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The magnificent Maharaja APROPOS of Satish K. Kapoor’s "The Magnificent Maharaja," (November 11), the admirers of the British Raj have blown their trumpet largely on the blessings of modernisation. They have not bothered to consider whether outstanding indigenous rulers would not have themselves modernised the country. In this connection, it is interesting and instructive to study the many-splendoured life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, particularly his superb organising capacity and modernising instinct.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s modernising instinct also manifested itself in what may be called positive and practical secularism. His advisers, many senior military officers, including two generals, were Muslims. In the police and other branches of civil service there were more than 90 senior Muslim officers. Hindus, too, held many key posts. The Maharaja was one of the greatest rulers who was truly secular as well as truly religious. He, in fact, set an outstanding example to show how state polity and administration, could be run on secular lines without relegating one’s religion to the secondary place. He was a devout Sikh and never took any major decisions without seeking guidance from the Holy Granth. Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule holds a great lesson for the nation: a sound and lasting polity is not merely personality-oriented but also has firm roots in strong institutions and is fed by a healthy climate of unity and harmony. K.M. VASHISTH, Mansa |
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This refers to I.M. Soni’s write-up "Misfortune is opportunity in disguise" (November 4). Adversity is never a curse; it is a blessing to man. It makes man’s life perfect and serene. A life spent in the lap of luxury in an imperfect and insignificant. "He who has not tasted the bitterest cup of sorrow and misery can never expect to drink nectar" said Schopenhaur. Work is worship. It is work which brings forth the worth of man. Real success is achieved only by hard work, sincerity of purpose, drive and determination. Lazy and lethargic people do not make any progress in life. It is hard work which is key to success. VIJAY SHEEL JAIN, Ludhiana II The writer has rightly said that misfortune is opportunity in disguise. Men should have the drive and determination to realise their goal. Hard work is the only fertiliser that builds your character. One cannot have a victory without a battle, character without conflict and perfect love without suffering. Let us surge forward and try to realise our potential. HANS RAJ JAIN, Moga Divali This refers to the articles "Sahibs’ impressions of Divali" by Pran Nevile and "Let the festival of lights light up our lives and spread joy" by Nandita Vij (November 11). We must emulate Lord Rama, to ward off the darkness of ignorance, of anger, of temptation, with the light of wisdom, love and freedom. Divali is a celebration of the message of Lord Rama’s life of sacrifice and dharma. Sacrifice can end the cruelty of the rich and the apathy of the poor. Above all, practise democracy, liberty, and equality in your daily life. Cultivate simplicity, independence and tolerance. AVTAR NARAIN
CHOPRA, Why do newspapers... Apropos of "Why newspapers publish what they do" by Amar Chandel (November 4). The author has explained the constraints under which an editor has to select the items to use in his publication. However, I venture to add that stories on crime, sex, religion and politics are universally interesting. Hence they take precedence over the other stories. Besides, an uncommon happening makes a good copy. CHAMAN LAL KORPAL, Amritsar |
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Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s
organising capacity came to the fore when he raised an army whose
strength equalled that of the British Indian Army on the eve of the
World War II (1939). Few in history have achieved so much in such a
short time, against such heavy odds. One of the greatest achievements of
the Maharaja was that he effectively blocked the north-west route
through which India was invaded time and again.