Islam has some bad ideas, like jihad
I want to start by saying that I am a huge fan of Scroll.in. This article ('Finally! A Muslim apologises for everything') is the first one which I found a bit illogical.
No one is asking each individual Muslim to apologise. Rather, we want moderate Muslims to stop being apologetic for these terrorists and stop saying it had nothing to do with Islam. Ideas have consequences, and Islam has some pretty bad ideas, like martyrdom and jihad. Rather, we want moderate Muslims to raise their voice about bringing much needed reform to Islam.
The writer then brings in the question of Adolf Hitler doing things in the name of Christianity. Hitler did not commit crimes in the name of religion. British imperialism and American atrocities in the Middle East did not come about due to commandments in any holy book. But Islamic terrorists do carry out these attacks in the name of Islam. –Sandeep Kandwal
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Someone should point out to Shehzad that at least two of his statements are jingoistic and have been copied from European ignoramuses. One is "I would like to apologise for the role of Muhammad Ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi in the development of algebra and algorithms". But Al-Khwarizmi did not develop algebra. Two is "I would like to apologise for the University of Al Karaouine, recognised as the world’s oldest university that granted degrees to individuals, way back in 859." But India's ancient Nalanda University is much older: It functioned from 413 AD to 1193 AD. –Mani
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This article really shows why Muslims are so misunderstood. Why are they all so defensive when an act of terror and cold-blooded murder takes place in the name of defending Islam, which is supposed to be a religion of peace? Why don't the Muslims rise en masse to root out this wrongdoing in the name of religion by a section of their own? Instead, we get this kind of defensive and sarcastic article from them. Nobody denies the great heights of civilisation that was reached in the past by some of the Islamist countries. Similar achievements abound in the old civilizations of China, India, Egypt, Greece and others. So what? It is not what we were but what we are today.
It appears that currently Muslims react too defensively in such situations instead of creating or building a movement to isolate and root out such groups who commit such atrocious acts in the name of religion. Till then, sadly, such perceptions of Muslims in general will continue and you cannot expect some other group who has been subject to such atrocities to sit quiet and not mind this because the Muslims had a great ancient civilisation. –Kollol Sen
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One can feel the anger behind this article. But in overdoing the sarcasm, its effect is diminished. Also, while I am not knowledgeable enough to comment about the several claims made about Muslim contribution to the world, the tenor strongly echoes the current Hindutva claims of India being the fount of all knowledge and wisdom. –Usha Subramanian
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This is so typical of not shouldering the responsibility of denouncing radical/extremist Muslims. Being cynical about the need to do does not make it unnecessary. You totally ignore the fact that Muslims are slaughtering Muslims in the most barbaric ways and there isn’t one Muslim leader who will shout his objection. –Joseph Nir
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Tell me you don't believe Hitler was Christian. Even a simple Google search would reveal he was at heart truly an atheist. I'm an atheist, too. I just want you to write better. –Jordan P
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What I've never understood is why a person of South Asian origin connects so much with Middle Eastern history and culture. Not that one shouldn't be proud of one's possible roots; but then, it's a bit racist when you consider only a part of your identity as your only identity. Just like seekers of an apology from all Muslims are highly prejudiced, so is the author to remind the world only of the glorious history of Islam and all science and arts associated with it. The author is a Pakistani. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that, in a way, points to his possible Indian origin as well. Why not be proud of that, too? Forget Indian. What about his Pakistani roots? Shouldn't he apologise for Zaid Hamid, too? –Mansi Bhatt
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No one has asked for your apology. Asking for an apology for acts you have not perpetrated is as insane as the expectation that a person has to apologise to you, a Muslim, for "insulting the prophet".
What we (I'll use the subset of all humans who are not Muslims) have asked of moderate Muslims is your help. The perception is rising that an extremist Muslim wants to kill all Infidels, and a moderate Muslim wants an extremist Muslim to kill all Infidels. Why? Because moderate Muslims are doing nothing to help.–Michael Scott
Kiran Bedi will have to answer for her shifting loyalties
Your article's subject is excellent ('Shazia Ilmi is further proof that political careerism is the bane of our democracy'). As an Indian first, Shazia Ilmi's role even in AAP was a little suspect. A hunger for power, or as you rightly said, a craze for the limelight or prominence in public life has demolished her image, which was once a household talking point for values.
These opportunists or fair weather friends don't fly distance. Mark my word. Even, Kiran Bedi will have to face consequences for shifting loyalties sooner than later. I liked your vocabulary and content. Great article. –S Kannan
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Very good write-up, a bit anti-BJP though. I've known Ilmi since she was a news reader on one of the TV channels and anchored several programmes . She is a courageous and outspoken activist/politician and secular at heart. Getting frustrated with the AAP is not a crime: it's a one-man party, and if Ilmi is ambitious, who isn't in public life? She is young, energetic, somewhat charismatic and quite vocal about what she thinks. So nothing wrong in her opting for the BJP. After all, should all Muslim politicians join only Mulayam, Mayawati, Mamata or the defunct Janata Parivar? Let Muslims of India give BJP under Modi a chance. Other so-called secular parties have done nothing for minorities in the past 67 years. So, keep it up Shazia. Wish you all the best. –Jai Ram Singh
In the case of Raif Badawi, the West cannot play Global Cop
A most stupid, ridiculous and dehumanised punishment of 1,000 lashes and 10-year imprisonment for a man who did not commit any crime of dacoity, theft or murder, but just requested the Saudi government to separate state and religion, that is to have some sort of secular credentials ('A thousand lashes for Raif Badawi, while the West stays silent on Saudi human rights'). But what would the West do with the kind of nasty religious obscurantism in Saudi, which would contribute to another major fire when interfered with, on the lines of Syria, Iraq, etc. The Muslims constitute 25% of the world's population, hence the moderates among them would at least prevail upon the Saudi government to reconsider this harsh punishment to Raif Badawi in the name of their god, the merciful, which never squares up with the ends of justice.
Anyhow, notwithstanding my comments to the contrary, I enjoyed reading your post. –Balan Iyer
Some media aren't shackled
If you read the media devoted to the rich, what do you expect? ('All media has biases, but for Indian media middle classes and advertisers are all that matter') But if you want to read at least one magazine that covers the poor and disadvantaged in North India, read Forward Press magazine, published from New Delhi. –Prabhu Guptara
True belief does not exist as a label but only in the heart
It does not matter whether one has a label of Hindu or a Muslim Sufi or a Christian ('Why I converted: The transformation of Dilip Kumar into AR Rahman'). True label or belief one has is in one's heart. At one time I was a practising Hindu but am now trying to live based on Christian beliefs. The only truth I have realised is that one God created us all and we all are his children. Let us care for each other. –Chander
Economists who oppose Hindutva are doing that to keep India divided
Both Amartya Sen and Bhagwati are using their Indo-American influence on us at the behest and interest of the US to keep India divided ('One thing that Amartya Sen and Jagdeesh Bhagwati agree on: Hindutva is dangerous for India'). They know Hindutva unites India. It's good if they just focus on their areas of strength, i.e economics. –Kalpana Singh
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Utter rubbish. If Bhagwati was even moderately more erudite than the member of the Indian judiciary he would know that there is no such thing as "Hinduism." That's the coming together of the many indigenous religions of India into a common vote bank by the persecution meted out to them by the Dalit-British-Communist notion of India's Neta-Babu-Milard-Cop-Crony Kleptocracy. If at all there is such a thing as "Hinduism", which includes the myriad indigenous religions of India, each of which is smaller than Islam, it is a fiction in the minds of those who operate on conclusive assumptions for political convenience, without evidence or study, and who write the Indian Constitution, write the laws and rule over India.– S Suchindranath Aiyer
Film and music reviewers need to be more experienced
Thank you for the column and for its carefully chosen excerpts ('A timeless thumri in raag Bhairavi, sung by Bhimsen Joshi and other giants'). As is the case with music, experience is so essential for a discourse, the excerpts take the reader right into the heart of the experience. Then the right or wrong of a certain interpretation can be judged by the reader for himself.
I wish one could do the same with films, where it is even more essential. I think back to my decades of teaching at the film schools and film appreciation classes, which amply demonstrated the saw that one image is worth a thousand words. In music too, one alaap equals thousand words.
Nevertheless, if experience is not mediated by thought, it often stays at the level of hedonism and there is not further search. Great aestheticians, be it Sarangdev, Zeami or Aristotle have given primacy to the experience but have enriched our experience by analysing the structures of our experience. Thus we have a constant interaction between theory and practice, the only way to enrich both. Passion without reason can take us into the blind alley of hedonism and reason without the sensuous experience contradicting it, challenging it and enriching it, can lead to the arid sand of desert where neat lines can be drawn, but there are no fruits of pleasure.
Thank you for your balance. –Arun Khopkar
Hindus must take responsibility to clean the Ganga
Have the guts to ban cremation on the banks of holy Ganga ('Why did 100 decomposed bodies float back up in Ganga?'). Make alternative arrangements. Seal some ghats. Make some filter pools for people to bathe. Hindus must take full responsibility to save it. –Ganga Saraswati Turlapati
Controversial films must be released for private viewing only
To put an end to this and any such future controversies ‒ with an ordinance ‒ such films should be certified for restricted, private viewing only. ('The real story of the Dera Sacha Sauda movie: a turf war between the BJP and the Akali Dal')
Let followers of the cult see it as they may have even contributed to the making of it or may be willing to pay per viewing. Cinema houses ought to be allowed to exhibit such films, with due police permission, in advance, so that cinema halls are booked and paid for by the cult in advance.
All shows should be permitted only at timings specially cleared i.e. not the shows already approved by the cinema hall for public shows a.k.a. normal show timings. In other wods, this would apply for special shows from 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM only and exhibitors would have to reflect their revenue and pay TDS at 20% within the same month. Besides this the government must not - repeat NOT - earn any entertainment tax from such shows certified for restricted, private viewing only. –Dara S Acidwalla
What an amazing article by Swami Kapiladeva ('I don't see my journey from Christianity to Krishna as a conversion'). Good you have brought it about. –Mathew Cherian
Kudos on all articles
I am in awe of your website. I don't think of myself as an intellectual, may be a pseudo one, but the content you generate makes me feel smart somehow. I know more, I know better and you have the right data, analysis and research in most of your articles. I enjoy your pop culture, lifestyle and art section the most as that's where my interest lies. I equally enjoy your political stories and the tongue-in-cheek satirical ones too. I have only one query: When are you coming out with a mobile app? It's tedious for me to go to your website from a desktop or a laptop as I'm constantly on the run. So any news on that front? –Preksha Malu
Indian culture is preventing life from happening to us
This would be funny if it wasn’t systematic brainwashing ('How to protect your daughters from love jihad: 8 pointers from a Hindutva group'). However, most of my friends growing up, irrespective of religion, were brought up in this manner, sans the love-jihad tag. Their parents would try to check their incoming calls. Parents would restrict buying “luxury” items, daughters would wait for the next festival when the stingy relatives were forced to donate to their cause. Batty grandmothers routinely advised girls on the dangers of marrying outside their caste, religion, creed, geographical area (unless of course it was the US). And boys, hell hath no fury like a parent who catches you having a boyfriend. It's really only our proudly guarded "Indian culture", cautioning us constantly against actually letting life happen to you. –Shreya Chatterjee
What is the situation on the ground in Peshawar?
The article says too little with endless amount of words ('In wake of Peshawar, India must resist demands to step towards the darkness of dogma'). It is very factual and says the obvious. What it needs is the thorough understanding of the situation prevailing in Pakistan. –Abhinav Pandya
Marxism, unlike Islam, burns brightest in a non-dictatorial, democratic atmosphere
Girish’s critique of Marxism in this article is from the prism of his own experience, but not entirely wrong ('What Marxism and Islamism have in common'). The comparison with Islamism on the other hand is more provocative, reductionist, and an immature contention. Assuming the writer’s attempt is to highlight the ‘dictatorial’ tendency, that enterprise is then lost in the comparison of two diametrically opposite ideologies. However, the reader’s intelligence is not the concern of the writer; therefore, the analogy must stand.
Those governments that have wielded Marxism as a weapon to overthrow previous rule have indeed imposed a dictatorship of one party. This is dissonant to minds that are only used to democratic rule, of course. But this is to discount the fact that in a Marxist utopia, there is no government eventually. Note: The absence of government, not the dictatorial rule of one. Where does this go wrong? The human tendency towards fascism; the imperialist nature of nationalism; and an inert state of State Capitalism that economically makes the same mistake as a free market economy. This is a recognised problem of Socialist Republics of yore but that is what a dialectic is for – to change and infuse change. Therefore, today’s dialectic is about Marxism in a democratic realm; the Reform vs Revolution debate is done more in the context of democracy. It is no more incumbent on the revolutionary to invoke dictatorship to entrench Marxism in the people – because the Marxism is coming from the people.
To Islamism, even in a post-modern world, calling this an ideology is unpalatable to me because there is no ‘ideology’ in Islamism. An Islamist constitution is one of theology written in a time that was never consonant with democracy or freedom of speech, thought and expression. Yet, despite this, Egypt showed us that Islamist parties can enjoy the support and use democracy. To then assume that they have a dictatorial tendency by default is not based on fact.
What Girish must, and probably does, realise is that the dictatorial tendency is what kills Marxism – it is fuelled and burns brightest in a democratic atmosphere. This may not be the same for Islamism as the converse holds true there. Lal Salaam! –Arun S Nambiar
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Very well written article. It is balanced and incisive. Thankfully not [being] doggedly left or right. –Utkarsh Amitabh
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To read Marx extensively and yet misinterpret him is like a little like being the boy who only looks at girls in a music concert. It is usually done without any encouragement. What Marxism, murderous communist regimes, Islam and terrorism have in common is a short-sighted philosopher, cynical and unable to unlearn. To say that Islam allows, nay carries blame, for terrorist activities more than other religions is to not see how the word terrorism is selectively used for some acts of violence perpetrated and not for others. To be carried away by labels is one thing, to pontificate on the basis of prejudices, another altogether.
To look at one religion as somewhat more murderous than all other reasons men kill for is petty and juvenile. We kill far more people, in far more dramatic methods for far more perfunctory reasons of money, land, caste and colour. These are all terrorist acts.
The very structure of inequality allows humans an excuse for violence. The crimes committed by communist regimes in the past one hundred years are as hideous as the Spanish inquisition five hundred years ago. The Nazi's gas chambers are every bit as horrific as General Pinochet's torture chambers. The partition in India as bloody as the civil war in Sri Lanka. Islam's structure is as conducive to violence as is this comment. It is not what it intends to be. It is what people will make it out to be. What can one say of one who reads Abhinav Gupta and thinks it means Jack Nicholson. –Suhel Banerjee
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In your article you spoke about this: "But none of the Hindus who murdered Sikhs in 1984 claimed they were doing so out of religious duty, nor did Nazis suggest that exterminating Jews was a goal inspired by their Christianity." ('What Marxism and Islamism have in common') You think Islam promotes violence as I quote your words, "Is this different from saying, as the Right does, that Islam encourages violence? I believe it is."
So, in the context of above para and your quote, I ask this question: What will be your thinking and ideas when any riots in India take place which were carried out in the name of your beloved god "Ram"? I guess you have nothing to say as like you I too believe Lord Ram is a perpetrator of violence, be it riots, murders, destruction of properties, rape, loot and arson. Lord Ram has propagated all these things and I believe that your holy scriptures allow all these.
I came to this conclusion just like you, weighed the whole of Islam based on the actions committed by a minority of fanatics and not the majority that believes Islam is a religion of peace. I would love to hear your comments on this. –Taufiq Hassan
Excellent video
This was a phenomenal video ('A British journalist persuasively explains why Muslims don’t need to apologise'). And you guys are doing a phenomenal job at letting everyone in on the reality. Very good job. –Fatima Khan
I was lucky to have been able to meet Ruskin Bond
I really love surprise encounters with people/writers whom I adore like Gulzar and the inimitable Ruskin Bond ('Ruskin Bond on how he lives and writes in the hills'). It's still etched clearly in my mind, how nearly a decade ago I trudged up Landour while on a work-related visit to Mussoorie, just in case I could say "Hi" to Ruskin Bond. Believe me, you need no address; the locals just egg you on. And then when I appeared at his home, he gave me a warm smile and invited me in. Showed me his plants on the window sill, the typewriter, the black and white photographs on his mantlepiece, described himself as the 11th man in his adopted family comprising locals. When I requested him for an email id , he had me stumped for areply, saying, "I think the Government's postal service is very much alive." He still posts his manuscripts I'm told. Hearing of my rendezvous, there have been several younger ardent fans of Bond who've trudged up that hill with his books hoping to get them autographed, but haven't been able to meet him. I guess I was simply lucky! –Kavita Chowdhury
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I just read the excerpt from Ruskin Bond's A Book of Simple Living published on your website. I searched for the book but it is not available online. Where can I get a copy of this? Is it available in book stores in Delhi? –Barbara Leivang
No great treason than internal sabotage of political parties
The world, people and political parties - they have to keep on moving all the time in order to keep abreast of the changes that come with such rapidity ('Why BJP’s Bihar unit is hoping Kiran Bedi will fail terribly in Delhi polls'). Not just technological changes, but changes in human thinking and psychology, their needs, demands and aspirations. We should naturally give respect to our established elders, but this can not and must not preclude induction of fresh talent at all levels. Otherwise they will remain steeped in antiquity. We see this all the time in the great democracies: USA, UK and others. Internal sabotage in political parties is a well-known fact and there can be no greater treason to party loyalty than this. A disciplined party must ultimately follow the directives that it receives. –SK Birla
We welcome your comments at
letters@scroll.in.
I want to start by saying that I am a huge fan of Scroll.in. This article ('Finally! A Muslim apologises for everything') is the first one which I found a bit illogical.
No one is asking each individual Muslim to apologise. Rather, we want moderate Muslims to stop being apologetic for these terrorists and stop saying it had nothing to do with Islam. Ideas have consequences, and Islam has some pretty bad ideas, like martyrdom and jihad. Rather, we want moderate Muslims to raise their voice about bringing much needed reform to Islam.
The writer then brings in the question of Adolf Hitler doing things in the name of Christianity. Hitler did not commit crimes in the name of religion. British imperialism and American atrocities in the Middle East did not come about due to commandments in any holy book. But Islamic terrorists do carry out these attacks in the name of Islam. –Sandeep Kandwal
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Someone should point out to Shehzad that at least two of his statements are jingoistic and have been copied from European ignoramuses. One is "I would like to apologise for the role of Muhammad Ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi in the development of algebra and algorithms". But Al-Khwarizmi did not develop algebra. Two is "I would like to apologise for the University of Al Karaouine, recognised as the world’s oldest university that granted degrees to individuals, way back in 859." But India's ancient Nalanda University is much older: It functioned from 413 AD to 1193 AD. –Mani
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This article really shows why Muslims are so misunderstood. Why are they all so defensive when an act of terror and cold-blooded murder takes place in the name of defending Islam, which is supposed to be a religion of peace? Why don't the Muslims rise en masse to root out this wrongdoing in the name of religion by a section of their own? Instead, we get this kind of defensive and sarcastic article from them. Nobody denies the great heights of civilisation that was reached in the past by some of the Islamist countries. Similar achievements abound in the old civilizations of China, India, Egypt, Greece and others. So what? It is not what we were but what we are today.
It appears that currently Muslims react too defensively in such situations instead of creating or building a movement to isolate and root out such groups who commit such atrocious acts in the name of religion. Till then, sadly, such perceptions of Muslims in general will continue and you cannot expect some other group who has been subject to such atrocities to sit quiet and not mind this because the Muslims had a great ancient civilisation. –Kollol Sen
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One can feel the anger behind this article. But in overdoing the sarcasm, its effect is diminished. Also, while I am not knowledgeable enough to comment about the several claims made about Muslim contribution to the world, the tenor strongly echoes the current Hindutva claims of India being the fount of all knowledge and wisdom. –Usha Subramanian
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This is so typical of not shouldering the responsibility of denouncing radical/extremist Muslims. Being cynical about the need to do does not make it unnecessary. You totally ignore the fact that Muslims are slaughtering Muslims in the most barbaric ways and there isn’t one Muslim leader who will shout his objection. –Joseph Nir
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Tell me you don't believe Hitler was Christian. Even a simple Google search would reveal he was at heart truly an atheist. I'm an atheist, too. I just want you to write better. –Jordan P
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What I've never understood is why a person of South Asian origin connects so much with Middle Eastern history and culture. Not that one shouldn't be proud of one's possible roots; but then, it's a bit racist when you consider only a part of your identity as your only identity. Just like seekers of an apology from all Muslims are highly prejudiced, so is the author to remind the world only of the glorious history of Islam and all science and arts associated with it. The author is a Pakistani. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that, in a way, points to his possible Indian origin as well. Why not be proud of that, too? Forget Indian. What about his Pakistani roots? Shouldn't he apologise for Zaid Hamid, too? –Mansi Bhatt
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No one has asked for your apology. Asking for an apology for acts you have not perpetrated is as insane as the expectation that a person has to apologise to you, a Muslim, for "insulting the prophet".
What we (I'll use the subset of all humans who are not Muslims) have asked of moderate Muslims is your help. The perception is rising that an extremist Muslim wants to kill all Infidels, and a moderate Muslim wants an extremist Muslim to kill all Infidels. Why? Because moderate Muslims are doing nothing to help.–Michael Scott
Kiran Bedi will have to answer for her shifting loyalties
Your article's subject is excellent ('Shazia Ilmi is further proof that political careerism is the bane of our democracy'). As an Indian first, Shazia Ilmi's role even in AAP was a little suspect. A hunger for power, or as you rightly said, a craze for the limelight or prominence in public life has demolished her image, which was once a household talking point for values.
These opportunists or fair weather friends don't fly distance. Mark my word. Even, Kiran Bedi will have to face consequences for shifting loyalties sooner than later. I liked your vocabulary and content. Great article. –S Kannan
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Very good write-up, a bit anti-BJP though. I've known Ilmi since she was a news reader on one of the TV channels and anchored several programmes . She is a courageous and outspoken activist/politician and secular at heart. Getting frustrated with the AAP is not a crime: it's a one-man party, and if Ilmi is ambitious, who isn't in public life? She is young, energetic, somewhat charismatic and quite vocal about what she thinks. So nothing wrong in her opting for the BJP. After all, should all Muslim politicians join only Mulayam, Mayawati, Mamata or the defunct Janata Parivar? Let Muslims of India give BJP under Modi a chance. Other so-called secular parties have done nothing for minorities in the past 67 years. So, keep it up Shazia. Wish you all the best. –Jai Ram Singh
In the case of Raif Badawi, the West cannot play Global Cop
A most stupid, ridiculous and dehumanised punishment of 1,000 lashes and 10-year imprisonment for a man who did not commit any crime of dacoity, theft or murder, but just requested the Saudi government to separate state and religion, that is to have some sort of secular credentials ('A thousand lashes for Raif Badawi, while the West stays silent on Saudi human rights'). But what would the West do with the kind of nasty religious obscurantism in Saudi, which would contribute to another major fire when interfered with, on the lines of Syria, Iraq, etc. The Muslims constitute 25% of the world's population, hence the moderates among them would at least prevail upon the Saudi government to reconsider this harsh punishment to Raif Badawi in the name of their god, the merciful, which never squares up with the ends of justice.
Anyhow, notwithstanding my comments to the contrary, I enjoyed reading your post. –Balan Iyer
Some media aren't shackled
If you read the media devoted to the rich, what do you expect? ('All media has biases, but for Indian media middle classes and advertisers are all that matter') But if you want to read at least one magazine that covers the poor and disadvantaged in North India, read Forward Press magazine, published from New Delhi. –Prabhu Guptara
True belief does not exist as a label but only in the heart
It does not matter whether one has a label of Hindu or a Muslim Sufi or a Christian ('Why I converted: The transformation of Dilip Kumar into AR Rahman'). True label or belief one has is in one's heart. At one time I was a practising Hindu but am now trying to live based on Christian beliefs. The only truth I have realised is that one God created us all and we all are his children. Let us care for each other. –Chander
Economists who oppose Hindutva are doing that to keep India divided
Both Amartya Sen and Bhagwati are using their Indo-American influence on us at the behest and interest of the US to keep India divided ('One thing that Amartya Sen and Jagdeesh Bhagwati agree on: Hindutva is dangerous for India'). They know Hindutva unites India. It's good if they just focus on their areas of strength, i.e economics. –Kalpana Singh
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Utter rubbish. If Bhagwati was even moderately more erudite than the member of the Indian judiciary he would know that there is no such thing as "Hinduism." That's the coming together of the many indigenous religions of India into a common vote bank by the persecution meted out to them by the Dalit-British-Communist notion of India's Neta-Babu-Milard-Cop-Crony Kleptocracy. If at all there is such a thing as "Hinduism", which includes the myriad indigenous religions of India, each of which is smaller than Islam, it is a fiction in the minds of those who operate on conclusive assumptions for political convenience, without evidence or study, and who write the Indian Constitution, write the laws and rule over India.– S Suchindranath Aiyer
Film and music reviewers need to be more experienced
Thank you for the column and for its carefully chosen excerpts ('A timeless thumri in raag Bhairavi, sung by Bhimsen Joshi and other giants'). As is the case with music, experience is so essential for a discourse, the excerpts take the reader right into the heart of the experience. Then the right or wrong of a certain interpretation can be judged by the reader for himself.
I wish one could do the same with films, where it is even more essential. I think back to my decades of teaching at the film schools and film appreciation classes, which amply demonstrated the saw that one image is worth a thousand words. In music too, one alaap equals thousand words.
Nevertheless, if experience is not mediated by thought, it often stays at the level of hedonism and there is not further search. Great aestheticians, be it Sarangdev, Zeami or Aristotle have given primacy to the experience but have enriched our experience by analysing the structures of our experience. Thus we have a constant interaction between theory and practice, the only way to enrich both. Passion without reason can take us into the blind alley of hedonism and reason without the sensuous experience contradicting it, challenging it and enriching it, can lead to the arid sand of desert where neat lines can be drawn, but there are no fruits of pleasure.
Thank you for your balance. –Arun Khopkar
Hindus must take responsibility to clean the Ganga
Have the guts to ban cremation on the banks of holy Ganga ('Why did 100 decomposed bodies float back up in Ganga?'). Make alternative arrangements. Seal some ghats. Make some filter pools for people to bathe. Hindus must take full responsibility to save it. –Ganga Saraswati Turlapati
Controversial films must be released for private viewing only
To put an end to this and any such future controversies ‒ with an ordinance ‒ such films should be certified for restricted, private viewing only. ('The real story of the Dera Sacha Sauda movie: a turf war between the BJP and the Akali Dal')
Let followers of the cult see it as they may have even contributed to the making of it or may be willing to pay per viewing. Cinema houses ought to be allowed to exhibit such films, with due police permission, in advance, so that cinema halls are booked and paid for by the cult in advance.
All shows should be permitted only at timings specially cleared i.e. not the shows already approved by the cinema hall for public shows a.k.a. normal show timings. In other wods, this would apply for special shows from 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM only and exhibitors would have to reflect their revenue and pay TDS at 20% within the same month. Besides this the government must not - repeat NOT - earn any entertainment tax from such shows certified for restricted, private viewing only. –Dara S Acidwalla
What an amazing article by Swami Kapiladeva ('I don't see my journey from Christianity to Krishna as a conversion'). Good you have brought it about. –Mathew Cherian
Kudos on all articles
I am in awe of your website. I don't think of myself as an intellectual, may be a pseudo one, but the content you generate makes me feel smart somehow. I know more, I know better and you have the right data, analysis and research in most of your articles. I enjoy your pop culture, lifestyle and art section the most as that's where my interest lies. I equally enjoy your political stories and the tongue-in-cheek satirical ones too. I have only one query: When are you coming out with a mobile app? It's tedious for me to go to your website from a desktop or a laptop as I'm constantly on the run. So any news on that front? –Preksha Malu
Indian culture is preventing life from happening to us
This would be funny if it wasn’t systematic brainwashing ('How to protect your daughters from love jihad: 8 pointers from a Hindutva group'). However, most of my friends growing up, irrespective of religion, were brought up in this manner, sans the love-jihad tag. Their parents would try to check their incoming calls. Parents would restrict buying “luxury” items, daughters would wait for the next festival when the stingy relatives were forced to donate to their cause. Batty grandmothers routinely advised girls on the dangers of marrying outside their caste, religion, creed, geographical area (unless of course it was the US). And boys, hell hath no fury like a parent who catches you having a boyfriend. It's really only our proudly guarded "Indian culture", cautioning us constantly against actually letting life happen to you. –Shreya Chatterjee
What is the situation on the ground in Peshawar?
The article says too little with endless amount of words ('In wake of Peshawar, India must resist demands to step towards the darkness of dogma'). It is very factual and says the obvious. What it needs is the thorough understanding of the situation prevailing in Pakistan. –Abhinav Pandya
Marxism, unlike Islam, burns brightest in a non-dictatorial, democratic atmosphere
Girish’s critique of Marxism in this article is from the prism of his own experience, but not entirely wrong ('What Marxism and Islamism have in common'). The comparison with Islamism on the other hand is more provocative, reductionist, and an immature contention. Assuming the writer’s attempt is to highlight the ‘dictatorial’ tendency, that enterprise is then lost in the comparison of two diametrically opposite ideologies. However, the reader’s intelligence is not the concern of the writer; therefore, the analogy must stand.
Those governments that have wielded Marxism as a weapon to overthrow previous rule have indeed imposed a dictatorship of one party. This is dissonant to minds that are only used to democratic rule, of course. But this is to discount the fact that in a Marxist utopia, there is no government eventually. Note: The absence of government, not the dictatorial rule of one. Where does this go wrong? The human tendency towards fascism; the imperialist nature of nationalism; and an inert state of State Capitalism that economically makes the same mistake as a free market economy. This is a recognised problem of Socialist Republics of yore but that is what a dialectic is for – to change and infuse change. Therefore, today’s dialectic is about Marxism in a democratic realm; the Reform vs Revolution debate is done more in the context of democracy. It is no more incumbent on the revolutionary to invoke dictatorship to entrench Marxism in the people – because the Marxism is coming from the people.
To Islamism, even in a post-modern world, calling this an ideology is unpalatable to me because there is no ‘ideology’ in Islamism. An Islamist constitution is one of theology written in a time that was never consonant with democracy or freedom of speech, thought and expression. Yet, despite this, Egypt showed us that Islamist parties can enjoy the support and use democracy. To then assume that they have a dictatorial tendency by default is not based on fact.
What Girish must, and probably does, realise is that the dictatorial tendency is what kills Marxism – it is fuelled and burns brightest in a democratic atmosphere. This may not be the same for Islamism as the converse holds true there. Lal Salaam! –Arun S Nambiar
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Very well written article. It is balanced and incisive. Thankfully not [being] doggedly left or right. –Utkarsh Amitabh
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To read Marx extensively and yet misinterpret him is like a little like being the boy who only looks at girls in a music concert. It is usually done without any encouragement. What Marxism, murderous communist regimes, Islam and terrorism have in common is a short-sighted philosopher, cynical and unable to unlearn. To say that Islam allows, nay carries blame, for terrorist activities more than other religions is to not see how the word terrorism is selectively used for some acts of violence perpetrated and not for others. To be carried away by labels is one thing, to pontificate on the basis of prejudices, another altogether.
To look at one religion as somewhat more murderous than all other reasons men kill for is petty and juvenile. We kill far more people, in far more dramatic methods for far more perfunctory reasons of money, land, caste and colour. These are all terrorist acts.
The very structure of inequality allows humans an excuse for violence. The crimes committed by communist regimes in the past one hundred years are as hideous as the Spanish inquisition five hundred years ago. The Nazi's gas chambers are every bit as horrific as General Pinochet's torture chambers. The partition in India as bloody as the civil war in Sri Lanka. Islam's structure is as conducive to violence as is this comment. It is not what it intends to be. It is what people will make it out to be. What can one say of one who reads Abhinav Gupta and thinks it means Jack Nicholson. –Suhel Banerjee
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In your article you spoke about this: "But none of the Hindus who murdered Sikhs in 1984 claimed they were doing so out of religious duty, nor did Nazis suggest that exterminating Jews was a goal inspired by their Christianity." ('What Marxism and Islamism have in common') You think Islam promotes violence as I quote your words, "Is this different from saying, as the Right does, that Islam encourages violence? I believe it is."
So, in the context of above para and your quote, I ask this question: What will be your thinking and ideas when any riots in India take place which were carried out in the name of your beloved god "Ram"? I guess you have nothing to say as like you I too believe Lord Ram is a perpetrator of violence, be it riots, murders, destruction of properties, rape, loot and arson. Lord Ram has propagated all these things and I believe that your holy scriptures allow all these.
I came to this conclusion just like you, weighed the whole of Islam based on the actions committed by a minority of fanatics and not the majority that believes Islam is a religion of peace. I would love to hear your comments on this. –Taufiq Hassan
Excellent video
This was a phenomenal video ('A British journalist persuasively explains why Muslims don’t need to apologise'). And you guys are doing a phenomenal job at letting everyone in on the reality. Very good job. –Fatima Khan
I was lucky to have been able to meet Ruskin Bond
I really love surprise encounters with people/writers whom I adore like Gulzar and the inimitable Ruskin Bond ('Ruskin Bond on how he lives and writes in the hills'). It's still etched clearly in my mind, how nearly a decade ago I trudged up Landour while on a work-related visit to Mussoorie, just in case I could say "Hi" to Ruskin Bond. Believe me, you need no address; the locals just egg you on. And then when I appeared at his home, he gave me a warm smile and invited me in. Showed me his plants on the window sill, the typewriter, the black and white photographs on his mantlepiece, described himself as the 11th man in his adopted family comprising locals. When I requested him for an email id , he had me stumped for areply, saying, "I think the Government's postal service is very much alive." He still posts his manuscripts I'm told. Hearing of my rendezvous, there have been several younger ardent fans of Bond who've trudged up that hill with his books hoping to get them autographed, but haven't been able to meet him. I guess I was simply lucky! –Kavita Chowdhury
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I just read the excerpt from Ruskin Bond's A Book of Simple Living published on your website. I searched for the book but it is not available online. Where can I get a copy of this? Is it available in book stores in Delhi? –Barbara Leivang
No great treason than internal sabotage of political parties
The world, people and political parties - they have to keep on moving all the time in order to keep abreast of the changes that come with such rapidity ('Why BJP’s Bihar unit is hoping Kiran Bedi will fail terribly in Delhi polls'). Not just technological changes, but changes in human thinking and psychology, their needs, demands and aspirations. We should naturally give respect to our established elders, but this can not and must not preclude induction of fresh talent at all levels. Otherwise they will remain steeped in antiquity. We see this all the time in the great democracies: USA, UK and others. Internal sabotage in political parties is a well-known fact and there can be no greater treason to party loyalty than this. A disciplined party must ultimately follow the directives that it receives. –SK Birla
