The Hindu : World Social Forum

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 22, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

World Social Forum

Sir, — The opening speech of Arundhati Roy at the World Social Forum is what George Orwell described as "the truth none dares to tell, feels uneasy to think of, finds comfortable to ignore".

Every word she uttered was meaningful. Her idea of remodelling the salt satyagraha of Mahatma Gandhi is a good and effective way by which even ordinary people can make an impact on the world.

Mohan Gopal,

Arizona, U.S.

* * *

Sir, — In her inimitable style, Ms. Roy has highlighted the sufferings of the voiceless both at the national and global level.

She has graphically described the octopus-like domination of new imperialism and neo-liberalism.

D. Pitchumani,

Usilampatti, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — Ms. Roy is right in saying that we have to beat them at their own game. For that, we have to adopt the good old Gandhian strategy of non-cooperation.

V. Narayanan,

Ranchi

* * *

Sir, — This refers to the text of Ms. Roy's speech published in Insight (Jan. 18) and her mention of 80,000 deaths at the hands of security forces.

While every life is precious, it should be understood that security forces do not kill for fun. And militants do not throw flowers — they throw grenades.

A number of security personnel have laid down their lives in Kashmir. The circumstances in which they operate are not easy.

Rajendra Gholap,

Thane, Maharashtra

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