Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Who are we?

Sir, — I refer to the article "Who are we, the people of India?" (Nov. 6). It says the latest genome research supports long standing beliefs like biological differences between tribal populations and caste population and different language families. It also suggests that this supports the theory that the caste system was imposed by migrant populations. This is scientifically unfounded. Genome research has shown that there is no discernable difference between different population groups: in fact, differences within a group are found to be greater than differences between groups. It is a serious error to attribute social traits, especially man-made classifications like caste and religion, to biological factors. Population genetics is a relatively new field. Rushing to far-reaching conclusions based on hasty research may make this promising new field share the same fate that befell race science and eugenics.

N.S. Rajaram,
Bangalore

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• PEACE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
• OPENING ACCESS TO SCIENCE
• Is the euphoria justified?
• Early elections & TDP calculations
• Sri Lankan crisis
• Iraqis' woes
• Pappapatti politics
• Desperate move
• Make law effective
• Frustration galore
• Who are we?
• Pensioners' lot
• More equal?
• On The Hindu

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu