India's Ashram Industrial Complex
India's Ashram Industrial Complex is being held up by three pillars. Babas fill a gap in society—the dignity and sense of belonging, however illusory, that organised religion has failed to provide so many Indians.
The Godman Problem
India has a godman problem, and Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati is only the latest entrant on the dishonour rolls. Last week, Saraswati, who is the director of a private engineering and management institute in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj and a self-styled spiritual guru, was arrested after being on the run for a few days.
- Seventeen women students, all scholarship holders from economically weaker sections, have accused him of sexual harassment, obscene messages, and forced late-night visits to his room.
I wish I could say I was shocked by this horrible news, but shock requires novelty. I am only fatigued by the tedious predictability of it all.
The Charges Against Saraswati
The charges against Saraswati are drawn from the modern Indian baba starter pack. The checklist includes:
- Sexual exploitation of vulnerable women.
- Hidden cameras installed in the women’s hostel for leverage.
Author's summary: India's Ashram Industrial Complex faces a godman problem with sexual exploitation cases.