Opinion Into the future
Political class in India continues to look at society through the prism of caste,creed and religion.
* Apropos Pratap Bhanu Mehtas article The old familiar (IE,November 15),the political class in India continues to look at society through the prism of caste,creed and religion. Even young politicians who have the benefit of a modern education have the same jaded vision. A true leader needs to be able to transcend the moment and work towards achieving the India of tomorrow. For this,leaders must have foresight. This may mean they will suffer temporary losses for taking up issues that seem out of sync with the present moment. Unfortunately,our current crop of politicians operate on a strict cost-benefit basis. None of them has ideas which will propel us into the future. The more things change,the more they stay the same.
Kiran Yadav
Etah
For the record
* This refers to BJP,RSS behind all terror acts from Godhra to Patna (IE,November 13). Shankarsinh Vaghela reportedly linked the Qadiani sect of Islam with the RSS,and very nearly declared Qadianis non-Muslim and terrorists. Many high courts,such as the High Court of Kerala,have declared members of the Qadiani sect Muslim. Vaghelas statements betray his ignorance. The Qadiani sect believes in brotherhood,peace,love and respect for all religions. It has no association with any political party,including the BJP or the RSS. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamat believes in the unity and integrity of India,and is loyal to its country and government. Any attempt to link the community to terrorist groups and activities is a travesty of the truth.
Mahmood Ahmed
Nehrus approach
* This refers to Love from Tokyo by Sanjaya Baru (IE,November 21). In the 1950s,Jawaharlal Nehru had set up the India-Japan Joint Study Group within the Planning Commission. The mandate of the group was to connect with the Japanese and to get to know them. It was supposed to be composed of about five members: one senior politician as chairperson,and the rest scholars. I happened to be a member of this group in the 1990s. We connected with our Japanese counterparts on our common interests. There was also a plan to share our experiences on local governance. One must applaud Nehrus extraordinary approach to internationalism and foreign relations. I am surprised to note that the new group that has been set up is composed almost entirely of bureaucrats,with one or two corporate members.
Devaki Jain
A secure life
* This refers to Sonia hands over health cards to RGJAY beneficiaries (IE,November 22). The universal medical insurance scheme,which covers major surgeries up to Rs1.5 lakh per person to all those who live below the poverty line in Maharashtra,is laudable. There are vast numbers of people whose lives are going to be more secure,thanks to this scheme. The success of the pilot project in eight districts means that this scheme can be replicated across the country.
Suren Abreu
Mumbai
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