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India must bring back Husain

Indians should hang their heads in shame on reading MF Hussain’s lament “I love India but it rejected me.” The ordeal of Husain bears testimony to the fact that it is not rule of law, but sheer muscle power that reigns supreme in Indian democracy (editorial, “Bring back M F Husain”, March 4).

If we fail to welcome our very own Husain back to India and provide him adequate security against the fanatic elements, Indians will lose the moral right to boast about secularism and freedom of speech and expression.

KAJAL CHATTERJEE, Kolkata

The government could not provide security to the celebrated painter when his house was attacked and his paintings were vandalised. Words like freedom and secularism sound hollow. We must assure equal treatment to all Indians.

NEHA PAUL, Patiala

III

Where is our freedom of expression? Everyone has a right to have his own viewpoint. M F Husain, a painter and an asset to India, is forced into exile. A talented person is forced to leave the country and take shelter elsewhere.

We must rethink and give due respect and regard to talented artists and writers who have won laurels for the nation. We must not divide ourselves on the basis of politics and religion.

KAILASH GARG, Chandigarh

We must bring back Husain as he has a horde of admirers in this country. We must raise this issue in Parliament. Husain is a great artist and must be allowed to express himself freely.

DALIP SINGH WASAN, Patiala

We live more as Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs, etc, with theocratic manifestations and mindset. MF Hussain was forced into exile. In this land of Buddha, Nanak and Gandhi, universal brotherhood, compassion and tolerance must prevail. Husain is a misunderstood icon who must be brought back to India.

BM SINGH, Amritsar

Entrance test

The editorial “Single entrance test” (Feb 18) throws adequate light on the recent reforms in education initiated by the Union Government. Single common entrance test to seek admission to medical and engineering colleges and uniform syllabi in science and maths are welcome steps. Undoubtedly, these reforms are significant and would positively improve the quality of education.

Earlier changes like making the CBSE Class X board examination optional too were sincere efforts on the part of the HRD Ministry to bring about the much-needed change. Such reforms would make India a hub of knowledge, learning and culture.

RAVI DATTA, Dehra (Kangra)

It is a heartening decision that students of Class XII seeking admission to medical and engineering colleges will have to take one single entrance test by 2013.

The proposed change that shall be preceded by a uniform science and maths curriculum for the students of classes XI and XII across the nation to facilitate the common test is undeniably a step in the right direction.

The single entrance test will hopefully curb malpractices. Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, who has initiated many reforms in the education system deserves appreciation.

GURDAS CHAND GARG, Mansa

III

Education is not only teaching of 3 R’s, rather it is the all-round development of personality. HRD Minister Kapil Sibal is worthy of praise for his decision on having a uniform maths and science curriculum for classes XI and XII. It will provide equal opportunities to all.

The state governments should also take keen interest in implementing the Centre’s scheme.

SURJIT ARORA, Moga

Neglected officers
Defence officers are commissioned in the Armed Forces at a young age. After serving for 30 to 35 years in the defence forces, they retire around the age of 56 years. Majority of them spend their youth in the service of the nation living under hostile conditions, away from their families.
At the fag end of their service, they plan to settle down and build their dwelling units near their kith and kin. Majority of them rent out their dwelling units till they retire, due to financial constraints.
The tragedy is that when they finally retire and look for shifting to their own houses the tenants refuse to vacate their houses. There are many defence officers who are shuttling in the civil courts for the possession of their houses for their personal use. In certain cases even after the courts have given judgement in their favour, their houses are seldom vacated.
Is this the treatment our defence officers deserve after retirement? Do they have to beg for their own property after retirement? Do our leaders ever realise the negative effects these will have on the morale of their sons who are still serving in the defence forces?”
Apathy towards retired defence officers is the sole reason why fighting units of the Indian Army are facing shortage of officers. The harassment and humiliation they are going through can only be mitigated by incorporating due amendments in the Rent Act.
Col. D S BAIDWAN, Amritsar