Baseless arguments and protests
The protest against the Indian period film Padmavati is mere speculation over certain scenes, before the release of the movie (“Padmavati ignites political firestorm”, Gulf News, November 21). The filmmakers and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali have already clarified that there are no scenes between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji in the film. Even epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata have different versions and perceptions of history because they vary from person to person, depending upon one’s views. Renowned Malayalam writer, Madath Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair’s novel Randamoozham, deviates from a traditional Mahabharata story as it avoids divine elements and it is narrated realistically, but it still won several literary awards. The literary work is widely accepted. As the poem says, Padmavati was a 14th century queen and wife of the Rajput ruler of the kingdom of Chittod. She committed self-immolation to protect her honour against the marauding Alauddin Khilji. Here, the freedom of speech and expression is at stake. It is disgraceful to attack actress Deepika Paudkone, who is playing the role of Padmavati in the film. It’s a pity that such acts are being supported by politicians, to gain political mileage. Let us have an open mind and see the film as a screenplay, something for entertainment, and not above that. This protest makes no sense. Let’s all stand united together and fight for freedom of speech and expression. Creativity should be encouraged and expressed by all means in the form of writing as well as in visual media. Democracy will be at a stake if freedom of expression is suppressed.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
No head or tail
The protests surrounding this film have gone out of hand. The threats being made to the actors are uncalled for and should be condemned. If everyone offended took this much interest in bigger issues like poverty, women’s rights and unemployment, India would be on the right track in less than a month. I wish creative expression was given the space it deserves.
From Ms Alia Mathur
Dubai
Making a way.
Congratulations to Satwant Singh for his struggles, determination and his never say die attitude (“Determined to succeed”, Gulf News, November 19). It is a very inspiring and heart-warming story indeed. He is a living example of the saying - where there is a will, there is a way. The most enriching part is the way he looked back at his hardships and decided to contribute his might to schools in underprivileged villages. His idea of living among the villagers and getting a real feel of their hard ways, and understanding their needs, is worth emulating. His yearly trips along with likeminded volunteers to different villages in Punjab is laudable. Hats off to Gulf News correspondent Nilima Pathak for her great job in bringing out positive stories from India.
From Mr M. Chelliah
UAE
Fit and easy
The Dubai Fitness Challenge has brought a new form of effort in Dubai (“Relay for Life cancer walkathon begins in Sharjah”, Gulf News, November 18). I am active on a regular basis, and walk, jog, swim or do yoga. I downloaded the application a few days back. Even when I was in Delhi I strictly followed the movement every day. I was taking extra care to do it. I will continue with this routine of exercising for 30 minutes daily. Diet is major part of this exercise, so daily, I follow my exercise routine and control my diet.
From Mr Sanjay Gupta
Dubai
Proud of country
What started as a fun activity, has now become a habit. I have successfully completed the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30x30. I am proud to be part of this initiative, and I am determined to continue my 30 minute of exercise a day. I did exceed the 30 minute duration on many days, and I’m eager to make it 50 minutes from now on. My personal challenge is going to be: Geeta 50x50. Proud of the city and proud to be living here!
From Ms Geeta Mohan
Dubai
A rivalry like ours
Like in the case of Pakistan and India’s rivalry in cricket, during the much awaited Ashes series, the long rivalry between Australia and England was seen (“England play Ball as fourth seamer for Ashes opener”, Gulf News, November 22). If we go by the list of players on both sides, there is not much both difference in the capabilities of both the teams. Of course, the Australian team has the best bowling combination, ably lead by lethal Mitchell Starc. Unfortunately the England team missed the presence of Ben Stokes, who could have been a handful.
From Ms Kavitha Srikanth
India
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