Unity in diversity, really?

Refer to ‘Theatre of hate’ (Nous Indica)’; unity in diversity is the maxim we Indians proudly identify ourselves with. But is it so? Religion is being used as a tool to divide communities. We have divided God and made it our undying resolve to ‘protect’ Him. The question we need to ask ourselves is, does something so prodigious and pious need our protection, or is it us who need salvation?

Rewant Sharma, by mail

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Exploiting religion

The nub of ‘Theatre of hate’ that the rights to offend and get offended are not acceptable public behaviour, is easier said than done. Down the centuries, the solution has remained elusive. Hate, which is synonymous with intolerance, is manifest in violence and virulence, fear and fanaticism that are inimical to social and communal harmony. But votebank politics thrives on exploiting religion. We need a common civil code that will not only forbid mixing religion with politics, but also isolate the rule of law from religious codes. Tolerance by the State of any breach of law is a curse.

Lalit Bhardwaj, Panchkula

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No longer ‘fringe’

Apropos of ‘Theatre of hate’, most persons in society are neither scientists nor philosophers. Expecting them to be logical and reasonable where their mainstay of life and faith is involved, is expecting too much. We have been ignoring the perpetrators of the venomous spirit of hate by calling them fringe elements. Now, they threaten to occupy space in the mainstream. The eradication of this menace is possible if religious leaders take the initiative in matters of faith. Politicians can toe the line but they cannot lead in matters of social and religious importance.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

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India has lost a friend

With the assassination of former Japan PM Shinzo Abe, the world has lost a statesman. He was Japan’s globally best-known leader in a long time, and the key driving force behind the resurrection of Quad, realising that Japan had to play an important security role in Asia to counterbalance China. He laid the foundation for what a dynamic Japan should be. This dynamism was visible in the New Delhi-Tokyo relationship, which has deepened with a mutual logistics support agreement and a 2+2 foreign and defence ministerial dialogue. Abe believed in India’s rise and its ability to deliver for Asia. New Delhi and Tokyo must continue to work on his vision. PM Modi has paid rich tributes to his close friend by announcing one-day national mourning in the country.

SANJAY CHOPRA, MOHALI

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Religious intolerance

Reference to ‘The growth of the fanatic’; religious fanaticism is on the rise everywhere. Just one hateful statement, a perceived or intentional blasphemous photo or media post, and there is a swarm of fanatics/bigots who are ready to kill and maim in the name of their religious beliefs and teachings. Unfailingly, all religions preach love, compassion and mutual tolerance and respect. If religious enthusiasts are full of hatred and violence, they may be misled and brainwashed by their religious teachers/leaders because of their vested interests.

Ravi Rana, Kapurthala

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Mark sick trees

Refer to the tragic death of a promising schoolgirl; the 250-year-old tree was branded as heritage, if so, did the horticulture department carry out any periodic inspection (‘Schoolgirl dies as tree falls during recess’)? The tree was termite infested and was not treated by the department concerned. The lifespan of a peepal tree ranges between 900 and 1,500 years. The administration should mark the trees that are prone to fall due to age, waterlogging or storm; and take appropriate steps to prevent any future tragedy.

VK Anand, Chandigarh

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Permission to cut now?

A decaying heritage tree was allowed to grow precariously on a school’s premises. It caused an avoidable tragedy, in which a child lost her life and many others were seriously injured. It takes months to get permission even to prune such a tree, leave alone seeking its removal. One should ‘thank’ the UT administration for allowing the tree to be cut after this tragedy. If it could be cut now without permission, why couldn’t it be removed earlier? It would have averted the tragedy. It must now allow the removal of such trees that are a threat to life and property.

BALVINDER, by mail

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Book UT officials

A heritage tree came crashing down on a large number of girl students, claiming the life of one, in a prestigious Chandigarh school. The hand of a student had to be amputated. Why was there no maintenance of the heritage tree? The tree was moth eaten and needed immediate pruning. An FIR should be registered against the officials concerned of the UT administration and the Department of Forests and Wildlife.

RAMESH GUPTA, NARWANA

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