The move to indoctrinate the society into Hinduism has been subtle, with talks of it being a part of initiatives to foster mindfulness and peace.
Last year December, Hindu practitioner and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was welcomed by government officials during a visit to Jamaica to offer two public addresses at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston and the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Montego Bay. Among those who met the well-known spiritualist was Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
“The Government is, as we have announced previously, seeking to instrumentally and strategically integrate peacebuilding within government policy for the individual, for the community and for the country, and the Art of Living Foundation and other such strategies work to support the group thoughts, to determine and help to determine policies that impact the root cause of violent behaviour through the promotion of peace in communities,” Holness said during the meeting with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s visit to the island was sponsored by the Art Of Living Foundation. Chief Executive Officer of the Amber Group, Ambassador Dushyant Savadia, who is also a director of the Art of Living Foundation, was present during the visit and handed over US$5 million to Holness to “advance critical initiatives in education, rural development and prisoner rehabilitation across the country.”
The letter of intent for the assistance was presented to Holness following the meeting with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at Jamaica House. According to a JIS report of the handover, the Foundation has supported over 3000 inmates through its prisoner rehabilitation programmes and has worked extensively in inner-city communities, schools, youth and corporate entities, promoting emotional resilience and positive attitudes. Savadia, who was appointed the country’s Special Investment Envoy for Technology is a meditation teacher who had first come to Jamaica more than a decade ago to teach meditation.
Christian family counsellor Dr. Nicole Holness warned at the time of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar visit that the church should not take his coming lightly.
“I do believe that there is a push to incorporate Hinduism in Jamaican schools, hospitals, and the society in general. It is sadly a part of a global move to institute a one-world religion, which will be a big mixing pot of all religions as syncretism. As Christians, we must heed the clarion call to move out of the four walls of the church, the building, and begin to aggressively evangelise, teach, disciple, and pray for the salvation of our citizens in the Christian faith that has been tried, tested, and proven and is the backbone, the bedrock, the foundation of our heritage,” she said.
The Prime Minister has been forging stronger bonds with India in recent times. Holness met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year prior to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s visit to the island. Modi won his third term as Prime Minister of India a few months after he raised eyebrows by visiting the underground site of ancient Dwarka. Dwarka is the city of Lord Krishna. Modi offered prayers for Holness at the time. The Prime Minister also took part in several Hindu rituals during his maiden visit to India, including the lighting of the diya, which is used in the Asian religion to drive away darkness and bring in light.
Holness, who just won his third term as Prime Minister for the country, was accompanied by Savadia and others during his visit to India. The India in Jamaica High Commission issued a congratulatory message to Holness on September 4 after his historic win the day before.
“India-Jamaica relations are deeply rooted in historical and cultural ties and based on shared values, democracy and people-to-people linkages,” the High Commission said in the statement posted on its Facebook page.
The High Commission also posted pictures from the Sahaja Yoga meditation tour that recently concluded in Jamaica.
“The event brought together over 80 participants, including yoga enthusiasts, highlighting growing popularity of yoga and increasing affection and love for yoga and meditation in Jamaica,” it said, in describing one of the tour days in August.
About 80% of the Indian population regard themselves as Hindu.
