Editor,
As part of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary various institutions, boards, department’s, agencies and organisations around the world have come out with excellent initiatives, plans and programmes. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked schools across the country to voluntarily observe khadi-wearing day at least once a month. Mahatma Gandhi propagated the use of khadi or khaddar during the freedom movement not only to boycott foreign goods but also to make Indians self reliant and use clothes spun by our people with indigenous material that is affordable, climate friendly and good for us and the environment.
Mahatma Gandhi gave a message to India that khadi can unite us.
The CBSE’s proposal is laudable and can be emulated by other organisations.
Khadi being the heritage fabric of our nation and institutions pushing forward the idea of using it can truly provide employment opportunities to lakhs of rural artisans in the country .Khadi promotes unity and equality and incorporating innovative fashion technology the new generation is sure to take it open arms. Skin friendly and adaptable to be worn on any climatic condition makes it unique. It’s durable quality, high resistance and eco friendly production makes khadi materials extraordinary. Students and today’s young generation will definitely love it and it will also teach them of our rich heritage and our great freedom movement and also bond them to the worthy life of Mahatma Gandhi.
Yours etc.,
M Pradyu,
Kannur
The SC/ST issue
Editor,
The Supreme Court on Tuesday recalled its direction in the March 20, 2018 verdict which had virtually diluted provisions of arrest under the SC/ST Act. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra, M R Shah and B R Gavai said the struggle of SC/ST people for equality is far from over and they still face untouchability, abuse and continue to be social outcasts. The Apex Court further said the Constitution provides for protection of SC/ST people under article 15 but they still face social abuse and discrimination. It is true that the caste system is still prevailing in a predominant way in a majority of the states in India. People are still segregated on the basis of caste, reminding of the cursed ‘apartheid’ that once prevailed throughout South Africa. Likewise, thousands of slaves brought from Africa to enrich the life of Americans continued until 1865 when Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery to make them free to build a glorious America.
Here in India, the SC/ST people were neither brought from anywhere nor hired to work as slaves in their entire life and as Indians we are all brothers and sisters. They may look a bit uncultivated but they can be civilized and refined and join the angelic train of good civilization and human freedom like the rest of us today. With enactment of rules alone, this unprivileged class of people cannot be given the freedom to enjoy their lives but with our own involvement to help and take them to the mainstream their lives can be more colourful vibrant and meaningful. Without their participation in nation building, India cannot become a mighty nation.
Discrimination of a person on the basis of caste is a curse and the continued attitude of segregation on the basis of caste will not make a country progressive. More than acceding to the demands and directions in the form of rules that protect the rights of the SC/ST people, we need to love them and help them come out of their wretched condition of life, because everyone’s life is precious and everyone is equal. Above all, we are all God’s children irrespective of SC/ST class or upper class.
Yours etc.,
TK Nandanan,
Via email