Indoctrination

I would like to remind the writer (“ >Indoctrination in the guise of education ,” March 30) that the thousands of students, from Hindu, Muslim and other communities, who studied in Christian schools had no problems when it came to reciting the holy prayer in the morning assembly or in learning about the life of Christ in scripture/moral class. At that time, there was no talk of secular rights or beliefs. In fact, we had no choice. We also didn’t have a problem in enacting roles in plays that had Biblical themes. So, why is there a hue and cry now if a few States introduce the teaching of slokas from the Bhagavad Gita? The true idea of secularism should apply to all.

Ramdas Naik,

Chennai

The writer has presented facile arguments against the introduction of the Gita in the school curriculum in Haryana. I fail to understand why it appears to be a case of indoctrination to him. Is teaching pupils about the timeless wisdom and virtues which are secular in nature a kind of communal agenda? And where does the Gita propound the caste system? The problem lies not in the Gita but in the ignorance of commentators. I see no harm in imbibing the values propounded by the Gita as they are universal and nonsectarian in nature.

Anoop Suri,

New Delhi

The well-argued essay demands the attention of the powers that be. It is obvious that the right wing has taken upon itself the task of imposing its ideology wherever possible and in the shortest possible time. I am sure that this will not pass and will be resisted by many in the larger interests of our legacy, amity and peace.

S.V. Venugopalan,

Chennai