The writer (Editorial page, “A prayer for our times”, March 19) hopes that sanmati (good judgment or mind) be bestowed on us. While terrorism has to be tackled with a firm hand, no door should be closed on negotiations and finding a peaceful solution to the problems with Pakistan, notwithstanding attacks and the killings of innocent people of all faiths by terrorists with the covert support of Pakistan. As Mahatma Gandhi demonstrated through his experience and experiments, Ahimsa (or non-violence) is a positive instrument to bring about changes in human attitudes. All world religions propound Ahimsa as the highest of ideals and give the message of tolerance. In his book Indian Religious Thought , former President S. Radhakrishnan, and one of the greatest philosophers, says: “The choice before humanity is either cooperation in a spirit of understanding or conflict in an atmosphere of suspicion.”
Naresh Gupta,
Chennai
