People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones is an adage that aptly suits the U.S (“ >Of images and perceptions ”, May 6). The USCIRF report is just one subtle form of the pressure tactics and double standards that it is so adept at using. What prevents India now from coming up with some random report about the age-old problem of racism in the U.S.?
Ankit Kumar Vyas,
New Delhi
Though I am concerned about the report and find it to be a little intrusive in our internal affairs, there are facts in it that we will have to introspect over. The truth will remain the truth, though it may be more harsh to hear it from an outsider. Having read the entire report, I find it to be neutral. The only consolation is that we have not been clubbed with countries like China or Saudi Arabia which are in Tier 1 of Countries of Particular Concern. I would call the report and recommendations as “friendly feedback” from someone who expects India to be a pluralistic, secular democracy. Yes, India does need to project a good image, but that image should not be built on the fantasies of Bollywood movies or our glorious past.
G. Kumaran,
Chennai
The article was a very balanced one and where the writer has rightly questioned the propriety of the committee to comment on what is an internal matter. His word of caution that India should understand that progress does not necessarily mean only economic growth but a number of other factors including the treatment of minorities must be taken in the right spirit.
Sankarn Suryanarayanan,
Sydney, Australia
