CRIME SOLUTION LIES IN GOD — PROFESSOR DEOSARAN

“I would like to be an advocate for spirituality as a fundamental solution to crime and violence” — Professor Ramesh Deosaran

We have for ages heard it from the clergy. Now we hear it in unequivocal terms from the secular professor. Prominent criminologist, Professor Ramesh Deosaran, has made it absolutely clear: “Without the principle and awareness of spirituality and people attaching themselves to an awareness of the Almighty, there will always be crime and violence.” Deosaran was delivering the feature address at the awards ceremony hosted by the Haji Ruknudeen Institute of Islamic Studies, which was held on July 21, at the Gulf City Auditorium in La Romaine. In expanding on his position, the Director of Criminology and Criminal Justice announced, “I would like to be an advocate for spirituality as a fundamental solution to crime and violence.” It was a distinct display of maturity and honesty by the professor. So many times we have professionals of the intellectual calibre of Deosaran, who avoid openly admitting the extremely vital role of moral and spiritual values in crime and other social ills. For some strange reason they seem to espouse the view that such a perspective will diminish their esteem and weaken their position. They seem to prefer the route of “sounding intellectual,” and attempting to impress their audience, at the expense of reality, honesty and truth.

In the long run it is to the virtual or actual peril of these “experts,” since their “impressive” fa?ade may attract the applause of an audience, but it certainly fails to impress the facts of reality. The eventual failure becomes starkly visible and credibility is inevitably compromised. It is not that a scientific approach to problem-solving, in social matters or otherwise, is a bad thing. Certainly not. But the ridiculous lop-sidedness in the face of horrific reality that’s frighteningly worsening faster than the speed of light, is what’s hard to stomach. People who care beyond the point of merely protecting and preserving a selfish bias, simply do like Dr Deosaran, who has frankly described spirituality as “a fundamental” means of solving the crime problem. In his delivery, Deosaran continued, “No matter how many jails we build and how much longer the court sentences, there is a need for personal choice and self-responsibility.” Even in acknowledging that there is a legitimate and necessary place for the courts, protective services and the penal system, Deosaran observed that, “those things will not necessarily help in preventing the spread of crime.”

The professor, who indicated to the audience that he was at present conducting research with the aim of incorporating spirituality into crime prevention programmes, challenged the religious heads at the function to press on with their spiritual initiatives. All around us the evidence continues to be prominent. Those who are truly committed to a sound moral and spiritual course have no difficulty in living a crime-free life. This is primarily what makes the difference between the law-abiding decent citizen and the criminal. This is also what makes the difference in the life of an ex-con who decides to turn a new leaf. Most times the real change comes when such a person “turns his/her life to God.” Excellent examples are found in Pentecostal or “Born Again” churches. We have quite a number of transformed criminals. As Dr Deosaran implied in his address, it is time for everyone, everywhere to place greater emphasis upon the matter of enhancing our value system, with respect to encouraging and practising a lifestyle consistent with solid character. This will take a concerted effort on the part of parents, the Church, the education system, the politicians, the Government, the media, the protective services, the courts and the prisons.

We will most certainly have to pay attention as to who we exalt or project as role models to our young people. Are the vulgar entertainers, with their filthy and violence-provoking music, the ideal role models for a nation that’s seriously interested in fashioning a culture of spirituality, morality and peace? And what about the diabolical flood of television shows that’s fraught violence? How serious are we about ridding ourselves of the drug demon? How can we do this when so many of the heroes we promote for our younger generation are known drug users in the entertainment world and otherwise? Many of them openly glorify the evil in music and by other means. There is a lot of work to be done in seriously embarking upon a meaningful course of moral and spiritual character development. It is however quite a reachable goal. We must honestly face the facts of the challenge and be very sincere in the relevant endeavours. Anything less will be an exercise in delusion.