Letters

Adding Feud to Fire There cannot be any doubt about the clean image of Maneka Gandhi but the manner in which she was divested of the culture portfolio surely puts a question mark on the prime minister ("Gandhi Versus Gandhi", December 3). The timing of Maneka's ouster indicates that A.B. Vajpayee wanted the main opposition party-the Congress-to return the favour with help in Parliament over contentious issues like POTO and the reinduction of George Fernandes as defence minister. Maneka's decision to cleanse the IGNCA, NMML and other institutions was laudable and a step in the right direction. S. Balakrishnan, Jamshedpur Maneka Gandhi is reputed to be cynical and brazen. Her excessive inquisitiveness about M.V. Kamath, N.R. Shetty and L.M. Singhvi-all men of eminent standing-smacks of spite. Her brand of honesty is no longer considered admirable. In fact, this virtue might have been a misdirected attempt to play to the gallery. Add the "hate-Sonia" syndrome and Maneka appears as an honest lady with bundles of disputation. Dr Ganapathi Bhat, Bangalore

While rightly lauding the US for its singular devotion in reacting to terrorism, your editorial draws an unfair comparison with India's battle against terrorism ("Lessons of War", December 3). It is wrong to hold the leadership responsible for the state of affairs because national will is created not only by the political leader but also by the opposition and the intellectual community. It comes into force only when we have proper discussions in our society and the facts are placed before the people. If perverted facts become the basis of a debate, only wrong conclusions will be arrived at. It is the duty of the intellectuals to help not only the leadership but also society by ensuring that its people have proper and complete information. After all, a misguided nation cannot be led properly.

Ashok Chowgule, President, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Maharashtra

Every argument offered for a continued ban on foreign investment in the print media was unconvincing ("Swadeshi Times", December 3). If foreigners can hold stakes in Indian companies and foreign TV channels can operate in the domestic market, why should the print media be placed on a different pedestal? All the excuses advanced by the major players for status quo in policy clearly expose their fear of losing their profitable turf. There was similar fear even in case of globalisation and liberalisation but time bears testimony to the fact that Indian consumers have benefited. Even in the case of the print media, whenever sanity, impartiality and wisdom dawn on our policy makers, we readers can hope to be better informed. For far too long we have been taken for a ride.

S. Madhavan, Mumbai

It is a shame that priceless archaeological finds are decaying for want of adequate care or are stolen and clandestinely smuggled out of India ("History on Sale", December 3). Who is to blame for this: our government that is perpetually engrossed in petty politics, the prevailing crass materialism that makes a mockery of our glorious heritage, or our perverted brand of secularism that communalises history? We would do well to learn from other countries which treat relics of the past as objects of national pride.
Santosh Kapoor, Noida

It cannot be denied that Karan Johar is a capable filmmaker who understands the nuances of filmmaking ("Cry Baby", December 3). But to repeat the same trite formula of happy families and singing siblings in a utopic world is becoming too much to digest. About time that he, together with other members of the young brigade like Sooraj Barjatya, Aditya Chopra and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, realised that filmmaking is not just about designer clothes, flashy cars, stupendous sets, opulent jewellery and a dozen songs. If only Johar had something meaningful to offer on contemporary and novel issues it would be a welcome departure from the escapist fare.

Vikas Bardia, Delhi

I was shocked that government agencies and the Archaeological Survey of India can be so careless and callous about our ancient assets ("Stolen Gods", November 26). What concerns me particularly is the havoc that such acts can wreak. Imagine the communal hatred and tension mischief makers can whip up by entering into and placing the idols at disputed sites. Looks as though God alone can save himself.
Akhilesh Kumar Sah, Faizabad

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