As the 'Hindustani' sees it

By Lakshmi Balakrishnan

NEW DELHI, NOV. 6. The past couple of months have given the world enough live drama and action. And even if the centre of everyone's attention here -- right from the country's top political brass to the youngest of students -- has been a national preoccupation called ``the war against terror'', there are many who feel there is enough trouble brewing at home to worry about.

And leading this pack of thinkers is the ``Hindustani'' who walked all the way from Bombay to Amritsar calling out for peace way back in 1980s. Looking much more seasoned now and armed with a walking stick, actor-turned-Member-of-Parliament Sunil Dutt may not have the same reserves of energy today but he sounds no less spirited when he speaks of infusing patriotism into the country's youth.

Joining hands with some well-known names from the country's film industry, art circles and literary world, the Bollywood star called upon Indians to unitedly fight violent elements within the country even as the war against terrorism was waged.

Also released on the occasion was an appeal signed by some of Bollywood's well-known figures like Mr. Dilip Kumar, Mr. Javed Akhtar, Ms. Zohra Segal, Ms. Kaifi Azmi, Ms. Shabana Azmi, Mr. Kamal Haasan, Ms. Sharmila Tagore, Mr. Saaed Akhtar Mirza, Ms. Nandita Das, Mr. Naseeruddin Shah and other eminent personalities from different walks of life urging fellow-citizens to ``observe restraint in their deed and utterance and to exercise tolerance and patience''.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Dutt accompanied by Ms. Sharmila Tagore and artist Mr. Mohammad Sheikh urged people to face all communal and religious provocation with ``dignity, self- control and fortitude''.

Pointing out that exploitation of religious sentiments was no new phenomenon, Ms. Tagore said ``we have already got an inkling of what can happen through the recent incidents in Malegaon. If we live together in harmony, we will survive; divided we fall. We have a choice, and let's hope we make the right one today.''

While accepting that the war against terrorism was a necessity, the stars expressed concern at the loss of innocent lives. Emphasising the need to focus homeward, Mr. Dutt cautioned against the winds of violence ``blowing towards India through Pakistan''.

``We must speak and write a language that does not hurt the sentiments of any section. Our country is like a rainbow that has colours of different cultures and religions. We have to ensure that vested interests don't fuel the minds of our youth.''

Referring to recent statements by certain religious leaders and political parties, the two said it was all the more important today for people not to fall prey to the dubious agendas of these vested interests.

Asked about the ongoing U.S. action in Afghanistan, a rather peeved Ms. Tagore emphasised the need to focus on domestic problems. ``They are following their national agenda and we must follow ours. Why should we repeat their words? We have our own concerns and problems to solve. We must be guided by our own principles of non-violence.''

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