Why blame others

Sir, - This refers to the article `The President and the press' (The Hindu, April 24). Mr. K. R. Narayanan is quite right in commenting on his reference by the French media as ``untouchable'' as a true reflection of what the media back home had been writing about him.

From the time Mr. Narayanan's name was proposed for the country's top position, the Indian media went cracking stories centred around him which is but natural. Instead of disseminating information about his impressive credentials, diplomatic skills and other achievements as India's ambassador, the media thought it fit to project his dalit-roots, which was a bit unnatural. The media thus spent more time on his ``moorings'' than on his other qualities. It is these writings by our media that have come to the aid of the French media during his visit to France recently. Under the circumstances, what is the point in blaming others?

That the President did not take any serious notice of the French media reports is altogether a different issue, and, clearly reflects not definitely his dalit-roots but his diplomatic skills.

On April 23, a report appeared in the press stating that the Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, had a ride in an auto driven by a `dalit-woman.' One is at a loss to understand why the media should project or glorify the dalit factor.

V. S. Jayaraman,

Chennai

Sir, - The President has every reason to be annoyed and resentful with the Indian media for the latter was responsible for the Le Figaro episode. The Indian media never ceased to call him a dalit President ever since he was elected to that august office. It is a pity that the media did not seem to have any recognition for Mr. Narayanan's services to the nation in various capacities.

There is no such word as `dalit' in the English language; if the Le Figaro innocuously thought `untouchable' as a synonym of `dalit' and described our President as such to please the Indian media, only the latter is to be blamed.

A.S.K. Raman,

Srirangam (TN)

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