Sir — This refers to the editorial, “End of a murky cult” (August 29). It is unfortunate that the likes of Gurmeet Ram Rahim are bringing disrepute to the name guru, which is supposed to be an embodiment of righteousness. The swamis of India have always maintained exemplary character and have guided millions of followers towards the path of dharma and holding the key to reemergence of India, that Swami Vivekananda had referred to when he observed, “Shall India dieIJ Then from the world all spirituality will be extinct, all sweet-souled sympathy for religion will be extinct...”.
Nanabhoy Palkhivala, recalling a meeting in New York that was attended among others by Indian political dignitaries and some swamis said, “C Subramaniam prefaced his talk by mentioning the swamis first and the Vice President later. He explained, for the benefit of the Western audience that according to our ancient culture, the man of god came first and the man who had attained worldly distinction came later”. Spiritual luminaries like the sage of Kanchi epitomised the title of acharya ie one who sets an example to others by duly practising what he preaches. It is up to the public to follow the right guru, remembering not to throw the baby out with the bath water.