The following letter was sent to VNN in response to an article by Sriman Hansaduta Prabhu which referred to His Holiness Jayadvaita Maharaja, simply as "Jayadvaita."

Dear Editors of VNN,

Danadabat Pranam and Jaya Srila Prabhupada.

I am deeply concerned that a news network that purports to serve the Vaisnava community should choose to ignore the basic tenets of Vaisnava etiquette while publishing letters from its readers.

The recent story from Sriman Hansaduta Prabhu carries the caption: "Just what is Jayadvaita's point?" I am surprised that the editors did not think it prudent to change it to: "Just what is Jayadvaita Maharaja's point?"

Talking about a sannyasis simply as "Jayadvaita" or "Narayana" does not seem to reflect the standard of humility that Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the crest jewel of sannyasis, expects us to adhere to.

Even if Sriman Hansaduta Prabhu had referred to Sripada Jayadvaita Maharaja as "Jayadvaita," VNN's editorial policy should allow for appropriate changes to be made to the text. This would be in keeping with VNN's self-proclaimed standard of publication that allows criticism without offense.

I am also surprised that VNN has allowed Hansaduta Prabhu to indulge in name-calling even though VNN's statement of purpose categorically states that publications "must not contain any offensive language (e.g. name calling)." In the article, Sriman Hansaduta Prabhu has called Sripada Jayadvaita Maharaja the following names:

1. Infantile Clerk,
2. Putana,
3.Bogus,
4. Lying, cheating gundas and their editors.

Will the editors of VNN please have some mercy and explain whether the standards of publication you have set for VNN are only meant for obscurity or whether they will actually be followed. If so, how did this letter that broke two of your standards filter through your editorial supervision?

Incidentally, I have seen this careless reference to sannyasis on VNN reserved for ISKCON sannyasis only. Is there any special reason for this?

Your servant,
Romapada Dasa,
London

© dipika.org May 19, 2003