Raksha Issue

Hello Shivana,

I sympathize with your concern but I have always taught my teenage (15-17) children that they must stand up for their rights and I will definitely stand with them.

I taught them about their rights and freedoms and also cautioned that they must respect the rights of others. When the bigots in my son’s school tried to challenge him on the issue I raised hell. I demanded that for as long as my tax dollars are expended in the operation of that school, that they will respect my rights.  

Shivana, I envy you. When I was fourteen, I did not have the courage to raise such issues in a public forum. Please continue to stand up for the things you belive in, and believe that things go wrong only when not enough people stand up and speak out.

About your raksha issue -- when I attended CIC a few years ago, our student population was 1/3 non-catholic. As such, there was lots of religious tolerance to those of us from various non-catholic backgrounds. Many students wore their rakshas without any problems.

While I think there might be a possibility that you might face retaliation if you try to speak up, there is a good chance that if you and your friends get together and petition your principal in a rational and unemotional way, the situation might be corrected. Other schools might take note also; this is the ideal situtaion to aim for.

The key is not to attack anyone else but to demand equality. If christian students can wear religious symbols, if muslim students can do the same, then you should never be discriminated against.

If you and your friends cannot meet with the principal and sort this out in a quiet civilized way, then i suggest some parents and some students petition the principal, again in a rational and unemotional way, to treat students equally and with respect to their beliefs. I know a few lawyers who might take that up pro bono if that fails also -- but that should be a last resort.

If you have any more questions, email me via this site. And dont be afraid to state the name of the principal or school doing this. Public attention to acts of discrimination is always good in the long run.

ps. If you havent seen the movie GANDHI, i suggest you watch it and see how much a single person can do without violence, or ill will, and with just conviction. Its not an easy life, but If more of us aspired to be like him, maybe the world might become a better place.

Shivana, I support G's approach. The raising hell approach is to be avoided as far as possible.

In general I've found that with these kinds of issues, understanding why things are the way they are does not help a lot. I've found that defining what is the problem and what needs to be changed, referenced against widely accepted standards works better.

The issue is equality and it is your Constitutional right to be treated equally. So they can't mess you around on that one. (See the Law Section for copy of the Constitution).

Gather your evidence meticulously over a reasonable period of time: dates, time, who said what, what were the issues, and any lawful photographic evidence of objects discriminated against etc.

If you have a spreadsheet of some kind use that to timeline all that happened. While all that data gathering is going on get a few committed parents involved. Work out a plan how to use the evidence to target the big issues. Backup and keep copies of all your electronic and paper documents.

Most of the hard work is really gathering and organising your evidence and strategy. When you present your case to the school in such a well organised way they will quake!

I ask that if anyone knows the names of these schools, to please name them.

I feel that anyone (that means you too Visham) that has FIRSTHAND knowledge of a school doing this, please name the school and the principal.

<<In a certain school the teachers have actually held the hand of the students and cut off the Raksha with a scissors!>>

This should never be allowed to happen, and regardless what the minister says, when we dont speak up, it is us that allows this to happen. Trust me, i'm sure there are a few people in the SDMS who would take up this issue if we prompt them to.

I cant belive we live in a society where not only are we subjected to acts of discrimination, but where we feel so hopeless that we cant get together and fight these things.

I do feel, however, that the indian population is a sleeping giant that is slowly awakening to its potential and power. I doubt that 15 years ago, someone Shivana's age would have spoken so publicly and eloquently. But that's only the first step -- the next step is naming the schools and addressing the issue instead of just talking about it.

Namaskaar, 

People have not notice the importance and critical factors of this situation. A typical student from an affected school would not react to the situation but ask a student who is well intact in their religion (in this case, Hinduism), and they would reveal the seriousness of the matter. As Shivana stated, this is a problem in many schools around the country. It depends on the students to decide whether it should be an unvoiced issue or not. The fact is, because of the lack of interest in their religion or the fear of suspension, students have remained hushed but now the situation is out of hand. While in some schools it has quiet down a bit, students in other schools still are being criticized and as Shivana said, forced to detach their Raksha. In a certain school the teachers have actually held the hand of the students and cut off the Raksha with a scissors! It is our right to practice our religion in public, right? By the way, the main schools which are affected are Government and Government assisted schools. This is even more unjust.

The most popular ‘excuse’ for the creation of the ‘NO RAKSHA’ rule is that of school uniform purposes; it is not the school uniform. I have spoken to a principal and his reaction to my statement, “it is our right,” was disgusting. He said he did not care about it and insisted that it must be worn on the inside of the uniform. I thought he was more intelligent than that! Why would the pundit or Hindu priest tie it on your wrist in the first place? Principals and members of PTAs from different schools have released a statement that has shocked me terribly. As a reply, they announced that they were advised by various pundits that the Raksha is of no religious significance and it can be removed anytime. Out of the hundreds of pundits in Trinidad, they accepted advice from just a few and activated a rule that has affected hundreds of students. In Hinduism and I am sure in all other religions, there are different seas of thoughts on certain issues. No one can change that. I do not blame the particular pundits for the establishment of this rule because they were asked for their view.

Before I end, I would like to inform you, the members of this group and the public, that our Hon. Minster of Education, Mrs. Manning did have something to say about the issue. I was directly in front of her when she answered the following question.... “Are Rakshas and Hijaabs against school rules?” Her answer was splendid until a certain point. She stated on Couva Government Secondary school’s compound on a date that I unfortunately forgot that...... A student is allowed to wear anything according to their religious and traditional background BUT it is still up to the PTA and the office of the principal to allow it.

Now wait, does that make sense?? SHOULD WE ACCEPT THIS? 

We need someone to wipe out the fears of the students and encourage them to protect their rights (To manifest our religious practices in public). We need citizens to speak out on this issue, not only Hindus but all those who are against religious restrictions in schools.  As bad as it sounds, we are taken advantage of because we accept it! Get up make some noise.  Crime is not the only issue affecting citizens. The smelter plant is not the only issue!

Namaskaar

Namaskaar.

I’ve noticed that several of you have agreed to ‘name and shame’ the schools and its administration.

I humbly ask you to consider the state we, those who actually disclose this information, would be in. A couple of weeks ago, Trinidad and Tobago was ‘named and shamed’ as the country with ‘easy and careless women’. By receiving this disgrace, everyone slammed against the girl who caused this. I however, strongly believe her intent was never to be dragged across a stage and man-handled in the way she was. Same would be in our situation, whereby although our intent may be humble, schools, especially ours, would slam against us in such a force, that I am not sure that we would be prepared enough for it.

The reason for this is not because of the fear of ‘going down’, because even Gandhiji had to face falls at times, but it’s more that I believe this step is too drastic. What do you think? I think the ‘name and shame’ concept would raise ‘too much hell’ at this stage and therefore a more theoretical approach should be considered.

The petition is a great idea, as well as accumulating more information and evidence, which will indeed be a greater support, when the idea of disclosing the names of the schools does actually come around.

Also, my addition to what should be done, goes out on a larger scale and generates more support, from not only the Hindu youths, but everyone here, who reads and comments on this issue. Drawing inspiration from Gandhiji also includes abiding by ‘action and not only words’.

So I was thinking, that if there in anyone with media access, or a method by which information can be spread, should take initiative to make a stand as well and support. Yes. I’ve said it. You make a stand as well.

What’s the sense of a petition and proof over a matter, if no one knows what it’s about? Also, what’s the sense of me coming on a website, in which several people who have so much to say, must remain silent? No friends. I am not making you do all the work!

I would not raise a matter and ask you to handle it. Yet, let’s be practical.

I’m only fourteen, and I can only do ‘this much’. So, I ask you for help and support. If you can help make this issue known to others, just as I’ve made it known to you, the youths can progress afterwards.

It is up to you to consider this your problem too. I am truly grateful for the advice friends. But Swami Vivekananda says, “Mark me, then and then alone you are a Hindu when the very name sends through you a galvanic shock of strength. Then and then alone you are a Hindu when every man who bears the name, from any country, speaking our language or any other language, becomes at once nearest and the dearest to you.” This is not only my issue or that of the Hindu youths alone. It’s also that of the people we turn to in trust for help. Please, we need your guidance and support, physically as well.

Namaskaar.

The site has received an anonymous comment naming a school that has asked students to remove their Raksha. Unfortunately no valid email address was included for site admin to verify the information given.

On a matter of this sensitivity and public interest, those who comment can be kept anonymous however, it is only fair that the Site Administrator confirm the content as coming from an individual - otherwise the site may be accused of facilitating some kind of mischief.

Therefore for this particular matter only verified comments or those coming from registered supporters will be published.

It is unusual that those submitting comments should need to remain anonymous on this matter, anyway. The truth should not need to hide behind a cloak of anonymity. 

The factual issue people would be interested in is whether or not students are being compelled to remove their Raksha in the ways Shivanna has described.

Whether such actions infringe any rights is a separate determination, probably to be made in a court of law - if necessary.

This site is not making such a determination. All our supporters and those who visit the site would naturally be interested only to find out factually what is happening with the Raksha issue.

Thanking you in advance for your support and co-operation with this.

Site Admin

Shivanna, Your command of words at this site is not consistent with that of any average 14 year old I know or what I expect from anyone of that age-group. You may be fourteen but it is improbable from my perception and experience that the writing is yours (or yours alone) - that's just the way it appears. This is not an accusation. I'm calling it as I see it - and that's that. If I'm wrong you're the next Vidya Naipaul (a better looking female version we hope).

Leaving that to one side and focusing on what you say in Raksha 2 - which is the real issue - what I extract is that you feel very uneasy about naming and shaming because someone you referred to was the recipient of violence in another name and shame situation. This leads me to think that you fear that individuals in schools will be beaten up. The person  who go get beaten up is the website administrator so they could come over to England and drag him round a stagge if they want. How much children they go beat up in Trinidad any way. Like they want a war or what? 

Look, we can't go backwards and forwards at the same time - and driving a car with the handbrakes right up is not a good idea. Right?

Mahatma Ghandi was willing to face violence and death to bring freedom for people. The people who followed his wisdom were willing to give their lives, and some of them gave their lives. Yeah - ah know - not everybody is a matyr.

If collectively we continue to cower like chupidees and quote gibberish from the likes of Swami Vivekananda - what you expect to get? Not more of the same abuse? When I say 'you' I mean all who promote back-backing when the going gets tough and people are threatened with violence or feel intimidated.

You lead me now to wonder whether Indo-Trinidadian people are complicit in the very abuse and oppression they often grumble about.

First of all, I know many 14 yr olds who could speak the language of English masters. They are more intelligent than most adults I know. I know 14 yr olds who can run the country better than all the corrupted politicians we got.

Secondly, I am also very uneasy about this name and shame idea. After all we are young citizens who must be very careful when it comes to shaming the schools we must attend for 5-7 years. There are many consequences of this but unless these youths have back up lawyers I am sure they would be willing to name them and shame them. Until then, we and the schools must remain anonymous. Danah's problem is different. She didn't shame the school directly because she did not have any thing identifying herself as a student of a specific school.

Anyways, I think the qoute from Swamiji was intended to send a messege to the Hindus who are not intersted in the situatation, encouraging them to protect their culture! It is not gibberish. I too  "wonder whether Indo-Trinidadian people are complicit in the very abuse and oppression the often grumble about" but this is not the case with only Indo trinis. What about the non Indo trinis who object to certain decisions made by the present Govenment? Some would sit and accept the stupidness, while others would get up and voice their opinion. But whether you sleep or get up and fight, our democracy is screwed so badly that we have no say again in any issue! So they are Indo- trini warriors but people fail to acknowledge them. BUT...I dont want to go off topic. So to get back in line, we need support and assurance that we would be protected if anything goes wrong in the process of naming and shaming the schools.

 Another thing, if the school admin must approve of the rakshas, then why was the constituational rights created???

Okay I can agree that there are a few 14 year olds who can do a better job of running the country, and I am delighted to be informed that there are so many budding 'Vidya Naipauls' out there.

Lawyers? What lawyers go do? Come out wid big stick and beat off would be attackers? It seems that fear is so immense, that the site administrator's note that we are not even making a determination out here, has been overlooked completely. Fear blinds perhaps. I am now led to understand that even to 'name' the schools is fraught with such serious danger that we should all shut up and behave like zandoli in we respective holes.

<<She didn't shame the school directly because she did not have any thing identifying herself as a student of a specific school. >> This is completely irrelevant. Let me spell it out. What is relevant is that some schools are demanding that students remove a simple symbol of their religious adherence. It matters not one jot who going to what school or even if the individual providing the information is Muslim, or Rastafarian. Furthermore, the uninivited non-consenting, hostile cutting off of Raksha's from the arms of students, in circumstances not posing risk to self or others, would suffice in the UK as a criminal offence called common assault (battery if you want to be legally precise). The same law applies in T&T. You just cyah hold dong people and cut off they property like that.

<<Another thing, if the school admin must approve of the rakshas, then why was the constituational rights created???>> I hope that is not a rhetorical question? The question is like asking 'Why must we fly aeroplanes when the sky was created blue?' The flying of aeroplanes has nothing to do with the creation of a blue sky. Similarly, the school admin's approval of Raksha's has nothing to do with the act of creation of Constitutional Rights. If you and a sizeable proportion of the population think like that - well things bad. Real bad.

I'll give it to you like it is. Then you could disbelieve me. Then you could check it out for yourself (and yuh doh have to be a lawyer to read and understand a little bit of basic law). And I don't need to be a lawyer to tell you with authority what I say in the next paragraph because it is the most basic knowledge in most countries with systems of government similar to T&T.

Citizens rights are protected by the highest law of the land - the Constitution. All other laws must be consistent and compliant with Constitutional law - and not infringe rights protected in the Constitution. In fact processes and procedures carried out by State bodies or emanations of the State must ensure that they do not act to infringe Constitutionally protected rights. End of story. That is the very big picture. So Ministries must ensure that those acting on their behalf e.g. schools administrations do not breach rights protected in the Constitution.

We are informed out here of circumstances where there is a prima facie case for thinking that citzens' constitutionally protected rights under S4(h), are being breached. But guess what, a whole bunch ah people 'fraid to speak openly. What allyuh doing is compounding and prolonging the problem and faffing around with quotations from Vivekananda.

This matter is not an Indian matter. Though it may affect a few Hindus that does not just make it just a Hindu matter or an Indian matter. I know you did not say that but I just want to delineate the issue. It is primarily a matter of Rights protected in the Constititution. That the matter has has affected a single person 'observing' their religious practice at a school, is the business of the whole country - every single citizen of any colour, creed or race - where they all supposed to find an equal place! Remember? 

Because I am not located in Trinidad I am not aware which schools are banning Raksha's. I want to name the schools. You think if I was to name the schools in Trinidad the heavies would be sent over here to the UK to give me and the site administrators some body music? Man ah looking forward to it! Give me the names of the schools and send the heavies quick!! You think they go start beating anybody who look like a Hindu? Man, get real. Your responses to this matter are frustratingly cowardice for no good reason and appear self-defeating.