The Enemy Within (Letter to Editor)

Author: Mihir Meghani
Publication: The Times of India
Date: May 30, 2003
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?msid=47884512

Since the BJP-led coalition came to power, the Indian left has done the greatest damage to India's image abroad. In conjunction with radical groups in the US, it has launched innumerable petition drives and approached partisan human rights groups. They have carped about Indian minorities being in danger and assailed the rulings of India's courts. And without credible evidence, they have tried to tarnish the reputation of the non- religious US-based charity, the India Development and Relief Fund, by painting it 'saffron', thereby damaging the mission of helping Indians in remote parts of India.
 
In their anxiety to pummel India and everything that is worthy about the country, they gloss over the much larger problems confronting India: terrorism, cross-border infiltration and poverty. A detached critic sees India's strengths in its democratic  institutions, its strong record of conducting elections successfully across its multi- cultural length and breadth, its vibrant free press, an independent judiciary and a stable economy. The fact that India has achieved a measure of coherence, stability and growth, in spite of various challenges, is a matter of considerable pride for all Indians.
 
However, because of the propaganda by the Indian left, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom has clubbed India with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and China in its assessment of citizens' right to religious freedom. Thankfully, the US state department decided not to follow this ill-informed commission's recommendation of taking action against India, such as imposing sanctions. However, almost every week, some American newspaper, magazine, or university organisation carries a message, which many Americans interpret to mean that India is one of the most repressive and undemocratic societies in the world.
 
The position of Indian leftists on Hindutva is their prerogative. But their contempt for India's democratic process and the undermining of India abroad should be a concern for all Indians. These internal divisions are monitored and exploited by foreign governments. They weaken India's global image, and threaten the very institutions and people they claim to be defending.
 

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