Stop playing politics with Rama Sethu
Sir, It is shocking that a fatwa has been allegedly issued by a former BJP MP, Ram Vilas Vedanti, who had said that whosoever “chopped off the head and tongue” of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi would be weighed in gold by the saints of Ayodhya. Is there any difference between al Qaeda leader bin Laden and Vedanti? No doubt, Karunanidi’s statement is in bad taste about the existence of Lord Ram. But political parties should not play over it. It is better if the BJP stops playing up the Rama Sethu issue to sail its sinking boat. The big question is, why are Ravana lovers so much obsessed with the destruction of the Rama Sethu which is an ancient monument. Many forget that Rama Sethu is a tsunami protection wall, which saved the coastline of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the West coast during the last devastating tsunami.
Bidyut K Chatterjee
Faridabad

Evidence for bridge
Sir, Some political leaders have been saying that there is no scientific evidence to prove that the Sethu Bridge was man-made. Yes, it is not a continuous road bridge or a rail bridge of modern times. There are 16 small islands between Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. According to Ramayana, Lord Rama used these islands to cross over to Sri Lanka.

These islands are called Adam’s Bridge and are even shown in the Oxford School Atlas. An article in the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration on Dec 28, 2004, has said that the Adam’s Bridge has helped to prevent greater damage during the tsunami of 2004. So, why should we go against the law of nature, and destroy the islands between the two countries?

Sukumar Talpady
Mangalore

Evidence of absence
Sir, The remarks made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Rama has definitely hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus. It is quite well-known that Karunanidhi is an atheist and his remarks should not come as a surprise. Atheist philosophy (Charvaka’s philosophy) has been given a place of pride in Hindu philosophy.

However, Karunanidhi could have argued his case in a manner without hurting the sentiments of Hindus. Obviously, Karunanidhi does not subscribe to the famous adage “absence of evidence is not the same as evidence of absence”.

It is gratifying to note that Hindu religious heads have ignored his remarks. It is only the political outfits that have reacted for political reasons.

H K Seshadri
Bangalore

Do not politicise
Sir, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi should think before saying something sensitive. The agitation against the Sethusamudrum project is taking many directions now. As a responsible minister he should understand how it would affect the lives of the people. People who travel from one place to another are under threat.

He is responsible for the death of two persons in Karnataka. For the last few days Tamil people are stranded across the nation.

He should understand that secularism does not just mean blaming Hindu religion but respecting all religions.
MANJUNATH GOUDAR
Dharwad

Double-speak
Sir, The Left, which is screaming about American imperialism should explain the scene in West Bengal, their fortress, about the undue importance given for investment from US investors in that state.

Does this not show their double standard and bogus stand on so called imperialism. Why should they unnecessarily object to issues of national interest when their own government in West Bengal is interested in US investments?

V S Ganeshan
Bangalore