There is no universal civilisation in sight

After going through Samuel P. Huntington’s write-up "Clash of civilisation? (May 29), I fail to understand why we are paranoid about the West. We are not a nation of xenophobes.

Let us look specifically at the consumer goods sector. Many questions are being raised currently with regard to multinational corporations and foreign investment in this sector. Yet if we look at the state governments, the perspective is changing substantially. Today there is enormous autonomy for the states in India. Each state government is marketing and promoting its territory internationally for private sector investment and for foreign investment. Every such investment is creating employment directly in the factory or manufacturing site.

Autarky exists in a fool’s paradise. Banishing foreigners from the economy and other spheres benefits no society. It is illogical to suggest that a product is acceptable if an Indian company makes it but not if a foreign owned one does. It is cretinism, not nationalism. Whatever be the temporary sways, Indians are intelligent enough to recognise it as thus.

Theoretically, xenophobia has a strong cultural dimension. The Chinese Boxer Revolutionaries, for example, saw white men as civilisationally inferior beings. These aspects are missing in contemporary India. Rather, the country has reconciled western cultural influence well with local ones. There is no fear of the foreigner.

K.M. VASHISHT

Mansa

II

The author attempts to answer the vital question — "Is a universal civilisation emerging"? Since there are no concrete signs of either a universal language or a universal religion, (two essential elements of a civilisation) developing one may conclude that no such "universal civilisation" is in sight. But at the same time we definitely cannot ignore the fact that glimpses of some sort of common world culture are seen on the horizon as a result of increased interaction and the ongoing process of global modernisation. I tend to agree with the view that a universal civilisation is an inevitable product of modernisation but the assumption that in the process all modern societies must become westernised is not acceptable to me.

I join the author in appealing to the West that it should not attempt to reshape other civilisations in its own image, but to preserve and renew the qualities of its own civilisation. They must appreciate the virtues of a pluralistic world.

ONKAR CHOPRA

Ludhiana

Among the Badals

This refers to the series of articles by Khushwant Singh "Among the Badals" (May 22 and 29) in praise of Parkash Singh Badal, his family and other relatives.

Khushwant Singh received a saropa and citation from Parkash Singh Badal at Anandpur Sahib at the time of the celebration of the Khalsa tercentenary, which as he has himself admitted he did not deserve, as a award for the services he has rendered to Sikh religion and people.

In return he has done a good job of qasida khawani (rendering of high praise of a benefactor) in his above two articles. Now it is the proper time to put a stop to more elaboration on the subject as a reciprocal gesture. Enough is enough. People are not interested in the life-styles of the Badals. There are more important and interesting topics to write about.

He should refrain from using the columns of a newspaper as platform for airing his liking for his benefactors. Next time we earnestly hope to hear more interesting and meaningful anecdotes from the celebrated writer.

MOHINDER SINGH

Patiala

Business of beauty

Apropos of Renee Ranchan’s article "This business of beauty" (June 5), we Indians are master imitators of the western culture. In fact our craze for everything foreign has become a way of life and this is also affecting the psyche of the younger generation which has started aping the West by discarding Indian culture, customs, festivals, dress, and language. Nowadays beauty contests and fashion shows are being held even in small towns. Beauty saloons and health clubs are springing up like mushrooms in cities and towns.

Beauty, good looks and attractive, glowing skin are nature’s gift to human beings and there is no replacement for these natural gifts. Interference with these, may bring some short-term benefits but in the long-run may prove harmful.

So let us not waste our time and money on anti-ageing expensive beauty lotions and wonder creams.

RITU SHARMA

Faridabad

Doyen of surgery

The doyen of surgery by Kailashnath Sud (June 5) on the life of Dr Santokh Singh Anand, the founder of the PGI, was an informative piece.

It was heartening and startling to learn that on the request of P.S. Kairon, he had to handle two jobs at one time — to teach MBBS students at Amritsar and to construct the PGI in Chandigarh. He used to travel by his own car and at his own expense. He did not wish to leave the final year students mid-way.

Alas, nowadays, a few persons have damaged the reputation of this noble profession. These persons should learn a lesson from this article that doctors who perform their duties sincerely are always remembered.

SUBHASH C. TANEJA

Rohtak