Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Gandhiji and Savarkar

Sir, — This has the reference to the article `Portrait as Mirror' by Anil Nauriya (March 3). Mahatma Gandhi and V.D. Savarkar were antipodes in their understanding of Hinduism and nationalism. The latter based his understanding of nationalism on organised religion as opposed to Gandhiji for whom the spirit and ethics were more important. Savarkar, on the other hand, thought that Gandhiji's methods contradicted the religious outlook of Hinduism and jeopardised Hindu political interests. However, for these reasons, the patriotism and nationalism of Savarkar cannot be underestimated. He deserves his position in the history of struggle for Independence. The BJP, by placing the portrait of Savarkar in the Central Hall of Parliament, has now made his name and the respect he deserves a bone of contention.

The BJP could have avoided the controversy by placing his portrait elsewhere instead of the Central Hall.

C. Ramesh,
Keeramangalam, T.N.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Short shrift to social sector
• A major breakthrough
• Image & substance in budget 2003-04
• Are the Sikhs Hindus?
• Restoring their lost childhood
• The silent majority
• Gandhiji and Savarkar
• An eye-opener
• Relief overshadowed
• Sops for cricketers
• Whose land was it?

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu