Vaswani Ram Gulumal was born in Hyderabad Sind (now Pakistan) and grew up there and in Ajmer Rajishtan in India. He comes from a long line of traders and shopowners. As a child he was drawn to the company of holy men (sadhus) and even yearned for a life of renunciation. Once he followed a group of holy men to Durga Kali Temple in Hyderabad Sind but that night he became frightened, started crying and was taken back home. He lived through the wrenching partition of India and Pakistan and, while still in his teens, he became a follower of Gandhi. In 1951, Mr. Ram graduated from the University of Delhi with a Masters Degree in Education. Most of his life Mr. Ram has worked as an educator. He first came to Bali after the anti-Chinese troubles in Jakarta in 1998. Mr. Ram is presently at the Taman Rama School in Ubung/Jimbaran and his book Experience with Untruth is on the way to press.
What is your most vivid childhood memory?
During the separation of India and Pakistan, I became a refugee and lived in the cold deserts of Rajasthan in northwest India. I had to leave my place of birth in Hyderabad Sind only because I was born to a Hindu family. But in India, too, I was treated as an untouchable because I was non-vegetarian.
Who has had the biggest influence in your life?
Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda because of their humanitarianism, their non-violent ahisma philosophies and their belief that all mankind is one.
Did you have any experiences when you were young that shaped your personal philosophy?
When I attended Vidya Bhavan in Udaipur to acquire a Bachelor of Education degree, I became a follower of Gandhi. My life changed and I started wearing hand-woven clothes and took up humanitarian work.
What event in your life made the most profound impression on you?
The experience that money can buy justice. For some people, money is God. These people believe that human values have no meaning. I was robbed of my achievements on false accusations but I have accepted it as will of God. I have no complaints.
What books have had an important influence on the way you think?
The Autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi, the Bhagvad Gita, the Al-Qur’an, the Bible, the legend of Dharmapada and the works of Vivekananda.
What do you like best about your work?
That I am involved in shaping future generations to be morally sound with human values. I try to develop the child as an independent thinker with a social conscience, and to encourage parents to consider the moral and academic growth of their children. Because I have gained insight in human nature, I also derive great satisfaction from my counseling services in which I help solve family problems.
In what ways is the Hindu belief system as practiced in India different from the way it is practiced in Bali?
Hinduism is basically the same as practiced everywhere but the religion is influenced by local customs and culture. Even in India, the rituals and practices of Hinduism differ between North and South. Bali Hinduism is very much ritual-oriented. Compared to India, Bali has many more holidays. I wish the Balinese could be more practical. Too many holidays make people lazy and limits the efficiency of the work force.
It used to be that way in India, but much has changed because of Raja Ram Mohan Roy and the teachings of Vivekananda. Rituals are now more simplified in India. For example, burying a Hindu in India is rare. When someone dies he’s cremated before sunset. Here they bury the remains until they can afford a cremation, which is very expensive. The cost of rituals should be more affordable. I hope Bali’s ceremonies become more economical so followers won’t find it so difficult to remain in the religion.
In what ways can Indonesia improve its image in the international arena?
By upholding more steadfastly to the nation’s Pancasila state ideology, by enforcing the rule of law, by eliminating corruption, and by better preserving Indonesia’s wonderful environment.
What are the most urgent social problems facing the country?
Unemployment, the rising price of land, some peoples’ lavish unconscious living, and the lack of respect and care for nature.
As an educator, do you feel Indonesia schools can be improved?
The education system needs to be liberalized. Schools should be given more freedom to experiment with the way they are run and bureaucratic control should be reduced. Vocational training should be improved and expanded. Gift envelopes to officials should be stopped.
What do you admire most about Indonesia’s educational system?
The schools are encouraged to honor and follow the Philosophy of Budi Pekerti (Humanity).
Which humanitarian programs which you helped initiate have done the most good?
The foster parent program (Orang Tua Asuh), the support of orphanages, the needy and old mens’ homes, our regular blood donation drive and various scholarships such as for hospital ambulances.
Of all the awards you’ve received, which are you the most proud of?
The Messenger of Peace Award from the United Nations Organization in 1987 and the award for The Best promotion of India’s image overseas from The Priya Darshini in Bombay in 1992.
Do you have any future plans or dreams?
We are planning to open an International School and hostel in Bali along the lines of Pancasila.
For anyone interested in being considered for Siapa, please contact: <pakbill2003@yahoo.com>
