Letters from Readers
Tendency to dismiss Gandhi is malicious propaganda
It was quite shocking to read the article in the February issue of Khabar by Neera Kuckreja Sohoni (“Perspective: A Man for All Seasons”) and to know that many Indians are finding fault with Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy. I have admired him throughout my life. He was a man of revolutionary ideas like civil disobedience, nonviolence, and Satyagraha (adherence to truth). He has been admired by friends and foes alike both in and outside India. I don’t know any other leader whose statues are in so many countries of the world. This shows deep admiration for him.
I think the current trend of dismissing Gandhi and what he stood for is malicious propaganda by ultra-Hindu nationalists. If one insists on it, one can find fault in any person and even Gods. Was it right for Lord Ram to kick his wife out when she was pregnant with his children (Luv and Kush), or was it a publicity stunt? Was it right for Lord Krishna to ask young ladies who were taking bath in a pond to come in front of him to get their clothes? I am sure he would have passed the chastity experiment if there were video cameras in those days.
There is nothing wrong with a pluralistic and allinclusive secular vision for India. It has been a secular country for the last 75 years and should continue to be so. As long as all citizens follow the law of the land, there should not be any discrimination against any person based on caste, religion, or country of origin. Gandhiji’s ideas will guide people for many centuries, if not a millennium.
Ajay Mehrotra
Greenville, SC
Share your disappointment with the films RRR and Kantara
After reading your editorial in the February issue (“A Philosophical Take on Movies”), I think the author and a fast dwindling few of us may be “the last of the Mohicans” when it comes to appreciating movies of a certain caliber. Movies like Anubhav, Koshish, Choti Si Baat, Ryan’s Daughter, and Sling Blade are still deeply etched in our gray cells.
I realize it’s a new generation and hence different tastes and outlooks. But then whether it’s a book or play or cinema: for it to qualify to be called that, there used to be what’s called a standard of identity. For example, mayo can’t be called by that name unless it has minimum of 65 percent vegetable oil.
After watching RRR and Kantara and not coming across any real story thread, I was left with the question posed in Wendy’s old advertisement where a perplexed old lady, almost my age, asks: “Where’s the beef?”
Jayant Kamicheril
by email
What’s on YOUR mind?
We welcome original, unpublished letters from our readers. You could either respond to a specific article in Khabar or write about issues relevant to our community. Letters may be edited for length and other considerations. Longer submissions by readers may be considered for the “My Turn” column.
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