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Dear Editor,
The CNN article "Indian school names monkey god chairman" (Saturday, June 7, 2008) is a false and trivial representation of Hinduism. The article invokes a mocking and deeply offensive tone. It belittles Hindu practice and fails to accurately explain the action of the Sardar Bhagat Singh College of Technology and Management.
The act of instituting Lord Hanuman as chairman of the school's board is symbolic. It is done as an act of worship and with the recognition of the supremacy of God. It is also a commitment to the values that Hanuman represents, including devotion to duty, service, and humility.
The Ramayana, a principal text in Hinduism, presents Hanuman as an articulate, intelligent and a resourceful servant of God. Hanuman is not viewed as the supreme Creator God in Hinduism. He is a model of a servant of God. Characterizing Hanuman as a "monkey god" fails to capture his true meaning to Hindus worldwide.
Thank You,
Ishanaa Rambachan
Media Relations
Executive Council
Hindu American Foundation
www.hafsite.org
The Hindu American Foundation
is a non-profit 501(c)(3), non-partisan organization, promoting
the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance
and pluralism.
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