The situation prevailing in the country since the change of guard at the Centre is indeed alarming. Love-jihad, hate speeches and other ways to demonise Muslims are going on unabated. You have rightly covered this issue editorially ((Radiance Viewsweekly, 12-18 October, 2014). Even some legal luminaries like Justice (retd.) Markandey Katju are raising the old bogey of uniform civil code, which is impractical and irrelevant in our multi-cultural, multi-religious country. You have rightly suggested that our countrymen should make a comparative study of the Islamic texts, history and society and those of other faiths and societies. Only then the wisdom inherent in the Muslim personal laws based on the teachings of the Qur’ān and hadīth can be realised.
Mohd Akhtar
Ranchi, Jharkhand
Attack on Northeast youth a blot on democracy
On the one side, we are beating the drum of being the greatest democratic country, on the other democratic rights of citizens are being violated across the country. Recently attacks on Northeast youth in Bangalore and Gurgaon are definitely shameful and condemnable. Increasing pace of such incidents suggests deep-rooted discrimination and prejudice in the nation. While we are curious to arrive at Mars, we are unable to provide basic human rights and requirements for human beings. The need of hour is to promote human values and dignity rather than inviting foreigners to invest in the nation.
Javed Akhtar
Delhi
The unsung hero recognised globally
Kailash Satyarthi was until yesterday an unsung hero and none bothered to eulogise his sacrifice and contribution towards child rights. Before getting the world’s highest accolade, he was neither praised nor recognised nor awarded with any prize, big or small, across India. The Nobel Peace Prize for Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian child rights activist, will certainly encourage activists to keep up their hard work and motivate others to take up social issues in order to make this land a better place to live in. He is truly a messiah for all those whose life has been changed for the better where there is dignity, love and care and compassion. India needs more Satyarthis in different walks of life to bring instrumental changes.
Manzar Hussain
New Delhi
Need of the hour
Apropos your special issue on Islamophobia (Radiance Viewsweekly, 5-11 October, 2014), I have to say that the issue is timely. It has covered the various aspects of the subject. The solution you have editorially suggested viz. to defeat Islamophobia with love and kindness is time tested. It can win friends from among the hostile, and foot soldiers from among dead opponents. The need of the hour is that Muslims present Islam with their character, behaviour and dealings in their day to day life and become the embodiment of love and sympathy, cooperation and coordination while serving the society and nation. These qualities Muslims can have only by turning to the basics, to the Qur’ān and the teachings of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him).
Abu Yousuf
Gaya, Bihar