• I have been reading editorials and letters to the editor which decry the Kanchi math’s head seer’s “dabbling in politics and social affairs”. The courts are competent and hopefully will decide to the best of their abilities whether the acharya is guilty or otherwise. But my mind is focussed on another matter: why in the 20th and 21st centuries do we consider it such a great evil that people involved in religious affairs should also be involved in the political and social affairs which are open to the rest of the lay community? India has been ruled by Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist rulers for centuries. Over this period, the clergy was involved with or influenced matters of state and society. Look at the US, Latin America, many Islamic countries, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Japan etc where the church, ulema or monks play an active role in both politics and society. Is it such a sin? My complaint against the Hindu faith is the lack of social and charitable initiatives by Hindus. Here, the Kanchi math has developed as such a grand exception. — Nani Vizag Easy to hate • This refers to ‘This one’s for Marta’ (IE, November 12). The vast majority of the anti-Bush people are those who do not take the trouble to understand the entire issue. It is easier to hate than to understand, and that remains the main problem with the world today. — Kiran Tauro Hyderabad Think of Pandits • That our prime minister has good intentions is evident from what he spoke while addressing the people of J&K. However, one hopes that he will take into consideration the plight of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits who have been living in various camps. It is unfortunate that in spite of being Indians, they have to be content with the status of refugees. — V.P. Damodar Pune Looking at Kerry • No, I’m not happy we must endure another four years of George W. Bush as president. President Bush is too secretive, and does not safeguard our civil rights. We need more than a honky-tonk cowboy as president and leader of the free world. I am glad to see John Kerry back in his job in the Senate. I guess this means we’ll not lose sight of him completely. — Kathy Caudle Salt Lake City The real question • This refers to V.S. Pandey’s ‘Babus are not Bertrand Russell’ (IE, November 18). The government’s decision to reform the Indian bureaucracy is a welcome event. But the formation of too many committees and the plethora of recommendations would drown the cause. Ultimately, status quo will prevail. Recommendations have been made for lowering the maximum age limit, adopting army-type selection to “catch them young”, and inclusion of outside experts in selection committees. What remains to be analysed and remedied is why, with the passage of time, do officers in the service become fearful and apathetic towards their stipulated duties? — F.S.K. Barar On e-mail
