Astounding observation

Sir, - This has reference to your Editorial ``A dangerous agenda'' (The Hindu,Oct. 10). The Editorial informs that the RSS chief, Mr. K. S. Sudarshan, has ``proffered to the Christian community in India... that it should establish a `swadeshi church'.'' The Editorial then comments: ``In a subtle change of tack, the RSS chief has brought in the `swadeshi' concept and sought to portray the `foreign churches' as the villain since they involved themselves in `disruptive and divisive activities'.'' So far so good. Then it makes the following astounding observation: ``Nothing could be more sweeping and irresponsible an allegation than this, given the irrefutable fact that Christian missionaries have over the decades done a commendable service in the areas of education and health, for instance.''

One is highly tempted to say: ``A Daniel come to judgment!'' I am not commenting, nor am I in a position to comment, on the merit or demerit of the above-cited piece of advice the RSS chief ``proffered'' to the Christian community in India. Nor am I questioning or doubting the wonderful contribution made by the Christian missionaries to our country in the domains of education and health. What I wish to comment on is the logic or the argument marshalled by the Editorial for not suspecting any Christian missionary for his/her possible involvement in ``disruptive and divisive activities'' in the country.

Because the Christian missionaries have done over the decades ``commendable service'' to India, does it mean that they should, like Caesar's wife, be ``above suspicion,'' even if in some individual cases evidences of the above-cited allegations are found valid or mouthed? The point is not mere pronouncements or announcements of ``evidences'' or ``allegations,'' but to examine closely how far the evidence or allegations are sound. If found valid - no matter whatever the enormous contribution one may have made to the country, - then no person, however exalted his/her position or social status, can be above the law of the land.

Bibhas Jyoti MUTSUDDI,

Pondicherry

Sir, - With reference to Mr. Sudarshan's statement and your Editorial, it is quite a serious and dangerous development on the part of Sangh Parivar leaders' multipronged attack on the minorities, specially the Christians both physically and phychologically. I have a strong belief in my religion which in no way hinders my patriotic spirit towards my nation; so is the case with the Christian community. Christians are second to none to demonstrate their integrity towards this nation. A true Christian is a true patriot too, because our holy book teaches so. Because the Christian community is patriotic, we have a commitment to uplift the unprivileged, underprivileged and neglected people of this nation in different spheres like education, health and social service and the beneficiaries are mostly majority community fellow brothers and sisters only, unlike the Sangh Parivar which is out to create hatred amongst the people of this nation. It is better for the Sangh Parivar leaders to understand that fundamentalists have failed utterly all over the world and their goal to saffronise the nation would ruin the nation.

S. Dhanaraj,

Arakkonam (TN)

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