Letters to the editor

Having listened to the UP Governor T.V. Rajeshwar addressing a joint session of both the Houses of the state legislature on Monday, one wonders whether he was performing a constitutional duty or ridiculing...

Paper tiger?

8226; Having listened to the UP Governor T.V. Rajeshwar addressing a joint session of both the Houses of the state legislature on Monday, one wonders whether he was performing a constitutional duty or ridiculing the very constitutional institution he represents. To quote a part of what he said, 8220;An atmosphere of anarchy prevailed in Uttar Pradesh during the last four years. An unconstitutional government was formed and there was development only of goondas, mafia and criminals.8221; One wishes to ask the governor where he was when all this illegal and unconstitutional activity was taking place in the state. Why did he, as the constitutional head of state, not take preventive action? Ironically it was the same governor who, on January 18, 2007, in his address, lauded that very government of Mulayam Singh, which on Monday he has described as illegitimate and unconstitutional and which helped only crime and criminals to flourish. Whatsoever be the constitutional limitations, should a governor be so self-contradictory?

8212; Ved Guliani, Hisar

Bare solution

8226; BLATANT trampling of civil liberties at MS University in Baroda has been rightly condemned by writers and activists. However, they have stopped short of suggesting any solution or affirmative action to resolve the conflict. The conflict between the artists and the defenders of 8220;freedom of expression8221; on one side and VHP activists on the other side has arisen because of lack of understanding of each other8217;s perspectives. The artist freely explores his creativity. In nudity, an artist sees purity, innocence and beauty. On the other hand a common man is unlettered in these aesthetic nuances.

Therefore, there is a need for coming to a common understanding. The onus of taking the first step in this direction lies with the artists and the defenders of freedom of expression. They should be able to explain to the common man why the art is not meant to be inflammatory. The common man and VHP activists must also take steps to understand the aesthetic world of artists. Tolerance and

nonviolence are the two hallmarks of Hindu religion. Non-adherence to these, amounts to denigration of their religion.

8212; B.N. Godbole, Pune

People8217;s Prez

8226; THE major political parties should heed the feelings of the the public. Opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam continuing as president of India. Also, the names being leaked by these political parties do not exactly fascinate the people or inspire their confidence.

Many feel that a nonpolitical man like Kalam should stay in residence in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. As such, the political parties will be doing great service to the nation by honouring the people8217;s choice by allowing Kalam to continue as president, instead of electing a politician to the post.

8212; V.S. Ganeshan, Bangalore