M A I L B A G

Time to scrap reservations of all kinds

Apropos of the article “Quota for Dalits in private sector” (Sept 7), it was preposterous of Udit Raj to suggest that the Dalits of today were the original inhabitants of this land and that the invading Aryans made them the Shudras. In fact, Varna-Vyvastha (caste system) came into existence centuries after the settlement of Aryans on this land. There was hardly any need for the writer to justify a just cause with concocted history and divisive propaganda.

Not many will grudge even the affirmative action plan for the private sector if it is not forced down their throats through legislation. It should, certainly, not be on the lines of the reservation policy of the government sector. Reservation should be more equitable and percolate down to the really needy amongst the Dalits.

Today the scenario is such that the jobs the private sector will have to offer will be grabbed by the affluent creamy layer of the Dalits. That is why these Dalit leaders have been vehemently opposing rotation of reservation of jobs to those family units which have never benefited from this policy.

Sadly, the policy adopted by the so-called Dalit leaders, since Independence, has been one of segregation of Dalits from the mainstream Hindu society. They have a vested interest in keeping the emotional divide alive and smouldering. This is in total opposition to the approach advocated by Gandhiji. He wanted their social integration through reform, persuasion and equitable interaction leading to their total assimilation with dignity. But then, Gandhiji’s ‘Harijan’ has been already lost to today’s ‘Dalit’ by the Congress party itself.

Dr ASHOK KAPAHTIA, Shimla

II

The policy of reservation is making the country hollow from inside. All opportunities must be equal to everyone. Quotas should not based on caste and creed. I do agree that earlier it was necessary for the SCs and the STs to improve their socio-economic condition. They deserved priorities in jobs too, but now the situation has entirely changed and there is no need for reservations anymore.

Economic backwardness should be the sole criterion for quotas, if at all they are needed. But the time has come to abolish reservations of all kinds to establish a level-playing field for all.

TARUN SHARMA, Bahanwin (HP)

A great visionary

Apropos of Madan Gopal’s article “Punjab’s first freedom fighter: Remembering Dyal Singh, founder of The Tribune” (Sept 9), as a freedom fighter, the founder of The Tribune was wise enough to use Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia’s wealth for the right cause of spreading the light of education. He enlightened the people of the North-West region of the country by setting up three trusts — a college, a library and a newspaper.

When India was reeling under poverty and slavery of a colonial regime, this was not a small contribution by any reckoning. Previously, The Tribune remembered Dyal Singh on his death anniversary (Sept 9) by publishing an editorial, “The Founder”, which is missing now. Being a brainchild of Dyal Singh, The Tribune must also celebrate his birth anniversary by inviting articles and views of its readers on the eventful life, career and works of this great visionary.

IQBAL SINGH, Bijahri (Hamirpur)

II

Dyal Singh’s early involvement and struggle for India’s freedom when he attended the annual convention of the Theosophical Society of India held in Adyar, Chennai, in December 1884, is commendable. His father passed away when he was only six years old. Thus, he was burdened with all the responsibilities, difficulties and hardship.

It was like a hell broke on him. Even then, he faced the obstacles with unfailing courage, perseverance and strong will power. He liberally donated to charities and for the advancement of religious, economic, social and political movements.

His uphill task was establishment of The Tribune in Lahore to mould the opinion of people of North India. The Tribune’s popularity was so much that even the British bureaucrats had to admit it. It was mainly because of Dyal Singh’s untiring efforts, indomitable courage and financial help that The Tribune is today the front-runner newspaper of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Chandigarh.

The writer has rightly pointed out that Dyal Singh made tremendous contribution in building the Congress. However, it is a pity that the Congress Bhavan in Chandigarh does not display his portrait.

R.C. SHARMA, Kurukshetra

III

It was a nice article about Punjab’s first freedom fighter, Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia. He was a man of principles, sincerity and honesty. He was a good thinker too. Above all, he was a true journalist. This is the reason why The Tribune is truly the voice of the people. I avail myself of this opportunity to pay my respectful homage to the great freedom fighter.

H.C. KUTWANI, Rajpura