Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

A misplaced charge

The charge by a section of Muslim clerics that Sania Mirza's dress on the tennis court will have a "corrupting influence on young women" is misplaced. The teenager is the nation's pride and source of inspiration to many upcoming sportspersons. The criticism of her dress is both ill-timed and ill-intended. Such rulings diminish the value of considered opinions.

Manzar Imam,
New Delhi

It is evident that the clerics are only capitalising on Sania's popularity. The tennis star is already under tremendous pressure with fans expecting her to win every match. She is best left alone.

Satish Chavan,
Chennai

Are not the invisible clothes we wear made of hatred, greed and intolerance, more vulgar than what Sania wears on the tennis court? By boldly breaking out of the conservative mould, Sania has become an inspiration to youngsters, far from being a corrupting influence.

Satya Dev,
Hyderabad

All conservative families in India, cutting across religions, have an informal dress code for both men and women though they are not specified by religion. Wearing a short skirt on the tennis court cannot be considered defiance of a dress code. It is in consonance with the nature of the international game. When Sania's parents themselves, as are a majority of Indians, are comfortable with her attire, why should some raise a hue and cry over it? Sania's talent is too valuable to be lost in such squabble.

P. Krishna Mohan Reddy,
Nepean, Ontario

The criticism of Sania is uncalled for. What is even more distressing is its approval by some of the readers. Sports cannot be mixed with religion. Nobody should be compelled to do things in the name of religion.

Religion should be flexible enough to adapt to the modern times. Hinduism has been in existence for more than 5000 years. Will it not be ridiculous to live life according to what was said thousands of years ago? Religion is only a guide, not a rulebook.

Abinash Deepak,
Ramanathapuram, T.N.

The increasing concern over a dress code for women is not without substance. It is time we evolved a societal consensus on it. One may differ with the view of the Muslim clergy on Sania's dress but it needs to be understood in a larger context of declining values in dress sense.

Nisha Gopalan,
Chennai

There is no question that the dress worn by women tennis players is objectionable from the Islamic point of view. It is the duty and responsibility of the clerics to express their views on what, according to them, is a violation of the Shariat.

The mullahs have not said anything that has not been laid down in the religious texts. Nor will they benefit in any way if Sania starts wearing longer skirts. It is up to her to decide how much of the advice she wants to follow. The ball is in Sania's court.

Aman Mohammed Khan,
Aligarh, U.P.

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