The Indian Express -- Expressions

This page contains Editorial and Op-Ed articles

Friday, May 16 1997

Letters to the Editor

Impositions of the minority

In the world, Hindus are the only major religious group who have a vegetarian tradition that goes back centuries. Muslims, Christians, Jews, Parsis, and the Buddhists eat flesh foods with relish. But millions of Hindus consider meat-eating cruel, sinful, and a sign of depravity. That is why Maneka Gandhi's vegetarian fundamentalism touches a chord among Hindus.

Ideological baggage

The spat that has broken out in the Parliamentary Forum for Scheduled Castes and Tribes is a sad reminder that even 50 years after Independence, the lawgivers of this nation are yet to come to grips with the basic principles and beliefs of democracy. Earlier, the Forum members had set their hearts on a Scheduled Caste candidate for the President's post.

Overcoming Hostilitis

Indian diplomats who are posted to Washington or Moscow often begin to espouse the views of the host government while sincerely believing they are bridging the gap with their home country. Their agenda is looked at with increasing suspicion by the mandarins back home.

Jockeying Joginder

Looking beyond apes and peacocks

In Focus -- Another one bites the dust