On January 14,The Hindu carried a front-page report, titled “Ayodhya mosque to be ‘better than Taj”. A self-styled trust “Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation” formed by Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Wakf Board, seems to have authorized itself to raise funds for building a Masjid at a land allotted by the Yogi Adityanath government at a far-off place from Ayodhya.First of all, the trustees of the so-called “trust” should understand the difference between a mausoleum and a Masjid and their assertion that the “Ayodhya Masjid” will be better than the Taj Mahal is absurd.
After the Supreme Court’s verdict in 2019, to hand over the site of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya for the construction of Ram temple, the Muslims in the country did not clamor for the construction of a Masjid as a recompense for the demolition of Babri Masjid.Because, the issue of compensation was not paramount for the Muslims.
The Yogi government which allotted 5 acres of land for the construction of a Masjid at a distance of 25 kms away from Ayodhya was a clear proof of the nonchalant attitude of the BJP toward Muslims.The trust which plans to raise crores of rupees “to construct one of the biggest Masjids in India”, should desist from the idea, which devours hard-earned money from the gullible Muslim masses.
Syed Sultan Mohiddin
Kadapa (A.P)
Food Access for the Vulnerable
India may earmark about Rs.4 trillion for food and fertiliser subsidies for the next fiscal year, two government sources said, indicating fiscal caution ahead of this year’s general election. However, India runs its multi-billion dollar food welfare programme, the world’s biggest such initiative, by buying rice and wheat from millions of domestic farmers at state-set minimum or guaranteed prices, and then supplying the staples for free to 800 million Indians. But still, many people are brought to starvation. Therefore, the government should work in such areas where the schemes need to be accessible and everyone has access to nutrition.
Mohammad Taukir
Bettiah, Bihar
MahakaviBharatiyar
MahakaviBharatiyar, whose inspiring poems played a significant role in inspiring the freedom struggle of our nation. Bharatiyar’s words of passion, courage, and patriotism ignited the flames of revolution in the hearts of countless individuals during one of the darkest periods in our history. His poems not only encapsulated the spirit of freedom, but they also awakened a sense of unity and collective responsibility among the masses.
Bharatiyar’s profound understanding of the social and political issues of his time, combined with his mastery of language, allowed him to communicate powerful messages of liberation and justice. Even today his poems continue to resonate with the Indian youth, urging them to rise above limitations and fight for a just society. Bharatiyar said,“Freedom is not simply the absence of external control, but the liberation of the mind and soul”
TS Karthik
27/120 Halls Rd Kilpauk, Chennai
Probe Covid Fraud
With a top-ranking leader of the BJP who is also a former Union Minister, alleging a Rs. 40,000/- crore fraud by the previous BJP government in Karnataka at the height of Covid-19 pandemic, there is need for an impartial inquiry to bring the real facts to light.
One finds it difficult to comprehend how people could have thought of making a fast buck when the deadly virus was wreaking havoc killing thousands of people. This proves how thick-skinned our politicians can be. Exemplary punishment should be meted out to those who dare to take gullible citizens for a ride by exploiting their fear and frailties.
Usman Ahmed
Bengaluru, Karnataka