M A I L B A G

Let’s develop a liberal attitude

The bomb blasts in Delhi cinema halls in protest against the film ‘Jo Bole So Nihal’ are most unfortunate. ‘Sat Sri Akal’, almost a translation of ‘Satyam eva’ just express the faith that Truth ever prevails and is ever victorious (Jayate). While it may be interpreted differently (The Timeless Person is the sole existent), the central idea of the chant remains the same: Whosoever recites (Jo Bole) that Truth prevails, is blessed with happiness and contentment (So Nihal). The mantra has nothing to do with the heroics it has come to be associated with.

Banning films or books is, however, a different matter that rarely has anything to do with religion. The sacred books of one religion are critical of other religions. Shall these be banned for this reason?

We have to adopt a liberal attitude and go with the person who said, “Truth is one, people speak of it differently.” The producer of the film has a right to his interpretation, just as I have to mine. In any case, asking people to protest against a film they have not seen is not my kind of logic or religion.

Dr L.R. SHARMA, Solan (HP)

II

I don’t know why Maj-Gen Himmat Singh Gill (retd) has demanded a ban on the film ‘Jo Bole So Nihal’ (Letters, May 14). There is nothing in the film or in the title which denigrates the Sikh religion. The greatness of Guru Nanak, Kabir, Jesus Christ or Swami Vivekananda is not confined to their respective religions. Instead, their greatness transcends all the religions and they belong to the entire humanity.

S. GARG, Bathinda

III

We don’t endorse the ban on the film ‘Jo Bole So Nihal’ in Punjab or anywhere else. It is indeed a good film, provoking fun and laughter. It speaks of the bravery, firmness and truism of the real Sikhs. The film has in no way hurt the sentiments of the Sikhs. It reveals the true faith in ‘Wahe Guru’ or the ‘Almighty’.

The story is also not intended to distinguish between Jatts and non-Jatts. Sunny Deol has not been knowingly given the name ‘Nihal Singh’. It’s just a common name like ours. The jakara of ‘Bole So Nihal Saasriakal’ reveals the power of God and faith in Him. It also speaks of the theme of the film.

SOURABH BAMBA, RAJAN CHUGH & OTHERS, Ferozepore

IV

I watched the film ‘Jo Bole So Nihal’ on May 15. It is not a disgrace to the Sikh religion. On the contrary, it depicts how the Sikhs are nice, loyal, brave and fun loving. Sunny Deol’s role explains the Sikhs’ love for their Gurus and their respect towards their country and families.

The film is one of the best action comedies that I have seen since ‘Rush Hour’ and ‘Munnabhai MBBS’. It is a positive and enjoyable film. Some people are criticising it without watching the film. This is unfair.

UDIT VINAYAK, Student, YPS School, Mohali

V

One reason why India is not progressing is because some people are bent on fomenting trouble on any issue, big or small. I live in Sydney and here the film ‘Jo Bole So Nihal’ was well received. I have also discussed about this film with my Sikh friends; they have no objection.

On the one hand, India is called a secular country. On the other, leaders of the religious bodies seem to politicise the issue just for publicity. As one hailing from Chandigarh and closely attached to The Tribune’s web edition everyday, I feel, we should come out of these small issues and focus our energy on more productive things.

SANJEEV SHARMA, Sydney, Australia

Privatising schools

I would appreciate the Punjab government’s move to hand over government schools to the private sector. In the long run, it will not only improve the education standards but also save huge money towards the teachers’ salary and maintenance of school buildings.

Private school teachers are paid much less compared to those in the government schools. Yet, the results of private schools are much better than government schools. If this scheme is implemented, education in these schools should also be cheap so that even a poor child can afford it. Secondly, children of the locality should get admission in the school.

Dr RAJESH GUPTA, Narwana