Baba Ramdev's mission to stir the government into action to bring back the black money spirited away abroad is admirable. However, instead of putting forward quixotic demands like “replacing the British-inherited system of governance, administration, taxation, education, law and order with a swadeshi alternative” (June 3), he would do well to raise public awareness on India-U.S. deals like Knowledge Initiative in Agriculture, rampant nuclearisation, anti-farmer policies, decimation of indigenous medicinal systems, etc., which are the real dangers confronting us.
V. Viswanath,Kurnool
The demands of Baba Ramdev are worth pursuing for the benefit of our country. Every Indian should stand behind him and understand that no leader has so far initiated such a novel venture.
N.V. Rama Rao,Visakhapatnam
All the best to Baba Ramdev, Anna Hazare and others attempting to clean up the system! Let our largest democracy embrace all shades of opinion from people belonging to all walks of life. But all movements should be non-violent.
Victor Frank,Chennai
What does Baba Ramdev really want? Most of his demands are bizarre. No doubt, corruption has become a big issue in our country. But arm-twisting the government is certainly not the way forward. It will only set a dangerous precedent. If Baba Ramdev is serious about bringing a change in the “system” as he claims, he should concentrate on one or two doable items and engage the government and civil society in a constructive dialogue. Rome was not built in a day, dear Baba.
P.M. Adam,Chennai
Baba Ramdev's proposed hunger strike on the issue of black money has attained political colour. As long as he was teaching yoga and Indian culture, people had great respect for him — evident from the huge gatherings cutting across religions, castes, communities and political parties in his classes. With his entry into politics with an eye on the next general election, the scenario has changed. His followers will now wonder whether to follow his social agenda turned into political agenda. The sangh parivar is already taking advantage of his proposed hunger strike.
J.P. Reddy,Nalgonda
The government's efforts to stop Baba Ramdev from going ahead with his fast are aimed at saving its skin. Rather than seriously looking into the problems haunting the country, it seems interested only in appeasing people. It should look into the demands put forward by civil society with an open mind.
Kumar Varun,New Delhi
The civil activism we see now is the last resort of people who can no longer depend on their elected representatives to speak for them. Baba Ramdev and his supporters are a group of well-meaning people. Why not give his movement a chance?
Another issue we need to work on is at the individual level. At present, what we see is self-centredness (lack of concern for others and public property), indiscipline and greed. Baba Ramdev should dwell on this too.
N. Vijaykumar,Chennai
Justice Markandey Katju has, at a very important juncture when Baba Ramdev's theatrics are being played up by the visual media, raised the issue of freedom of the press and journalistic ethics (June 3), and the media's responsibility in enhancing people's social consciousness. It is very disturbing to note that, with some honourable exceptions like The Hindu , the media pay very little attention to educating people on the need to eliminate casteism and communalism, and in inculcating rationality and scientific temper.
Instead, the media revel in Baba Ramdev-sort of spectacles, which pander to the growing cynicism towards everything emanating from politics and politicians. While the fight against corruption and systemic changes to implement societal change has to be taken up by civil society groups, how can they issue clarion calls which have the potential to weaken democratic structures and are a sure recipe for anarchy?
Kasim Sait,Chennai
