Curse of Brahmanism

Refer to the editorial ‘Caste in another mould’ (July 25); it is shocking that a person of a prejudiced mind, not having rudimentary knowledge of evolution of mankind and the process of civilisation of society, culture and religion, is a judge. All humans are equal. Brahmanism, full of blind faith, orthodox rituals and castiest and communal ideology, is a curse for society. The origin of the social hierarchy of castes was linked to professional knowledge and skills rather than incidence of birth. To always stay at top, even without required knowledge and skills, the administrative classes played scandalous mischief to limit social status and choice of work to birth. Justice Chitambaresh is unfit to hold a constitutional post. Steps should be taken to remove him.          

MANGA RAM, Faridabad

Some hypocrisy here 

Apropos ‘Caste in another mould’ (July 25), our Constitution recognises castes and simply forbids the State, not society, to discriminate against anyone on the basis of caste, though it blatantly allows the so-called positive discrimination on the basis of caste — a euphemism for caste-based reservation. Justice Chitambaresh advocates poverty-based reservation. The Central government has already declared 10% for the economically weaker sections. So long as identity politics unleashed by vote-bank politics of our democratic system goes unabated such-like reactions are bound to surface and we must learn to live with them. Let us not pretend to be more loyal than the king, when the secular Constitution itself does not object to the existence of castes in the social field.

Surendra Ajnat, BANGA

Two sides of same coin 

The parallel drawn in the article ‘Are we becoming increasingly majoritarian?’ (July 25) between Trump and Modi is apt, authentic and credible. It signals a dangerous challenge to the democratic values, including secularism, to all countries since the virus of retaliation and revenge can emerge to fight the attitude of arrogance and strength shown by the majority. Any caste, creed or religion in a bigger number is sure to be domineering and the threat becomes all the more dreadful if it enjoys the patronage of the rulers, overtly or covertly. 

Chaman Arora, Ferozepur City

That’s quite a leap 

According to the latest Global Innovation Index, India has been ranked at the 52nd place, the biggest jump by a large economy. In 2015, India was ranked 81, which has steadily improved in the past few years. The first rank has been retained by Switzerland followed by Sweden, the US and the Netherlands. At 14, China is the only middle-income economy to be ranked in the top 30. India has jumped 29 notches in four years, which is an indication that it is inching towards becoming a $5-trillion economy. 

shadi Lal, by mail

Students soft target 

Refer to the editorial ‘Drive against drugs’ (July 25); frequent seizures point to the enormity of the task. The inflow of drugs at any place is due to two factors: Firstly, it caters to the needs of addicts, and secondly, for creating an ‘option’ for new consumers in need of ‘stress relief’. Student hostels are the best places where, in the name of providing sensual pleasure, addicts are being created. It plays havoc with not only with their career, but also their lives. The police can control drug supply either at the source or on its way to the destination. Educational institutions can play a more prominent role by urging students to stay away from drugs. Genuine NGOs can also play a vital role by making people aware of its ill effects.

Anup Kumar Gakkhar, Hardwar

Fix Aug 31 as tax date 

The Finance Ministry has taken a good decision in the interest of taxpayers to extend the due date for filing returns to August 31, in respect of certain categories of taxpayers who were liable to file ITRs by July 31. Due to the extension of deadline by the CBDT till July 10 for issuing Form-16 to employees, only 20 days were left for salaried taxpayers to file ITRs. The CBDT should fix August 31 as the official date every year. 

Shakti Singh, Karnal

Taking post for a ride 

The photograph “DC’s ‘royal’ ride” (July 25) was funny and at the same time annoying and shameful. How can a high-ranking government officer use men as slaves to carry him in a palanquin on an official job? The Ramban DC’s act is highly objectionable and should be condemned. The Centre should punish him for misusing his official status. 

RK KAPOOR, CHANDIGARH

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