rui nuvo responding to Cornel da Costa (inter alia) wrote: 1: Yes, I do belong to the social caste system in which I happen to be a Brahmin. 2: My culture is Hindu. And I am a Christian. 3: Much of what you say I have heard on Goanent ad nauseam eg Brahmins killing Dalits and raping their women
Dears, May I suggest to all you good people that you keep this "caste" nonsense out of the 2008 Convention in Toronto? >From what I understand of Goa and our culture, these international conventions are the last vestiges of Goemkarponn left. The rest of Goa and Goan culture is being wiped out. Please, let us do everything to preserve our Goan culture - and not waste time on useless and divisive issues. For one, Caste plays NO major role in Goa today. Leave the Convention in peace, please. My only other comments re the above points - are as follows: 1: Never mind the spin, the caste system was/is a method of discrimination which took control of Hinduism. The "clerics" took over control of the territory.....and made the rules. In a way, the Laws of Manu were a 'fatwa' of their time. "Clerics" be on top when there are Warriors and Chieftans? Hence.......... religion, God et al . These days, some churches/temples/cults are finding novel methods of relieving the naive of money. 2: I submit that the practise of the Caste System makes one a Hindu - It is definitely unChrisitian. ...as the type of discrimination is contrary to the life and teachings of Christ. 3: The "Dalit" controversy is thicker than one can imagine. It is true that there are atrocities against the Dalits but there are many occasions when the Dalits are used as pawns. I must say that I believe that enough 'leveling' of the playing field has taken place since 1947/1950. I am opposed to any further "reservations" on the basis of Caste / Tribe etc especially in the high tech and highly specialised fields. "walk in the park" fields Ok ...but no further. From now ....only Merit please. just my view jc
