Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Of intolerance

This refers to the editorial “Culture of intolerance” (Feb. 25). The changing trend of Indian culture is evident from the recent happenings in different States. Raj Thackeray’s call to evict north Indians from Maharashtra is a clear trespass on their constitutional rights. Their fundamental right to freedom of movement and occupation has been challenged. In the case of protests against the film Jodhaa Akbar, it is the freedom of expression that is at stake. In both the instances, it is political opportunism that is to blame.

No community or group, however strong, can grab power or dictate the course. Coexistence and tolerance alone can ensure peace, prosperity and stability in a multicultural society.

C. Petson Peter,

Kochi

Mughal emperor Akbar was an embodiment of religious tolerance. Even if Jodha was Jahangir’s wife, as argued by those protesting against the film, the concept of religious tolerance remains intact. Instead of learning from the message the film conveys, they are unnecessarily finding fault.

Those who instigate intolerance, be it regional (hatred against north Indians in Mumbai) or cultural (as in the case of Jodhaa Akbar and violence during Valentine’s Day), should learn from our past. They will find wonderful examples of tolerance and liberalism.

Rohit Gupta,

Shimla

The acts of vandalism in cinemas screening Jodhaa Akbar bear testimony to yet another instance of the state’s failure to protect the freedom of expression. The film’s director should be lauded for choosing a historical subject. Even if the film is 70 per cent fiction, surely, a lot of research would have gone into it.

When a government suspends the screening of a film under pressure, it exposes its vulnerability. The Madhya Pradesh government disappointed many who were eager to watch one of the most awaited movies of the year. It should bear the loss incurred by the producer and take responsibility for failing to protect the basic rights of its people.

G. Guruprasad,

Chennai

One wonders what has gone wrong with our minds which are becoming increasingly parochial. The beauty of democracy lies in a confluence of dissenting opinions. Let the values, culture, and beliefs of people remain what they are. Perceptions should not be forced on others.

Let us not deprive the masses of the freedom to judge a work of art on the basis of their learning, perception and entertainment value. Let the people, not a few sections, pass the verdict on Jodhaa Akbar.

Shubha Gupta,

Jaipur

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