This is such a rightly timed and well articulated piece, Tanya Shrivastava (“First person: Why are some politicians afraid of India’s long-standing expressions of pluralism?”). Secularism is undeniably facing a threat under the current government.

Renaming states, pushing for a “Hindu Rashtra” no one asked for and fueling communal divides are pathetic attempts to polarise society. What is even more disheartening is the support this finds among the educated and literate, driven by relentless media and social media propaganda. Even children are being conditioned into believing this distorted narrative.

I remember going on a trek last year where mostly youngsters from Mumbai and Pune were present and they kept shouting “Jai Shri Ram” throughout. But what was shocking was when they forced two other non-Hindus to chant the slogan and bullied them when they refused to do so. Despite being a Hindu, I felt like a minority: silenced and scared to voice my dissent against their behaviour. The fact that I felt unsafe expressing my opinion is, in itself, proof that we are far from a truly secular state.

I love how beautifully the article recalls school days and how people came together, celebrating and learning about each other. Yes, differences existed back then too, but not the way they have weaponised today. Rising hatred is now a global phenomenon. The choice before us is simple: fuel hate, or nurture harmony. History will remember what we chose. – Nivedita Prakasham

Ex-CJI’s remarks on Babri Masjid

With reference to this article (“‘Erection of Babri Masjid was fundamental act of desecration,’ says ex-CJI DY Chandrachud”) Clause III under “P.1 Marshalling the evidence in Suit 4 and Suit 5” on Page 907 of the Supreme Court’s judgement on the Babri Masjid case, available in public domain, is reproduced below:

“III. A finding of title cannot be based in law on the archaeological findings which have been arrived at by ASI. Between the twelfth century to which the underlying structure is dated and the construction of the mosque in the sixteenth century, there is an intervening period of four centuries. No evidence has been placed on the record in relation to the course of human history between the twelfth and sixteen centuries. No evidence is available in a case of this antiquity on (i) the cause of destruction of the underlying structure; and (ii) whether the pre-existing structure was demolished for the construction of the mosque. (emphasis added). Title to the land must be decided on settled legal principles and applying evidentiary standards which govern a civil trial.”

Will the judge please enlighten us as to how to meaningfully read this part of the judgement. – Ajay S

Scroll should host Gauhar Raza

Since his talk was virtual, why can’t Scroll host him over Google meet or Zoom (“Scientist-poet Gauhar Raza’s talk at IIT-BHU cancelled after ‘pressure from faculty member’”)? – Rajesh Kher

Ruling on veteran journalist

This is a good judgement by the Delhi High Court that punishes the guilty and restores the dignity of a dignified journalist like Rajdeep Sardesai (“Delhi HC awards Rs 5 lakh to TV Today for defamatory posts about journalist Rajdeep Sardesai”). – Sukumar Ghosh

From one Khasi to another

This is a well-articulated, informed and detailed report (“How long can Bangladesh’s indigenous Khasis sustain their forest-based ways of life?”). I hope it finds many readers. I am rooting for journalist and Khasis in Bangladesh. From one kKhasi to another Kamai iaka hok! – Robert Kharkongor

Discrimination in elevators

I read your article about the discriminatory practice of having separate elevators for workers and residents (“How separate lifts in Mumbai highrises sustain caste prejudice in the city”).

I have two suggestions. First, women workers should be allowed in residents’ lifts. They are often in close physical contact with the residents as caregivers for the elderly family members or as nannies for the children. Even women who do manual household work should be allowed.

Second, all lifts should have a tiny grilled window instead of opaque shutters, so that no molestation or harassment takes place in an enclosed space. It may be a step towards allowing male workers to share the ride with residents and apartment owners. – Rita Jhangiani

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