Khushwant Singh: Loss of a great Indian writer
In the death of Khushwant Singh journalism has lost a writer who excelled at lampooning others as much as himself (“Indian author Khushwant Singh dies at 99”, Gulf News, March 21). Singh, besides being a prolific writer, was a professor, diplomat, Nature lover, religious scholar and a man who had travelled the world. Although born in a devout Sikh family, Singh never hesitated to condemn the fundamentalist forces even at the cost of his life. His voice was the loudest in terms of his writing during the years when India was under the threat of the Khalistan movement (creation of a separate Sikh land). Singh himself admitted his best years were when he was a Member of Parliament (MP) of the Rajya Sabha in India and during the course of his six-year stint as MP he spoke only twice — once in a tribute to the late prime minister Indira Gandhi and the other focusing on the situation in Punjab, a subject on which Singh was the most vocal. His short stories, particularly the Mark of Vishnu and the travelogues, were a pleasure to read. He wrote all as he saw it and nothing escaped his roving eyes. His love for the Urdu language and Sufi poetry was obvious. The philosophy of his life can be best summed up in a beautiful Sufi couplet by Bulleh Shah, which even he always loved to recite: “Tear down the mosque and temple too, break all that divides. But do not break the human heart as it is there that God resides.”
From Mr G. Sriniwasan
Dubai
Great memories
In the passing away of Khushwant Singh, the well known Indian journalist and writer, India has lost an author of great perception and skill. With his sharp writings, he exposed the many foibles in the Indian political and social system. He wrote very simple prose, in an easy to read style, but made strong points, which appealed to a wide range of readers across educational levels. He wrote for the ordinary man, not necessarily for the scholars or the educated elite. He was a doyen of good writing and a legend in his lifetime. Apart from educating millions with his incisive writings, he also trained and developed many generations of writers and journalists — a truly lasting contribution. He was also a fearless man. He incurred the wrath of the journalistic community in India by supporting “the Emergency” by Indira Gandhi in 1976, because he thought it would improve the country. However, he returned the honours given to him by the Indian government when Gandhi authorised the military operation in the Golden Temple in 1984. During his editorship of the Illustrated Weekly of India in the late 1960s, sales of the magazine zoomed to an all-time high, (from 60,000 to 450,000) and readers looked forward to every issue, every week. Yet he was not bitter when he had to leave suddenly. In his autobiography, he writes that when an office peon served him his termination letter, he just picked up his umbrella and went. The Weekly never recovered from his departure and eventually downed shutters. A very simple man, he replied to every letter he received, personally. When I had sent him some of my writings over two decades ago, he sent me a short and simple letter encouraging me. I have preserved this letter to date. Many of Singh’s books like Last Train to Pakistan encompassed some of the pains of partition at the time of the Independence of India, and will be read repeatedly and remembered. His son, Rahul Singh, is also a journalist and writer and served his father well, more so in the last few years when he was unwell.
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai
Dream come true
Being an Indian Premier League (IPL) fan, and supporter of Chennai Super Kings, I was overwhelmed hearing the news about IPL being held in the UAE (‘IPL in the UAE: Tickets will be ‘reasonably priced’,’ Gulf News, March 21). Watching the players hit a six or catch a catch on television is such a great feeling, I can’t even imagine how thrilling will it be to watch a match live. Imagine standing on the same ground as the players and cheering for your favourite team. It truly will be an experience that I won’t want to miss. For the first time I won’t be jealous of the audience in the stadium, as I will be there myself. Staying here, I am really excited to see a few matches. Chennai Super Kings is my team, as they have been very consistent with their game. I will be supporting them with all my heart.
From Ms Maniza Jalal
UAE
Punish them
It is very sad reading about drug cases involving compatriots in a foreign land, but I hope that the full force of law is applied to them (‘Filipinos warned against carrying and using illegal drugs,’ Gulf News, March 22). They are not only damaging their own image but causing problems for their future generations. Our embassy should make sure that they get the punishment they deserve and not help them. These people are adults and know what they are doing. I pity them, but they need to realise their mistakes and not make life difficult for their compatriots and future generations.
From Ms Glenda Loloy
UAE
Pointless cruelty
A few days ago, I saw some children mutilating jellyfish on Kite Beach in Jumeirah, Dubai (‘Moon jellyfish on Dubai beaches not a cause for worry’, Gulf News, March 23). When I asked them to stop their parents told me to mind my own business and look away! I was so disappointed in humankind by this act of pointless cruelty.
From Ms Lynda Gaenssler
Dubai
Facebook comment
Get bus-ted
I often use the public bus. There are a few things I would like to raise with Gulf News. In Abu Dhabi, bus number 56 from Electra Street and bus number 110 to Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) get crowded very quickly during peak hours. Daily commuters know this and stay close to the door, but for others it is impossible to get down at one’s preferred bus stop. It gets very difficult, especially for women carrying their bags and children. Once women get in the bus they are practically squashed in the crowd. Pickpocketing, molestation, getting into arguments, minor injuries, suffocation and catching infection from fellow passengers who might be unwell are common issues. I recommend that the concerned authorities place a barrier so that the front of the bus can be for women and the second half for men. I feel people standing near the doors and screaming at others to get in and out of the door should be fined. Sometimes the bus driver moves as soon as the door shuts, hitting the passenger who got down. Sometimes official personnel stand at the bus stops forcing passengers to get in so that the driver can close the doors. I have never seen them advising people to take the next bus. I request the concerned authorities to take steps and make the journey healthy and safe.
From Ms Sarfaraz Hassan
Abu Dhabi
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