Vande Mataram: politics of patriotism

I totally agree with Vir Sanghvi?s The Lessons of Vande Mataram (Counterpoint, 3 September): patriotism should not be devalued by forcing people to compulsorily sing Vande Mataram.

I totally agree with Vir Sanghvi’s The Lessons of Vande Mataram (Counterpoint, 3 September): patriotism should not be devalued by forcing people to compulsorily sing Vande Mataram. Rather, we must focus on issues like unemployment and poverty, and think about an action plan to tackle terrorism.

Prof. M.M. Goel, Kurukshetra

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II
The politicians who are making an issue out of this probably can’t even sing Vande Mataram themselves.

Rajan Gupta, on email

III

Vir Sanghvi has given a very balanced view on the subject. While he condemns compulsory singing of Vande Mataram, he also wants the Indian Muslims to understand that the song is not anti-Islamic.

SakshiGulati, New Delhi

IV

Vande Mataram has become a plaything in the hands of our politicians who are trying to make political hay while the sun of controversy shines!

K.Venkataraman, Delhi

Dutch courage

kudos to Karan Thapar for Let’s Go Dutch (Sunday Sentiments, 3 September). No one can be allowed to make a mockery of rules. Let’s not feel sorry to say sorry.

G.K. Arora, Delhi

II

The 12 men detained at Schipol airport were from Mumbai, declared by Reader’s Digest as the world’s ‘rudest city’. An advice to frequent travellers: Leave your odd and stupid behaviour at home… and save your skin.

Khup Hangzo, New Delhi

III

Thanks for calling a spade a spade. We should never get carried away by this so-called racial discrimination nonsense when it comes to pointing out the wrongs people do.

Sridhar, on email

IV

No one can be excused for acting in a way that does not conform to rules and regulations.

IqbalAhmed, on email

Boomerang effect

This refers to Baloch Boomerang (The Big Story, 3 September). According to astrology, Pakistan is bound to lose its existence. First separation of East Pakistan; then, continuous unrest in its different provinces — seems likely!

MadhuAgrawal, Delhi