Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Muslim, Dalit issues

Sir, — Apropos Kancha Ilaiah's article `Sharing more than scraps' ( April 15 ), several points demand elucidation. In the present context, any overt activity by Muslim organisations to propagate Islam among those who are nominally Hindus would only provide explosives to the warriors of Hindu chauvinism. Muslims should not adopt a tit-for-tat policy and ask for removal of "negative sections" from the Hindu religious texts directed against the Shudras or the Achhuts. It will only provide a rationale for those who demand a "revision" of the Koran.

Educational institutions established by Muslims under Article 30 are basically to give secular education to their own children and overcome their educational backwardness. Muslims simply do not have the resources to match the admirable endeavour of Christian schools.

Finally, the point about changing the Hindu-centred content of the current discourse on Indian nationalism should be addressed to secular intellectuals and political leaders, not to the Muslim community.

Syed Shahabuddin,

New Delhi

Sir, — Kancha Ilaiah ( has presented a lucid picture ) of the murky Indian social setup. About 33 per cent of the Indian population is bonded labour of which about 85 per cent belong to the Dalit community. Upliftment of the marginalised community is imperative for the growth of the nation. Cosmetic moves like providing reservations and instituting watchdog commissions for the downgraded cannot get the expected results.

Organising in the name of caste or religion is not inciting communalism; rather it is a basic right provided by the Constitution to each citizen.

S.S. Sajith,

Kollam, Kerala

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