:: Letters to Editor

U.N. charter is well-balanced

Oct.13 : Sir, The article UN’s caste charter is a boon, not liability (October 9) by Nitish Sengupta is well-balanced and well-informed about diverse subjects. It welcomes the United Nation Human Rights Commission’s draft Charter on discrimination based on "birth or descent" on the ground that India, by assenting to the draft, will derive strength in fighting off the pernicious Mandalisation and casteism in Indian society. I doubt if Indian politicians, whose bread and butter is divisive and communal rhetoric, will allow this to happen. But I am astounded at Mr Sengupta calling for a "ban" on Manu Smriti. Which version of this heritage document does he want to ban? Does he justify the ban based on a few slokas in this amazingly prescient and wise compilation? Applying similar standards to several highly offensive passages in the Old Testament and the New Testament, not to mention the Quran, would he ask that they too be banned? Wisdom consists not in burying heritage literature but working sincerely for changes in contemporary society from time to time to suit changing human sensitivities and values, showing in the process how heritage literature should be evaluated for its applicability in contemporary times.

R. Venkatanarayanan

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

aDVANI’S STANCE IS RUINING BJP

Sir, It is a pity that Venkaiah Naidu had to clarify that L.K. Advani will not contest the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Mr Naidu may be used by Mr Advani to send a subtle signal to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Mohan Bhagwat not to be under the false impression that Mr Advani will resign before his term comes to an end. While the voters have no grudge against Mr Advani, the fact remains that his attitude and behaviour is ruining the party. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is beyond repair. Even if they come to power in Maharashtra with the crutches provided by the Shiv Sena, it won’t help the BJP because the Lok Sabha election is too far. In the meanwhile, they may lose somewhere else. Karnataka is one state where the BJP may lose power the day the Congress wants to step in.

M.H. Nayak

Mumbai, Maharashtra

VENKI IS VIRILE, NOT SERVILE

Sir, This is with reference to the news report PM congratulates Venki for chemistry nobel (October 9). Indeed yes, but one must also keep in mind some of the personal traits and lifestyle of the Tamil Nadu-born Nobel prize awardee. Venki, in the process of bringing laurels, pride and rare honour to his nation of birth, has also clearly outlined his feelings on the prestigious award, proving undoubtedly that his humility is virile and not servile. These days, when one often clamours for awards and recognition, here we have another who still believes that there is indeed no award greater and possessing more credibility than "public recognition". Well said, indeed.

Jaya Venkitachalam

Via email

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Nobel Obama: bit too early?

Sir, I would like to express my happiness as well as concern over the recent controversy about US President Barack Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize. I am happy because his efforts have been recognised and appreciated worldwide. As we all know that Mr Obama’s works are in progress and yet to yield any positive result, I would have been happier if he would have been honoured so after he showed some positive results. Recognition should follow good work, and not vice-versa.

Subrata Bhattacharyya

Via email