U.S. President Barack Obama’s statement on the need to uphold religious freedom has far-reaching implications (“ > Uphold religious freedom, Obama urges India ” Jan.28). The BJP government’s programmes such as ‘Make in India’, ‘Smart Cities’ and ‘Clean India’ can succeed only with the participation of Indian as well as foreign investors.
G. Stanley Jeyasingh,
Nagercoil
Mr. Obama’s pertinent advice could not have come at a more appropriate time. With right-wing elements bent on dividing the country in the name of religion, and other telltale signs of an agenda (“Row over omission of words,” Jan.28) that cannot be dismissed as mere oversight, the BJP government needs to come clean on this issue.
Tharcius S. Fernando,
Chennai
The speech should be seen as a slap in the face of the government, which is trying to introduce an element of religion into almost every field using even the slightest opportunity. Right-wing groups are clearly attempting to incite communal hatred in the country. Mr. Obama’s words of caution show that the world is watching.
T. Anand Raj,
Chennai
In his final speech in India, Mr. Obama effectively punctured the euphoria of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the visit. It is also a passive reminder to Mr. Modi that religious intolerance was the reason why he was denied a visa. The U.S. President has done well in exposing to the world the sectarian attitude and philosophy of the BJP and the right wing.
Thomas George,
Pala, Kerala
Mr. Obama’s advice, or “remark”, is quite amusing. Is he not aware of our Sanatana Dharma, which respects all the religions in the world, and of our supreme secularism being followed here? Has he overlooked the fact that we have places of worship that cover many faiths? In fact, India may be one of the few nations where minorities enjoy the maximum freedom with many of their members making it to high office.
V.S. Ganeshan,
Bengaluru
As expected, the media have jumped into the fray and highlighted the remarks. This is my poser to media outlets: where else can you find a country like India that allows such abundant religious freedom? Where were the media when there were reverse conversions, from majority to minority? As a result of this, the demography of northeastern India is changing. We also know about the plight of Kashmiri Pandits. As a good host we have to accord respect to the President and his comments. But he must note that he will not be allowed to talk about religious freedom in West Asia, his next destination after India, and where the American First Lady has apparently stirred up a controversy by not wearing a headscarf.
Satheesh Kumar R.,
Mangaluru
