:: Letters to Editor

Put a stop to regionalism

Oct 06 : Sir, The talk in the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party manifesto about stopping migration to Mumbai is dangerous and unconstitutional. It is no less unwarranted than the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s motto to seek votes on slogans that are against the national interest. Unfortunately, votebank politics is being played now by most politicians. The economic progress of the state is completely ignored. It is sad that in Indian politics regionalism is taking the front seat at the expense of national interest. I suggest making it compulsory for election manifestos to be approved by the Supreme Court to ensure that no constitutional provisions are violated. Parties that don’t accept this should be banned.

Mahesh Kumar

Connaught Place, New Delhi

Religion is a private affair

Sir, The Supreme Court’s order banning unauthorised construction of any temple, church, mosque or gurdwara in public spaces across the country with immediate effect comes not a day too soon. Cases have lately been reported by the Archaeological Survey of India for people forcibly offering prayers at its sites in Delhi. Bazaars have come up behind unauthorised places of worship at strategic locations. A more stringent court order to demolish such places of worship in public areas would have been welcome. They are a hazard and a nuisance. Public spaces have been usurped by greedy private individuals all over the country for their self aggrandisement, taking advantage of the religious sentiments of the public, while the government and the municipal bodies have turned a blind eye. One’s religion is one’s private matter and should be confined to one’s home.

S. Narayan

Via email

Manna Dey: A versatile singer

Sir, Dada Saheb Phalke Award for Manna Dey was much awaited. Manna Dey is a versatile singer. I am sure he can sing well even at the age of 90. I recall his qawwali number Na toh caravan ki talash hai, his patriotic song Aye mere pyare watan, and his humorous Ek chatur naar. The list of romantic songs he sang is too long to recall.

Mahesh Kapasi

Gulmohar Park, New Delhi

Sir, Renowned playback singer Manna Dey has been nominated for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award for the year 2007. Dey, one of the greatest playback singers of Indian cinema, ruled the playback music scene from the 1950s to the 1970s. He has sung more than 3,500 songs. Manna Dey is a genius and conferring the highest honour in Indian cinema on Manna Dey is, indeed, a time to celebrate.

Aaftaab Kalra

Dwarka, New Delhi

In the name of Gandhi

Sir, This is with reference to the article Gandhi, Chaplin and Modern Times (October 2) by Tridip Suhrud where the writer mentions a limited edition Mont Blanc pen marketed by that well-known company. The name of Gandhiji has already been exploited, not just by politicians but also by the film industry. Now commercial merchandise is also doing so unabashedly. The Mahatma became an icon for his simplicity and non-violent resistance. This is why it is irksome to find people making commercial profits from the use of his name. In this consumerist world we should not be surprised if luxury silk saris come to be marketed in the name of Mother Teresa.

G. Swaminathan

Via email