Our plural future

•India is slowly evolving into a plural society, where people of various religions and castes learn to live as equals with appreciation of each other’s conflicting beliefs. This development is very vital for the world. The role of Indian Muslims in this solution is crucial. A plural society implies maximum freedom of expression. The only limit is that it should not cause physical harm to others. This limit itself is difficult to define. For what may be food for one, may be poison for another. Yet a mature society can certainly set standards that should be maintained. We have to respect the rights of others, even when such an exercise may pain us.

For example, I feel offended by certain writings of Salman Rushdie and Tasleema Nasreen. Yet I cannot stop third parties from reading their books or socialising with them. Similarly, Dr Zakir Naik’s praise for Yazid, the killer of Imam Husain, disturbed me. Yet he has a right to his views, and I respect it.

A democratic plural society is ultimately the best guarantee that Muslims will live in dignity, enjoying equality and justice in India. Further, it will be a beacon of hope for Muslims all over the world.

— J.S. Bandukwala

Vadodara

New game theory

•Harsha Bhogle’s article ‘The sport remains bigger than those that make pronouncements about it’ is outstanding, coming as it does in an environment here in Australia where every reporter is suggesting that Harbhajan Singh’s appeal was successful only because of pressure from the BCCI.

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