The reports on the BJP government’s move (Dec.16) to mark December 25, Christmas Day, as ‘Good Governance Day’ in schools with events and competitions is another attempt to replace the original significance of the day. It started with the Prime Minister ‘hijacking’ Teachers’ Day, by compelling schoolchildren to hear his address and then converting Gandhi Jayanthi on October 2 as ‘cleaning day’. The day may not be far when we might have a national holiday on his official birthday, September 17. No doubt, there is method in madness.
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Israel K. Mani,Wellington, The Nilgiris
That the government wants ideas for good governance and for students to think about good governance is noble. But the way it is being done is incorrect. Why choose Christmas Day for this? The government knew full well that the day is dear to Christians and that the world in general joins them in observing it. Why create problems? Is this the colour of secularism? If the government wants to observe good governance, it should warn right-wing elements not to go overboard as seen in incidents such as “conversion”. The country can ill-afford to bear the consequences of playing havoc with the secular outlook.
There is something strange and selective about the days the BJP chooses for its “special campaigns” such as Good Governance Day and ‘Clean India Day’. The chosen days were dedicated to honour great persons. Why supplant them? I suggest the BJP government also choose days like Krishna Jayanti or Vijaya Dasami for its campaigns.
Matthew Adukanil,Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu
It is unfortunate that the NDA government wants to whip up communal passions. While people irrespective of caste, community and religion voted for the BJP and pinned their hopes on Mr. Modi’s assurances that he would lead the country towards development in all parameters, it is disappointing that he is now looking the other way when his party and Ministers are doing things which are detrimental to the interest of the minorities. It is time the Opposition rose as one and stalled such unwarranted moves which will only lead the nation towards chaos and communal disharmony.
Tharcius S. Fernando,Chennai