Nominate democratically

This letter refers to the editorial titled ‘Sacred agents’ published on 1st Jan 2009. The topic chosen for editorial is relevant. The protests against government’s decision to fire the priest of Pashupatinath are going on. I agree with the editorial view the intervention in the selection of the priests; other necessary reforms are urgent making the Pashupatinath temple an institution inclusive and universal. But few other points are also need to be considered. Financial irregularities should be raised to reform the religious institution. I disagree with the view that this decision violates the deep rooted tradition. The government to reform like allowing non-Brahmins to be priest, opening the entry for all, etc. But presenting an editorial viewpoint of defending the nontransparent priestly tendencies does not sound logical. If the editorial view is for revoking the situation that existed before the April uprising of 2006, there is nothing to say. Otherwise, sustaining those priests for corruption and irregularities must not be voiced anyway.
The editorial sounds logical in the matter of making appointment at the will of the people who are engaged in the religious institution. I strongly support the view of appointment of the priests should be passed through others involved in Pashupatinath temple. But the doubt of financial irregularities must be made transparent. The priests must be kept at the house and passed as other heads of the institutions are done. Social audits and hearing are essential to further democratize the current decision-making process of the government.
By Rudra Pangeni
Rudra.pangeni@gmail.com