An open letter

Sir, - With reference to the two-part article ``An open letter to Bangaru Laxman'' (TheHindu Oct. 10, 11), it is to be stated that the articles written by Ms. Gail Omvedt and people like Mr. Kancha Illiah create an impression that the present day Hindu society is still struck with infirmities (real or imaginary) of Vedic Age and Manu Dharma.

This is far from truth. It is well-known that the Hindu society is highly adaptable and readily adjusts itself to changing times. Articles of the above said writers only serve to increase the caste and class hatred.

R. S. Sri Rama Murthy,

Hyderabad

Sir, - This refers to the open letter of Ms. Gail Omvedt to Mr. Bangaru Laxman containing some rhetorical questions.

I have the authority of the late Sri Kripananda Wariaar to say that Guru Drona did not demand the right thumb of his telepathic disciple. Ekalavya himself wished to offer some gift to his revered teacher. The latter then asked for what the disciple values most in him. Immediately the disciple happily surrenders his right thumb. Drona could have anticipated this and the likely consequence of this not happening: Duryodhana would have enlisted his support offering a kingdom as he did to Karna and it would have been even more difficult for the Pandavas to survive.

Rama wished to demonstrate that rulers should set an example for the subjects. So he banished Sita to the forests. He too could have followed her by abdicating, as he was not a power-seeker, but stayed in order to be of service to the people. He chose a life of brahmacharya and austerity instead of remarrying and enjoying royal comforts. He ate simple food and slept on the bare floor.

Finally the writer's hunch that Ravana could be the better of Rama because he did not touch Sita is frivolous. He did not touch her because of a curse that his heads will shatter into pieces if he forced himself on a woman.If you believe in one aspect, you have to believe in the others too.

R. Narasimhan,

Chennai

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