Vox pop

Discrimination of some sort is a fact in every country and society. A victimhood complex cannot become an excuse for radical thought or action. This is not to suggest that the rise and propagation of fundamentalist Islam can be ignored.

Even in its opposition, the BJP must learn to be constructive

HT Image

With reference to the editorial Giving India a negative charge (Our Take, May 14), it is appalling that the BJP, with its eye to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, is trying to exploit the corruption issue.

By demanding the resignation of the prime minister and disrupting Parliament during the budget session, the BJP has not indulged in constructive politics.

It’s time our politicians conducted a substantive introspection because a non-functioning Parliament, besides being an utter waste of taxpayers’ money, does not augur well for a responsible and functioning democracy.

SD Sahay, Delhi

Victimhood can be very complex

This refers to Mira Nair’s article Ringing a division bell (May 13). It is disturbing that Nair seems to identify and justify a feeling of victimhood that some communities might be suffering from.

Discrimination of some sort is a fact in every country and society. A victimhood complex cannot become an excuse for radical thought or action.

This is not to suggest that the rise and propagation of fundamentalist Islam can be ignored. Moreover, for all her criticism of the US, the fact that she can comment freely and still go back and stay safely in America is testimony to that country’s guarantee of free speech. But she chooses not to show any appreciation for the US in her article or in television interviews.

Neeta S, Delhi

For money can’t buy me love

With reference to Namita Bhandare’s article A card cannot say it all (Another Day, May 11), it’s ironical that Anna Jarvis, who founded the first Mother’s Day to honour her mother, spent the rest of her life urging people to denou-nce buying and giving greeting cards as she was disgusted with the onslaught of commercial enterprises taking over the day.

It is sad that she failed in her endeavour and today it’s a billion-dollar industry. It’s time that people stopped participating in this ugly commercialisation of relationships and love.

HN Ramakrishna, Bangalore

We at Hindustan Times would like to know more about what you want from your page. So write to us at Hindustan Times House, 18-20, KG Marg, New Delhi 110001 Phone: +91-11-66561234, letters@hindustantimes.com