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India is one with Sachin, not Thackerays

The editorial “Sachin for India: Bal Thackeray divisive as usual” (Nov 18) has rightly pointed out that the tongue-lashing that Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray has got from political leaders cutting across party lines as also from people at large clearly bears out that the unabashed Marathi card that he played in criticising legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has misfired. Sachin’s remark has put him on a sound wicket and the ageing Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray is on a sticky wicket.

Mr Thackeray’s remark against Sachin has disheartened not only his fans but also all Indians. His dig at Sachin appears to have been motivated by competitive politics with his nephew, Raj Thackeray who is projecting himself as a champion of Marathi’s interests.

No civilised society can put up with the kind of behaviour exhibited by Bal Thackeray, Raj Thackeray and the like. The Shiv Sena leader has now taken on an Indian icon. It is time leaders promoting divisive forces were told in no uncertain terms that India is one country and any attempt to divide it will be met with zero tolerance.

The activists of the Shiv Sena, the MNS and the like must understand that we do not need their version of the Taliban. In the name of protecting the Marathi Manoos, the Shiv Sena is indulging in politics of disintegration. 

SUMAN KUKAL, Chandigarh

II

Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, divisive as usual, has never been known for moderation. However, his slamming Sachin for saying that Mumbai could not be monopolised and that all Indians had an equal right over it is the ultimate in outrageousness.

At the same time, Sachin deserves kudos for his remark that has come straight from his heart and symbolises the aspirations of all those who are proud to be Indians first.

Millions not only in India but also throughout the world love Sachin. Why should he be targeted for saying he is an Indian? Mr Thackeray’s vicious statements, obviously in a bid to score brownie points over his equally erratic nephew, should be vehemently condemned by all patriotic Indians in the strongest terms.

Whipping up regional sentiments for political mileage is highly deplorable.

At a time when vested interests are out to inflame passions in the name of language, caste, region and religion, Sachin’s words have come as a whiff of fresh air. If more celebrities follow him in rejecting parochialism, India will become a better place to live in.

The Centre should have the courage to rein in parties such as the Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena which pose a threat to the unity and integrity of the nation. Mr Bal Thackeray must introspect and express regret over his remarks. The people of Maharashtra and of India in general love Sachin far too much and they would never forgive a person who seeks to belittle this jewel in India’s crown.

DILBAG RAI, Chandigarh

III

Sachin Tendulkar must be acclaimed and complemented unequivocally for his spontaneous remark that appeared to flow straight from his heart and symbolised the aspirations of teeming millions, who are proud to be “Indians first”, as he is.

Mr Bal Thackeray needs to be vehemently condemned by all patriotic Indians. His statement reeks of parochialism, jingoism and chauvinism.

Col RAKESH CHANDER, New Delhi

IV

What Sachin Tendulkar said about Mumbai is absolutely correct. Mr Bal Thackeray’s comment is unwarranted. Every Indian is proud of Sachin and of Mumbai. By denouncing Sachin's statement, Mr Thackeray is playing petty politics and needs to be condemned by one and all.

K A SOLAMAN, Alappuzha

GM crops: Safe or not? There has been an ongoing debate over the approval of genetically modified (GM) Bt brinjal. The news reports are often contradictory and have failed to allay the fears of the common man. Biotechnology has undoubtedly opened up new vistas. We are playing with plants and microbes. What are the harmful effects of the marker genes used with plant cloning vectors? What if the new gene being introduced into a genetically modified plant ‘escapes’ and colonises wild plants? What effect this would have on the ecosystem? Undeniably, the risk factor is not zero. Suitable experiments must, therefore, be carried out in model and controlled systems. The Indian government should not allow Monsanto and Syngenta to monopolise the GM seeds market. We have many qualified scientists in our country and they should decide what is best for us. Biotechnology companies which are here to make money out of GM crops should be discouraged. Dr KAMALJEET KAUR SEKHON, Lecturer, Department of Biotechnology, Khalsa College, Patiala