Shared habits

Sir - The article, "Changed histories" (Sept 5), by Ramachandra Guha made for interesting reading. Referring to a book by the Oxford historian, Sudhir Hazareesingh, Guha cited certain traits of the French that are shared by the Bengalis. One of them is 'opposition', which comes naturally to the French and the Bengalis.

Guha observes that the most notable instance of the Bengali trait of opposition is their antipathy to "the fortress that is New Delhi", which Bengali politicians have tried to capture but failed. Among the politicians whom he names, Guha clubs the likes of Subhas Chandra Bose with Mamata Banerjee. However, the national movement of the pre-Independence era, led by Bose and many other stalwarts, cannot be compared to the opposition against Delhi by present-day politicians. The political goals of the leaders of the national movement were different from those of the current dispensation. There is a sea of difference between 'Dilli Chalo', and 'Cholbe Na'.

Yours faithfully,
Ajit Mukherjee,
Jamshedpur

High cost

Sir - The practice of asking for donations to celebrate religious festivals is growing. At times, devotees are so insistent while asking for donation that common people are forced to comply with their request. One wonders whether such forceful demands are a sign of devotion or acts of ruthlessness imposed on their brethren. No religion instructs its followers to ill-treat fellow humans if the latter do not follow their faith and, hence, choose not to contribute towards the festivities.

Devotees who collect donations to celebrate religious festivals must understand the basic tenets of their faith. They must not act in a way that causes pain to others because that is one of the gravest sins mentioned in holy texts. Devotees must realize that devotion cannot be earned by force.

Yours faithfully,
Iftekhar Ahmed,
Calcutta

Bright stars

Sir - "Valiant village boys' goal rush" (Sept 10) would inspire readers. What was surprising is that the boys from the Deeksha Education Trust, who do not even get two square meals a day, competed in a tournament that featured students from renowned institutions like La Martiniere for Boys, St James' School and St Xavier's Collegiate School. The young heroes won the final of the Calcutta leg of the Star Sports Young Heroes tournament beating St Lawrence High School. These boys must be introduced to Pele when he visits the city. It would help them persevere and improve their game. They would undoubtedly be motivated after meeting a legend who rose to great heights from the streets of Brazil. Even now, years after his retirement, he is much sought after all over the world.

Yours faithfully,
D.J. Azavedo,
Calcutta