Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Values threatened

Sir, — Your Editorials `Stop the VHP' (Feb. 19) and `Sectarian musings' (Feb. 22) were prophetic predictions of the violence and bloodshed that Gujarat is witnessing today. The recalcitrant and regressive stance of the Sangh Parivar is satanic. No religion preaches violence and God values the preservation of human life much more than temples, mosques and churches. All Indians must condemn communalism in all its forms.

The Prime Minister's sectarian musings, Advani's `proud association' with the rath yatra, and Narendra Modi's proclivity to pamper the saffron brigade need to be critiqued and challenged. Your Editorial `Horror in Gujarat' (March 2) rightly reiterates that, ``what is at stake is the nation's integrity and uniquely pluralistic character.''

Mother India is multi-religious and multi-cultural. Sant Kabir reminds us: "If Allah be within the mosque, then to whom does this world belong? If Ram be within the image which you carry on your pilgrimage, then who is there to know what happens without? Look within your heart, for there you will find both Ram and Rahim. All men and women of the world are God's living forms.''

Francis Gonsalves,
Chennai

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