The Hindu : A tarnished model

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 05, 2002

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

A tarnished model

Sir, — I am deeply distressed at the recent carnage in Gujarat. India, in the last few months, was finally being celebrated and recognised in world opinion as a secular, multi-religious, vibrant democracy _ a model for the world. The recent events have been a `black mark' _ as the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, described it. However, it is incumbent on Mr. Vajpayee and his Cabinet to be in Gujarat taking charge and not just pleading for peace.

Two wrongs do not make a right _ the killing of Hindus on the train should not allow a revenge of this magnitude.

It is shameful that the Central and Gujarat Governments, the Sankaracharyas, and all the self-styled Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders allowed the retributions to happen. All of them have degraded the pristine philosophy of Hinduism.

India should be a stellar example to the world of how a vibrant, secular, democracy celebrates all religions and protects all its citizens. That is India's strength and also its biggest challenge. I am deeply distressed that the fabric of India is being torn by misguided hoodlums.

It is a shame when the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharaf, and Amnesty International demand safety of Muslims in India _ when all these years India has ensured the safety of all its citizens.

Rameysh Ramdas,
San Jose, CA, U.S.

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