This is in response to the ‘letter' “Modesty of dress and Indian culture” (March 11). As per the Agama Shastras , a Hindu priest is not expected to cover the upper part of his body while doing puja. In many temples in Kerala, male devotees wearing shirts are not allowed inside. We go to the temple only to worship god, not to look at the bare body of the priest.
Modesty is applicable to both men and women. Finding fault with others without looking at ourselves will not serve any purpose.
V. Anand Kumar,
Chennai
The article underlines the skewed standards of morality for men and women. The argument that priests and boys be made to conform to dress codes may appear funny but it strikes at the root of the problem.
Perpetuation of a wrong attitude by tracing its origin to our culture is a greater wrong. We must realise that culture is not static. Our efforts must be directed at weeding out gender inequalities and discrimination, and incorporating tolerance and mutual respect.
Prathit Charan Misra,
Allahabad
The writer should visit temples with bhakti in her heart, nothing else. Her remark that Indians boys should play only those games in which they don't have to reveal their legs (not wear shorts) is like saying women should go out wearing only a sari, covering their heads and faces. We hate to read such articles on a Sunday.
S.N. Ramanath,
Bangalore
I work for a reputed multinational company, where dress code is enforced strictly for men, mostly by men who have a leadership role, although dress codes are meant for both men and women. Women are not forced to wear shoes and are not restricted to the pant-shirt norm. They are given options like saris, salwar-kameez, unspecified other outfits which include a choice of some groovy dress colours, whereas it is not the case with men. But, somehow, it is not seen as bias or discrimination. When undue privileges are offered to women, most of them accept them, which is nothing but duplicity.
P.S. Sriram,
Chennai
