  relatives. I know some of them, but they do not know that I know - but I remain careful-and do not give a damn to what they say.

A tell tale sign is, they will say -"koi se batana nahin"..do not tell others. So, be warned and be blessed by Shri Ram. 

This has been the first lesson from FIJI PUNDIT.

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a blogger, a media scholar and a person who has been singing Ramayan since he started reading Hindi over six decades ago. He is former Secretary of Nasinu Branch of Sanatan Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji. He advocates Ramayan pracharaks and those conducting discourse to IMPORTANTLY preach about the relevance of Ramayan to modern man, instead of repeating stories we already know about.]

Waitakere Ethnic Board AGM hears of Multiculturalism, and praised for promoting it

Thakur Ranjit Singh

On a very pleasant morning of Saturday, 5 March, 2016, I found myself at Kelston Community Centre in West Auckland. It was the occasion of 12th Annual General Meeting of Waitakere Ethnic Board (WEB). We were to get an update on achievements of WEB. It was notable for another reason, as the present and future of Auckland Council were the keynote speakers. Council’s Deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse and Mayor-in-Waiting, Phil Goff graced the occasion with their presence. At this Kelston Community Centre, I got a bout of nostalgia. Some ten years ago I had a dose of multiculturalism at the same venue by an ethnic person in a seminar organised by WEB on concerns of ethnic communities.

Faces of diversity at Waitakere Ethnic Board AGM

In an Ethnic Board workshop in 2006 at the same venue, I had the opportunity to listen to an interesting anecdote from an Asian speaker. This migrant had an uncanny ability to laugh at his own predicament, which is a great human virtue lacking in many today.

He said that if a pregnant woman had to give birth while in an Auckland taxi, she would be safe. And that you would be luckier to have a heart attack in one of Auckland's public buses. This is because the chances are that the Indian taxi driver is doctor, or the Chinese, Malaysian or Singaporean bus driver is a cardiologist.

Both these classes of people and similar professionals are forced to give up their profession which they had practised for most of their lives in their home country. Their qualifications allow them to migrate to New Zealand in the general skills category but when they get here the reality of job market in Auckland hits them. This was covered in a New Zealand Herald opinion piece by this writer.

Patron of WEB and Deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse: She says that DNA of diversity promoted by former Waitakere City Council is being emulated at the Super City.

Therefore it was nice to hear Councillor Penny Hulse speak about multiculturalism, and it appears that much needs to be done, while much has also been done in the last decade. As an export of former Waitakere City Council to the Super (Auckland) City, she spoke about the practices of the Westy Council which always tended to celebrate diversity. “We are proud that the DNA that our former Waitakere City Council possess has been taken on board by the Super City. And we are proud of Waitakere Ethnic Board to have always lighted the flame of diversity,” she said. She spoke about many instance and forums WEB held to promote understanding and goodwill.

The next speaker, MP for Mt Roskill, Phil Goff, also spoke about diversity in Auckland, and so many diverse community festivals, notably Lantern festival and Diwali, and how the cultural landscape of New Zealand was made more colourful by resourceful migrants. 

Mayor-in-Waiting, Phil Goff: Ethnic communities can have some comfort with somebody who represents Mt Albert Electorate with some 40% of people being non Anglo Saxons (Non-Europeans). They can be assured of an Ethnic -Community -friendly Mayor in him. This especially is good news for WEB, who are good friends with Phil Goff.

“Auckland has changed by us embracing diversity and respect for other cultures where we happily celebrate Chinese New year and Indian festival Diwali and other ethnic festivals. The city today is richer for the migrants we have,” the future Mayor said (Phil Goff has thrown his name in the mayoral election to be held next year, and FIJI PUNDIT him to win.) For an MP who comes from Mt Albert electorate which boasts a large percentage of ethnic and non-Anglo Saxon (Non-European) voters, Phil Goff is well placed to silence the critics (including your truly) who claim Auckland Council to be too White. Phil Goff’s ability to work with various communities, and his acceptance by National Party movers and shakers is a plus Auckland Council needs. Especially its ability to work in partnership with government to address crucial issues such as housing and transport. (So much for campaigning for the next Mayor)

Now, coming back to reality of WEB AGM. The current president of Waitakere Ethnic Board has gone through apprenticeship in this job, as he tagged along with his father, Reverend Amail Habib, when he used to be the president. So Habib Junior (Boaz) is well-placed to have a vision for WEB.

Face of diversity and Ladies Power at WEB AGM

“Going forward we will continue to build on our strong relationships with the Council and the Local Boards and representing our ethnic communities. Our message to the Council and Local Boards is 'Trust, Engage and Communicate' with your ethnic communities. The Waitakere Ethnic Board is committed to doing this by championing the causes of ethnic diversity, inclusion, fairness and equality,' he said

He further stated that he believed the Waitakere Ethnic Board has tremendous potential to do good for the community as it has demonstrated till now. “We continue to stand in the gap for our ethnic communities. The future of the Waitakere Ethnic Board is its ethnic communities and our future direction is intimately linked with them” the president, Boaz said.

The following nine executives were confirmed as elected: Boaz Habib, Shirley Freeman, Malvindar Pal Singh, Andy Cawston, Derek Lim, Mehzabeen Aziz, Cristina Pitas, Melissa Inouye and Francisco Hernandez. At the same time, Rajeev Vasudeva, Kwan Lim and yours truly, Thakur Ranjit Singh retired as executives.

Current Executives of WEB present at AGM. From Left:Cristina Pitas (Romania), Andy Cawston (Canadian),  Dr. Melissa Inouye (Chinese/Japanese), Francisco Hernandez (Philippines), Malvinder Pal Singh (Acting Treasurer-India), Shirley Freeman (Acting Vice President WEB-Guyana), and Dr Boaz Habib, (President, WEB (Missing- Derek Lim and Mehzabeen Aziz)

On the future direction of WEB, Boaz outlined the following major strategies for the coming year. These, among others included:

--   Building WEB presence in the Whau region especially New Lynn area

-    Building on our existing relationship base with Local boards and Auckland Council 
      and getting greater involvement in ethnic issues so they remain well informed 
      on the currency and importance of ethnic-centric issues, and

-     Continue to have more ethnic community relevant forums to raise awareness 
       and continue to be the voice for the marginalised.

With firm and strong leadership at WEB, there is no doubt they will achieve their goals. We wish all the best to the new executives. But very importantly, we pray that the leadership of the next Auckland Council can walk its talk on inculcating real multiculturalism in the Super City – there has been much lip service-now is the time for some genuine action. Thanks to Waitakere Ethnic Board in being our Marshalls in hoisting the flag of diversity. 

[Thakur Ranjit Singh is a former executive of WEB and served in the position of Media and Community Liaison Officer. He runs his blog site FIJI PUNDIT and still aims to fill the vacuum of media eclipse on ethnic issues by the mainstream and side stream media. He strives to cover ethnic issues, especially the controversial ones, swept under the carpet by a predominantly White media]