4 6 august 2018pakistan and democracy
It would be in the interest
of Pakistan to opt for a true
democratic set-up (‘The
Bloody Biography of Change’
by TCA Raghavan, July 30th,
2018). A democratic and
stable Pakistan will be of
enormous benefit to India
as well. But since real power
there rests with Pakistan’s
army, how the country
will be able to adhere to
true democracy remains a
big question. At times,
it seems that the latest elec-
tions are a sham. The late
Benazir Bhutto believed in
democracy for Pakistan,
which is a must for economic
growth and public welfare.
But it is a difficult task to
build a growth-oriented
economy in today’s Pakistan,
which is yet to show its com-
mitment to democracy. In a
globalised and competitive
world, each country must
be modernised keeping the
basic tenets of their religion[email protected]in view if need be. Democ-
racy can’t be an excuse for
orthodox religious views and
violence in any state.
Mahesh Kumarmark of a good politician
It’s not surprising to see
Karnataka Chief Minister
HD Kumaraswamy
complaining about his
party’s alliance partner
(‘The Coalition of Utmost
Unhappiness’, July 20th,
2018). Ever since the Congress
and JD (S) joined hands, it was
opportunism at best. They
were not natural allies and
rather fought bitterly during
their respective election
campaigns. But now that
Kumaraswamy has taken an
oath to provide governance
and is well aware of his
challenges, it does not look
good on his part to suggest
that he is helpless. The Chief
Minister has to act within
his political constraints and
fulfill all promises madeduring his party’s electoral
campaign. That is the mark
of a good politician.
Bal Govindjustice and the church
Religious institutions must
be held accountable for their
conduct and behaviour
towards patrons (‘Sins of the
Fathers’, July 30th, 2018). The
Orthodox Syrian Church
in Kerala, for example, can’t
be allowed to get away with
cases of sexual abuse—if
the allegations against its
priests are true. A priest is not
above the law and if he or she
commits a crime, then
appropriate action must be
taken against the guilty.
Ami GuptaA church is a place of
worship, faith and trust. It is
horrific when a priest takes
advantage of a follower’s
trust. Sexual abuse must be
dealt with in a harsh manner
so as to set an example and
deter such violations in the
future. The priests in Kerala
who are allegedly involved in
the recent sex scandal should
be made aware of how their
actions might have affected
the faith of innocent church-
goers. They must be tried and
punished for their misdeeds.
Shreya MallikC
letter of the weekIf even a bit of what Imran Khan’s former wife,
Reham Khan, has written about him is true, then it
is shocking that such a person is a celebrated public
figure at all (‘Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll’, July 30th,
2018). Reham Khan must be given credit for having
had the courage to not only rebuild her life but also
pen a book on her experiences. It must not have
been easy to find a publisher and write about such
sensitive topics. Yet, it is important that she has done
so because people must be made aware of who their
politicians are behind closed doors. The persona that
is presented at speeches and rallies is always a
version that the person wants you to trust as
authentic. However, it is personal stories that reveal
the truth of a politician’s character. A country
cannot hope to succeed under the care and direction
of an alleged drug addict. If Imran Khan isn’t able
to control his own behaviour and maintain
his own marriage, then how can one expect
him to lead an entire country?
Anisha Shettyopen mail
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v olume 10 issue 31
for the week 31 July-6 august 2018
total no. of pages 68