The Hindu : Unity is strength

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Unity is strength

Sir, — The strength and success of our democracy lies in the freedom of the Press. The entire nation, which stood united with The Hindu in its crusade to protect and safeguard our democracy, should be congratulated and saluted.

V.R. Chandran,

Chennai

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Sir, — I am glad that all journalists and right-thinking people have stood united to fight for the cause of Press freedom. When I wrote a letter to Rajaji in 1967, he replied saying those who refuse to be convinced can never be brought round.

V. Ramamurthi,

Chennai

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Sir, — The Press in India has proved its mettle time and again; and I do obstinately look forward to its sincere and honest encore even now without in any way abdicating its relentless and resolute commitment to the freedom of the Press.

Joy Oommen,

Chennai

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Sir, — The overwhelming support, from the Prime Minister onwards to the Defence Minister and the ordinary reader, for The Hindu clearly shows that intimidation and vendetta will not be tolerated.

G.K. Francis,

Chennai

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Sir, — We welcome the verdict of the highest judiciary in upholding democracy and freedom of the Press. While describing the merits of the draft Constitution in the Constituent Assembly, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, in his concluding remark, said "if things go wrong under the new Constitution, the reason will not be that we had a bad Constitution. What we will have to say is that man was vile."

C. Ethirajan,

Chennai

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Sir, — I was shocked at what transpired against the esteemed and well-respected newspaper. It is an assault on the Indian press, nay Indian people.

K.M. Venkatesan,

Chennai

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Sir, — The Hindu is one newspaper that has risen above all kinds of bias and prejudice. It draws a clear distinction between news and opinions; puts out the most diverse and plural views. More importantly, it has devolved the concept of the freedom of the Press to people, especially the vulnerable sections of society. By giving a space to their views, it has supported these sections, which really need media support. Hope the situation gets corrected as quickly as possible.

Akhila Sivadas,

New Delhi

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Sir, — According to Mahatma Gandhi, democracy and dependence on police are incompatible. There is an urgent need to codify the privileges of the Assembly.

A.V. Srinivasan,

Chennai

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Sir, — If you dare confront Mahavishnu, his warriors will rise and quell the riot. This is what has happened in the case of `Mount Road Mahavishnu' also.

T. Padmanaban,

Chennai

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Sir, — The injustice inflicted against you is a disgrace to us.

Y. Makhbool Khan,

Chennai

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Sir, — The Fourth Estate is a guardian of democracy and any action to throttle its functioning will turn out to be a threat to our independence.

There are readers deeply associated with The Hindu while not subscribing to its views.

Quilon S. Krishnamurthy,

Chennai

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Sir, — Anyone who believes in democracy should support reasonable criticism by the Press at any cost.

M.K. Rangarajan,

Chennai

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Sir, — What are newspapers for if not to comment and criticise.

S. Bhaktavatsalam,

Tirupati, A.P.

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Sir, — The Press being coerced this way is condemnable. But, one can also recall irresponsible acts on the part of the print and the electronic media. In our system of checks and balances, as rightly acted upon by the Supreme Court now, what is the protection the country has against an irresponsible Press?

V. Arun,

Chennai

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Sir, — Freedom of the Press does not mean saying or writing anything. It calls for restraint.

M.A. Vasudevan,

Chennai

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Sir, — Newspapers and other electronic media are the watchdogs of democracy.

The decision of the Supreme Court vindicates the stand taken by The Hindu. We extend our moral support to your endeavours.

Sunil Mathew

Thiruvalla, Kerala

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