It is true that recent happenings such as ghar vapsi ceremonies and conversions have caused trepidation in the minds of the minorities and that the Prime Minister’s studied silence is baffling (“ >Obama’s remarks on religious freedom worry officials ,” and “ > New York Times editorial: Modi’s dangerous silence ,” both Feb.7). One is reminded of the Pascal quote: “Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.” One can cite the spate of racial attacks in the U.S. as a blot on America to counter Mr. Obama’s concern about India.
One should also look at the concern being voiced in the U.S. as a result of it wanting India to remain a secular country and as a sort of bulwark. It is time Mr. Modi shed his fence-sitting stance.
R. Sridharan,
Chennai
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Mr. Obama’s remarks are uncalled for and constitute an infringement on India’s sovereignty. Since time immemorial, India has been a religiously tolerant country. No doubt there have been some aberrations, but the fact is that Indians are tolerant in general. Has Mr. Obama been advised correctly?
V. Tilak Subramanian,
Chennai
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Mr. Obama’s remarks are surprising. He should recollect what Mark Twain said: “India has two million gods and worships them all. In religion all other countries are paupers. India is the only millionaire.”
A.J. Rangarajan,
Chennai
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I fully endorse the comments made by the President as well as the tone and tenor of the Editorial. It is unfortunate that the government, which swept to power riding on a promise of constructive governance, is instead allowing right-wing elements to have a free run. Mr. Modi and the BJP would do well to remember that they were voted to power not by Hindus alone, but by people from other religions as well. Their rights and interests need to be protected.
R. Sivakumar,
Chennai
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