M A I L B A G

Voters should prefer the deserving

In his article, “Tragedy of politics: Power brokers are capturing the system” (June 9), H.K. Dua rightly castigates the “power brokers” for turning the system upside down. It is a pity that “politics” in our country has become synonymous with widespread corruption, gross inefficiency and overall lowering of moral standards.

No matter which party or group comes to power, it invariably leaves behind a “stink” of scandals that deeply hurt our national pride. It’s true that barring an honourable miniscule exception, the politicians today are incompetent, greedy and self-centred. Defying the system, many have turned “crorepatis”, overnight!

It is time the people realised that only the deserving candidates are voted to power. There is no dearth of them. It is for the media, the intellectuals, the academia and the honest politicians themselves to educate the masses so that true democracy is restored in the country.

Brig GOVIND SINGH KHIMTA (retd), Shimla

II

To check the politicians’ ways, Governors must act as referees in the game of politics. If politics is carried on judiciously it is okay, but if something wrong is done, the Governor should step in and stop it. This act of Governor would not be challenged in any court of law. A similar practice should be followed at the Centre.

NARENDRA KUMAR, Chandigarh

III

The article is a telling commentary on the prevailing situation where political power is being grabbed by greedy politicians by amassing money through foul means. In fact, money power and political power have become synonymous  these days.

The malady is deep and distressing having engulfed the entire body politic. Scams and scandals involving politicians and high ups in the executive and industry is the order of the day. Faced with complete crisis of confidence in democratic governance, the common man stands bewildered and awe-struck.

How to stem the rot? Stray voices of protest in the media and elsewhere won’t help. Strong public opinion will have to be roused against the sordid money power politics by evolving an appropriate forum at the national level. Let right thinking persons ponder over it and initiate such a step. The public response will be enormous.

S.C. MEHTA, Panchkula

Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Of providential utterance, for mortals to guide, Granth Sahib was by Guru Arjan Dev compiled. Emperor Jahangir tried to put pressure on Guru. To add praise of Islam and Mohd. too. Guru said, “No, it’s to sing only praise of Divine”, Jahangir imposed then Rs one lakh fine. Minister Chandu had to settle personal account, Whom Guru handed over to realise amount, Chandu when didn’t succeed in coercive art, To savage acts he decided to resort. Fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj, Spiritual guide, martyr for spiritual cause. In scorching heat in month of June, On red hot plate in summer at noon, While sitting calm, wanted nothing to say, But only this that God I pray “Submitting to your will tastes sweet, Pray, give Nanak your Naam treat.” GURCHARAN SINGH LEHAL, Chandigarh

Religious harmony

Apropos the news-item, “Arya Samaj to remove offensive words from book” (June 11), I, as President of the World Council of Arya Samaj, propose to initiate a series of dialogue between scholars from both sides to transcend differences and heal hurt feeling, if any. It is not my intention to rewrite or alter the original text of Maharashi Dayanand.

There is, however, a real need to offer appropriate footnotes on texts that are likely, if misunderstood, to disrupt the harmony of religions. This would help, additionally, to explore and honour the spirit of Satyartha Prakash and promote spiritual solidarity for social transformation.

What is envisaged is not changing and chopping the text of Satyartha Prakash but the incorporation of explanatory footnotes so as to avert misinterpretation and to make true meaning of this great and demanding text clearer to contemporary readers.

Maharashi Dayanand was against dogmatism and obscurantism in religion. He strove for solidarity of all religions by promoting better understanding between them. He also pioneered inter-religious dialogues for which he was condemned by religious obscurantists. The Light of Truth (or Satyartha Prakash) calls for open minds towards each other.

Openness to religious reform, in Maharshi Dayanand’s view, is a sign of spiritual robustness and in a multi-religious society like ours it is vital for the health and wholeness of our country.

SWAMI AGNIVESH, New Delhi