|
Magazine
Gandhi in South Africa
Apropos “African connections”, (September 30), it was heartening to know that the name Gandhi still spells magic in South Africa. The Mahatma is given the same deference in both nations with strikingly parallel histories. Gandhi was a maverick who opposed the use of machinery for it killed employment. He also despised lawyers and doctors and technology (though he himself was a lawyer) as these professions instilled avarice and greed. He described swaraj as self control. But with medical and technology sectors booming in India, I guess we cannot call ourselves a true democracy with a spirit of “swaraj”.
Gaurav Kumar,
IIT, Guwahati
True, the developments in South Africa brought about radical changes in Gandhi’s life. While he is a source of inspiration across the globe, Indians continue to tarnish his image. Had this not been the case, we would not have to rely upon “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” to interpret the principles encircling Gandhi.
Arvind K.Pandey,
Allahabad
Nehru and Edwina
To a generation of Indians who were fed morbid and possibly apocryphal accounts of the sublime friendship between Jawaharlal Nehru and Edwina Mountbatten, “The day Edwina died” (September 30) is an eye opener. I recall a similar incident when Vallabhai Patel without displaying any emotion put into his pocket the telegram conveying the news of the passing away of his wife and continued to defend his client in a court. Later, asked what the message was, he dismissed it saying “my wife is dead whom I cannot bring back but I owed a duty to save my client”.
C.P. Srinivasan,
Apex, North Carolina
The unpublished diaries of Walter Crocken provides interesting insights into the Nehru-Edwin relationship. That Nehru did not allow his emotions to dominate on the day of her death, is clear indication of Nehru’s concentration. But one thing is sure: Nehru did damage the nation by yielding to the words of Lady Mountbatten.
Inamdar Ramchandra,
Bangalore
Strange disease
It is surprising that the aetiology of the endemic Handigodu syndrome in Karnataka still remains unsolved. It is not enough to just publish articles in scientific journals and hold academic discussions. This strange disease has to be brought to the notice of scientific and non-scientific people through TV clippings, internet blogs so that some solution may crop up to mitigate the suffering and prevent further cases.
G.Swaminathan,
Coimbatore
No common ground
With reference to Samanth Subramanian’s “An exercise in futility” (September 30), it is a million-dollar question why Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was invited to speak at Columbia University. Were the organisers satisfied with the outcome? Did Lee Bollinger get answers to his pointed questions? Surely the visit was an academic exercise, and nothing more than that. With a clash of ideas, closed minds, and with no change of heart, it is difficult to bridge the divide. After all, the U.S. and Iran are two poles apart; there is no common ground.
B.H. Shanmukhappa,
Davanagere
True role model
This refers to Hussain Kodinhi’s “Moving force” (September 30). It is heartening that, despite her physical infirmity, Kariveppil Rabia, never lost hope. Rubia deserves to be commended for her commitment to the cause of women and physically challenged children and for running five special schools for the mentally disabled. She is indeed a role model to those similarly placed.
R. Murali Kumar,
Srirangam
Kariveppil Rabia, the guiding force behind Chalanam, deserves wholesome praise for her dedication to the cause of literacy and empowerment of women. The literacy initiatives and the various empowerment programmes of Chalanam are praiseworthy. A host of awards for her achievements is only befitting. Surely, Kariveppil Rabia is a role model and a source of inspiration.
J. Anantha Padmanabhan,
Srirangam
When adversity conspired against her and wrought havoc on her body, Rabia’s mind stubbornly resisted the ill effects of physical damage and brought about a silent revolution in a remote village in Kerala. She has set an example to those who look for alibis and suffer from self-pity.
P.U. Krishnan,
Udhagamandalam
E-mail your responses to
sundaypost@thehindu.co.in
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Magazine
|
