Aamir Khan on rising intolerance
Of late, Aamir Khan has been talking like he is at the fag end of his career ("Aamir Khan feels the endless wrath of social media for his 'Quit India' moment"). His wife should not have been brought into the debate. That said, I do not approve of the attack on the actor. He has done so much for us. It is ungrateful to say that he is a product of us.
We lost Salman Rushdie and MF Hussain. Let's not lose Aamir Khan. We should rescue him. – KS Parthasarathy
***
Every individual has the right to live and provide a better life for one's family. Living or leaving the country is a personal choice. But when you are a role model, you need to phrase each word you utter keeping in the mind the sentiments of 125 crore people.
Where was Aamir Khan when other people were protesting? He could have joined them, but he did not. After things started settling down, he suddenly walked in a created a huge drama, Should we or should we not suspect that this is simply a case of trying to defame our great nation. – Vinod
***
That Aamir Khan got a platform to express his views tells you a lot about India's tolerance.
The actor specifically pointed out the "intolerance" over the past six to eight months, but did not elaborate. – Akash Sanghi
***
I pity Rahul Pandita ("Aamir Khan isn’t alone: I too am a little afraid of living in India"). The media is his source of information and the first mistake they make is to use a controversial statement to boost their popularity.
The difference today is that social media has allowed people to openly express their views – something that was not possible in the past.
Take things with a pinch of salt. India is and will always be tolerant and open for others. We should not spend so much time debating this issue. – Vikram
***
The article has been framed in agonising fashion. Nation is not just a six-letter word; it's also a culture and ethos whose common goal is wellness and goodness.
Aamir Khan wanted to make a point but sadly couldn't frame it well enough. In any case, we don't count on him to be the intellectual voice of the nation. He will eventually realise his folly. – Kamakshi Vaidya
***
While this is a well written piece, I completely disagree with Rahul Pandita's arguments. You cannot compare countries, given that 80% of India's population lives in rural areas, 65% does not have access to basic amenities and the socio-cultural legacy is still ancient in the most parts. The same stick can't be used to herd all types of cattle.
People who enjoy an audience carry a sense of responsibility towards the progress of their nation. – Vipin Kampasi
***
I am amazed at Rahul Pandita's views. Can he name one place where there is a 100% guarantee of living without fear? I bet he cannot.
There is one place where I can live without fear – in my mother's lap. My country is my mother and I have been living happily without fear, unlike you who lives outside and claims to be afraid to return to India.
As the brand ambassador of Incredible India and someone who made a difference through his television show Satyamev Jayate, it was wrong of Aamir Khan to talk about leaving India.
The blackening of faces and threats to ban beef happened in the past as well – so stop blaming Narendra Modi for it. These incidents of intolerance are limited only to a few states. Communal harmony prevails in the majority of the country.
So Mr Pandita, have a great time in Yale. When you feel unsafe, return to your mother. She will welcome you with open arms as always. – Upasana Das Routray
***
I respect Rahul Pandita for his academic accomplishments but am unable to agree with his views.
He should not make comparisons between India and the US. Also, how many times does the Prime Minister have to speak on the issue of intolerance for it be considered a sufficient response?
We don't have the best minds in the country as the "best" seek greener pastures. They prefer to leave rather than stay and fight the system. We are doing the best we can with the "lesser" minds at our disposal.
It's a long journey, but then to create an ocean we need to collect each and every drop. I am sure you would appreciate the difficulty of the task. But we shall overcome and build the country of your dreams. In the meantime, enjoy the hospitality of the country of your choice, as we go about building our country. – Kowta Srikanth
***
The India you speak of has tolerated the fodder scam, coal scam, Sikh riots, dynasty rule, and lack of governance. We are still among the most tolerant places to live in terms of religion or race. – ripudaman on email
***
This is a wonderfully written piece. It should serve as an eye-opener to the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party. I would not be surprised if they dismiss it as yet another "manufactured" piece. But they can do so at their own peril. They are already going downhill. so it's now a question of the speed at which they travel that distance. – Ashok Handoo
We welcome your comments at
letters@scroll.in.
Of late, Aamir Khan has been talking like he is at the fag end of his career ("Aamir Khan feels the endless wrath of social media for his 'Quit India' moment"). His wife should not have been brought into the debate. That said, I do not approve of the attack on the actor. He has done so much for us. It is ungrateful to say that he is a product of us.
We lost Salman Rushdie and MF Hussain. Let's not lose Aamir Khan. We should rescue him. – KS Parthasarathy
***
Every individual has the right to live and provide a better life for one's family. Living or leaving the country is a personal choice. But when you are a role model, you need to phrase each word you utter keeping in the mind the sentiments of 125 crore people.
Where was Aamir Khan when other people were protesting? He could have joined them, but he did not. After things started settling down, he suddenly walked in a created a huge drama, Should we or should we not suspect that this is simply a case of trying to defame our great nation. – Vinod
***
That Aamir Khan got a platform to express his views tells you a lot about India's tolerance.
The actor specifically pointed out the "intolerance" over the past six to eight months, but did not elaborate. – Akash Sanghi
***
I pity Rahul Pandita ("Aamir Khan isn’t alone: I too am a little afraid of living in India"). The media is his source of information and the first mistake they make is to use a controversial statement to boost their popularity.
The difference today is that social media has allowed people to openly express their views – something that was not possible in the past.
Take things with a pinch of salt. India is and will always be tolerant and open for others. We should not spend so much time debating this issue. – Vikram
***
The article has been framed in agonising fashion. Nation is not just a six-letter word; it's also a culture and ethos whose common goal is wellness and goodness.
Aamir Khan wanted to make a point but sadly couldn't frame it well enough. In any case, we don't count on him to be the intellectual voice of the nation. He will eventually realise his folly. – Kamakshi Vaidya
***
While this is a well written piece, I completely disagree with Rahul Pandita's arguments. You cannot compare countries, given that 80% of India's population lives in rural areas, 65% does not have access to basic amenities and the socio-cultural legacy is still ancient in the most parts. The same stick can't be used to herd all types of cattle.
People who enjoy an audience carry a sense of responsibility towards the progress of their nation. – Vipin Kampasi
***
I am amazed at Rahul Pandita's views. Can he name one place where there is a 100% guarantee of living without fear? I bet he cannot.
There is one place where I can live without fear – in my mother's lap. My country is my mother and I have been living happily without fear, unlike you who lives outside and claims to be afraid to return to India.
As the brand ambassador of Incredible India and someone who made a difference through his television show Satyamev Jayate, it was wrong of Aamir Khan to talk about leaving India.
The blackening of faces and threats to ban beef happened in the past as well – so stop blaming Narendra Modi for it. These incidents of intolerance are limited only to a few states. Communal harmony prevails in the majority of the country.
So Mr Pandita, have a great time in Yale. When you feel unsafe, return to your mother. She will welcome you with open arms as always. – Upasana Das Routray
***
I respect Rahul Pandita for his academic accomplishments but am unable to agree with his views.
He should not make comparisons between India and the US. Also, how many times does the Prime Minister have to speak on the issue of intolerance for it be considered a sufficient response?
We don't have the best minds in the country as the "best" seek greener pastures. They prefer to leave rather than stay and fight the system. We are doing the best we can with the "lesser" minds at our disposal.
It's a long journey, but then to create an ocean we need to collect each and every drop. I am sure you would appreciate the difficulty of the task. But we shall overcome and build the country of your dreams. In the meantime, enjoy the hospitality of the country of your choice, as we go about building our country. – Kowta Srikanth
***
The India you speak of has tolerated the fodder scam, coal scam, Sikh riots, dynasty rule, and lack of governance. We are still among the most tolerant places to live in terms of religion or race. – ripudaman on email
***
This is a wonderfully written piece. It should serve as an eye-opener to the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party. I would not be surprised if they dismiss it as yet another "manufactured" piece. But they can do so at their own peril. They are already going downhill. so it's now a question of the speed at which they travel that distance. – Ashok Handoo