Ashish Nandy appeals to Gujarat traditions to save Gujarat from politics of hate

Letter to Editor, Indian Express

Re:Criminal offence against Ashish Nandy for inflammatory article

Dear Editor:
Nowhere in Nandy’s article did he say that the middle class is “responsible for the politics of hate.” But many of them have bought into it and have to examine their role in the society that is so commonly described in these phrases with reference to communal tensions, violence, fear and distrust. Gujaratis should realise that he is holding them to a standard of human decency at a time when many have given up the idea that this is even possible in Modi’s Gujarat. Nandy specifically hopes that “Gujarati traditions will triumph over the culture of the state’s urban middle class.” Gujaratis should be proud to heed this call.

Aravinda Pillalamarri

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DOW buying space in New York Times online

TO:  Editor, New York Times

letters@nytimes.com

Dear Editor,

I am shocked and appalled to see an ad for DOW chemical on your website.  New York Times has reported on their human rights abuses in depth.  Can they buy publicity on your front page while continuing to poison survivors of the world’s worst industrial disaster, refusing to clean up, provide medical treatment or even key information that would have helped in their medical treatment.  That such a criminal corporation could simply buy their way into the prestigious space of the New York Times is outrageous.  It is because humanity is so cheaply traded that corporations get away with murder.  We look to New York Times as a beacon of journalistic responsibility, a reputation you have earned thanks to some of the best journalists in the field, serving the cause of truth and democracy.  A reputation earned by people like Pulitzer Prize-winning Robert McFadden, who reported on the Bhopal Disaster.  I strongly urge that you don’t put this reputation on the line just to make a quick buck.

Aravinda Pillalamarri