In grip of caste-ridden politics

THIS refers to the editorial “Kalyan force in UP” (Nov 29). Despite the claims to the contrary, the strategies of all political parties and their leaders’ intra-party status are governed by their casteist influence on various sections of society. When in the early nineties Mr Kalyan Singh came to the fore in UP it was mainly on the appeal of Hinduism to overcome caste differences. The BJP used the Dalit leader to lead the Ayodhya agitation and perform the “shilanyas” ceremony of the Ram temple. Now when he has been made a martyr to no particular cause, the BJP is trying to fill the vacant slot with another Dalit leader, Mr Om Parkash Singh, only with casteist objective, as Mr Singh is a Kurmi leader.

On his part Mr Kalyan Singh is trying with the idea of pursuing either the Kamandal route (by reviving the Mandir issue), or adopting the Mandal brand of politics (befooling the backward castes for their empowerment). Either way the sole aim is to whip up casteist feelings either among the Hindus or among the backward castes.

Whatever the grouse or offence of the rebellious leader, the truth for the common Indian remains that our politicians cannot rise above the caste-ridden politics. “Opportunism and vested sectarianism” is the phrase fit to describe the mental anatomy of an Indian politician. Ironically, Prime Minister Vajpayee has forcefully assured the nation that “the days of populism and sloganeering are over”.

I wish our leaders seriously meant what they professed day in and day out!

VED GULIANI
Hisar

Conversions: why at all?

This is with reference to the write-up “Conversions: why so much hue and cry?” (November 29) by Mr Abu Abraham, saying that change of religion should be at least as easy as changing one’s passport. In this regard, I may say that it is God who gives us our parents and our religion in accordance with the laws and principles of creation. Religion is not something to be imported from somewhere outside. It is one’s own genuine nature. It makes a man out of an animal.

We cannot change our parents, our motherland, our mother tongue, our brothers, sisters and other close relatives. How come that it is only religion which is being considered so insignificant. In fact, it is as serious a matter as disowning one’s parents. Those Indians who have settled in the USA and Europe and may opt to become citizens of the country they have settled in, cannot change their motherland. Or can they?

All religions preach only good things — love of God and His creation, righteousness, truthfulness, non-violence, forbearance, compassion, sympathy, empathy, etc. Superiority, if any, lies not in any particular religion over other religions but in truly following the teachings of one’s own religion over those who pay only lip service to their religion. In a nutshell, it is the purity of mind that matters.

If I am a true Hindu and I have a sincere Christian friend, I shall be doing a great service to him if I make him follow his own religious teachings in letter and in spirit, and thus help him in becoming a better Christian. Those Christian missionaries who are converting illiterate, poor, and gullible Hindus by offering them allurements should, first of all, study deeply Hinduism and the benefits of following its teachings and then try to make those Hindus whom they profess to serve, better Hindus. That alone will be considered as selfless service and will be appreciated by one and all.

As more politics than religion is involved in conversion, it should be made at least as difficult as seeking divorce from one’s wife or husband.

A. K. SURI
Chandigarh

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Authenticity of awards

There should be some way to check the authenticity of various awards instituted by different agencies in India. Some law should be there to stop people from giving wide publicity to unrecognised awards given to them.

In 1997, I received a letter from an “institution” called the Industrial Economic Forum, New Delhi, that they had chosen me for their “distinguished” Vikas Rattan Award for the year. They said that earlier this award had been conferred upon high dignitaries of India. I was not able to ascertain the authenticity of the award and didn’t respond. In 1998, the Indian Economic Studies, New Delhi, wrote to me that I had been selected for the Udyog Rattan Award. They too mentioned the names of many such personalities to whom this award had been given earlier. This time, too, my suspicions persisted.

Again in 1999, I was informed by International Publishing House, New Delhi, that I had been chosen for the “Best Citizen of India” award. I was shocked to find that a full-page citation on me carrying my coloured photograph was sent to me with the remarks that it will be included in an internationally published book. The citation gave minute details of my career and achievements.

It was Kargil time and I wrote back that those fighting at the border were better citizens than me and the award should be given to them. There was no response.

Now I find that an award given by one of these agencies to a coloniser is being given wide publicity in the newspapers. Will it not sway the people to invest their faith in the coloniser? Will that be fair unless people know the authenticity of the award? Isn’t it time for the government to regulate all such awards by checking their authenticity?

JAGVIR GOYAL
Bathinda

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Barbaric society?

The recent cold-blooded murder of Gurcharan of the Balmiki community, who had married Jasbir, a girl from the Jat community, shows how we continue to live under a barbaric environment despite the country’s commitment at the time of independence to create a classless society and encourage tolerance at social and other levels.

Unfortunately, it appears that the functioning of our society, despite all efforts made to remove social shackles, has hardly changed. Even education has not brought about the desired change. We continue to be dominated by the traditional social system based on caste and creed despite the enormous economic development that has occurred. This shows that economic development by itself is no guarantee for a change in the rigid social values hidden deep in our psyche.

That a wedge of social ostracism continues to exist between the Jat community, which has contributed so much to the prosperity of Punjab, and the Balmikis, who have the maximum percentage share in the country and who are gradually changing their socio-economic profile, is all the more unfortunate.

Let us make a determined effort through creating more social awareness among our youth that society must change if we have to progress towards the goal of a casteless society. Here our elders can play an important role by changing their rigid views which pollute the minds of young people.

V. S. MAHAJAN
Chandigarh

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Tailpiece

What is the best way for the Indian cricket team to start the 10-week tour of Australia?

Of course, by a resounding 10-wicket defeat at the hands of the Aussies in the opening match!

S. C. KAPOOR
Noida