Sunday, January 19, 2003		Feedback

Countering terrorism

THIS refers to Hari Jaisingh’s article "Countering terrorism" (Special issue of January 5, 2003). The write-up is quite thought-provoking, but it was made me wonder: "What exactly is the new dynamic democratic ideology that this article talks about?

If dynamic democracy (whatever it means!) is the answer for countering terrorism, then why is the USA (as part of its fight against global terrorism) promoting a dictator in Pakistan and appreciating his make-shift efforts (a mere eyewash!) to restore democracy while he as a dictator calls the shots? Why does not America sincerely ensure that Pakistan is genuinely democratised?

ONKAR CHOPRA, Abohar

This refers to Hari Jaisingh’s article, "Turbulent decades of post-Partition India" (December 15). After Partition millions of Muslims stayed in India, because of the policy of the Indian National Congress to make the country a secular state. Our Constitution is secular but in practice we have diluted secularism and failed to convince the largest minority that their future is better here than in Pakistan.

Kashmiri Muslims too opted for India because of its secular credentials. Our wrong policies have completely alienated them and now they look to Pakistan for moral and military support to attain azadi.

Modi version of Hindutva, if extended to the national level, will sow the seeds of another Partition. It will fulfil Musharraf’s wish to cut India to size so that it poses no threat to Pakistan. The writer is right in emphasising the need for visionary leadership. Can our leaders, with myopic vision, who cannot see beyond the next elections, provide it?

Amarjit Singh Hayer, Ludhiana

The article "Season’s gazings" written by Chetna Banerjee in the issue dated December 29, 2002, was fascinating and the writer has done a good job in documenting the changes. The description on the wave of SMS messaging that has taken over Indians’ lives was to the point. Also, I liked reading about the famous Coca Cola advertisement starring Aamir Khan and three girls looking for water under the title "Hinglish-shinglish hai rabba". I was in India during the summer and the advertisement had been a hit.

The writer has touched upon real issues. I look forward to more articles on such trends in India as it helps people like me to keep in touch with the latest. What about the tourism trends in India? Write more on the history of the region as it helps growing children in America to know about India.

SANJAY SHARMA, U.S.A.

Please extend my sincere congratulations to the writer on this great piece of news and information, especially Indians like me who live away from the home soil. The story was carefully written and it is obviously the outcome of a thorough work.

SAMVEDANSHEEL KAUR, Toronto (Canada)