Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Attack on institute

Sir, — The plundering of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute by a mob in Pune is shocking. The hawkish and brutish forces, in their moments of insanity, have not only caused irreversible damage to thousands of rare manuscripts and other priceless articles at the institute but have also brought disgrace to the nation by displaying reprehensible intolerance.

Chhatrapati Shivaji in whose name this misdeed has been perpetrated would not have approved of this manner of protest. Shivaji's greatness and place in history are not so fragile as to be destroyed by any author. The vandals have only exhibited their own narrow thinking and destructive mentality that need to be condemned by all right-thinking persons.

K.P.S. Chauhan,

New Delhi

* * *

Sir, — The ransacking shows the lack of knowledge of and respect for history. The "Sabhaji Brigade" has proved that it is no better than the invaders who destroyed the great libraries in Takshasila and Nalanda. Such incidents will keep taking place unless proper awareness is created among the masses about the value of these institutions.

Gopu Bhaskar,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The institute has done pioneering work in Indology and is internationally renowned. Citizens must understand that such attacks are not only against the treasures of the country but also our liberal traditions. India will be no different from a totalitarian state if such trends persist.

H.N. Ramakrishna,

Bangalore

* * *

Sir, — The incident is a reflection on the leaders who incited those who perpetrated it.

T.S. Gopal,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The plundering shows the pitiable condition to which our centres of learning have been reduced. It also points to the growing tendency to politicise history for vested gains. History should be left to historians for debate and inquiry.

Nasruddin Khan,

Aligarh

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