We can all learn from Lord Rama

THE EDITOR: Ram Leela is now open theatre and Divali is soon to be here. What lessons can the world of humanity and Trinidadians and Tobagonians learn from that great model king, ruler, husband, mighty Lord of all worlds —Lord Rama. Firstly AIDS is rampant in this country — tens of thousands of people are in a living-rotting condition, for that is the disease of HIV. When Lord Rama married Seeta, he promised her that unlike other kings, he Rama, will have only Seeta as his wife. This vow of monogamy could, and would, save millions of people from the dreadful disease of AIDS. Certainly one may get AIDS otherwise, but sexual promiscuity, licence and general laxity in morals is the main cause for the spread of AIDS. Secondly, a great war in Iraq has taken place and daily, poor Iraqis and Americans are dying with no sign of peace, indeed, omens of a wider, more dirty guerilla war and terrorism exist.

President Bush could have followed Lord Rama, by appointing or anointing a new Iraqi as ruler of Iraq before he started the war, thereby legitimising in the eyes of Iraqis the new government, immediately. Lord Rama, indeed, crowned Bhibheeshan, the brother of the demon king, Rawan, before he invaded Lanka, the territory of Rawan, and so the government of Lanka was immediately accepted by the people in that conquered state. Thirdly, in the time of Rama’s rule, there was liberty, security and prosperity and peace during his reign. Ajodhya, the capital of India, produced the best of goods — cloth, food, architecture, government justice, public institutions, commerce and diplomacy. Excellence and quality on the one hand, and virtue or dharma on the other are the two legs of civilisation, the peak of which was attained during Rama Rajya — the Royal Rule of Lord Rama. Long live Rama!

ROOPNARINE SINGH, MD
Chaguanas