RACIAL PROFILING

I described an incident of racial profiling and discrimination by a major airline in your Desi Voices column, "Freedom in America" (IC November 2001). I also filed a detailed complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation. They investigated the incident and concluded that the passenger had been discriminated against because he was "perceived to be of Middle Eastern origin and/or a Muslim," in clear violation of U.S. law. The department has put the airline on notice that more formal action would follow if this violation proves not to be an isolated incident. In addition, the captain of the flight has received counseling on civil rights issues and security screening procedures, and front-line employees have been advised that such discrimination is unlawful.

I am grateful that we have unambiguous laws on discrimination in this country, and that government agencies are prepared to enforce them on behalf of ordinary people. I urge everyone not to tolerate racial profiling or discrimination in any shape or form, and to use every possible legal and democratic means to fight these misguided responses arising from fear and prejudice.

Kumar Venkat, via the Internet

PADMA BHUSHAN AWARDS

It was very good to hear that Congressman Gary Ackerman (Chair, India Caucus 2000-02) and Congressman Frank Pallone finally received the Padma Bhushan (IC Jan 2002) recognition from the Government of India for their continued support of better India-America relations.

As it is with most awards and recognition, there are many people in the background who are responsible and deserve mention of such awards. One such person is Narayan "Kesh" Keshavan, Special-Aide for India Caucus (2000-2002) for Gary Ackerman, who deserves kudos from the Indian-American community for his work ethic and analyses, which helped Cong. Ackerman shape his positions and stance on India-America relations.

Keshavan worked for Cong. Ackerman through the critical India visit by President Clinton. Special accolades are also due for Keshavan as one of the first immigrants from India to occupy such an important position with a U.S. lawmaker.

During his tenure, Keshavan was always available around the clock, making the circuits of the Capitol, providing key insight and analysis, as he had done for many years in the past, as a seasoned journalist at Washington Times, India Post, India Abroad, etc. This will be borne out by many leaders of the community who have worked with legislators on the Capitol over the years.

On a related note, with the House and Senate elections approaching, and as more attention is focused on current affairs, U.S.-India affairs, it would be a good time for the Indian-American community to take note of which U.S. lawmakers have hired people of Indian origin as their advisers, staff, and interns. This would be particularly interesting to take note of politicians looking for a fundraiser in the Indian-American community.

Sam Rao, Fremont, CA

ANTI-MUSLIM SENTIMENT

A lot of anti-Muslim sentiment is being expressed in the Indian media. Lately I have been noticing a lot of hatred towards Muslims. Muslims in India have been and still are viewed by a majority to be traitors, religious zealots, terrorists, etc.

This sentiment seems to be growing lately to a sickening extent. Blockbuster Indian movies aren't helping the situation out either. Films like "Gadar," "Pukaar," and "Indian" use false historical information to illustrate Muslims as enemies of "Bharat Ma" and portray them as the perpetrators of all terrorist attacks. Indians such as Maulana Azad and the majority of Hindustan's Muslims struggled for Indian independence along with their Hindu brethren, and defended their nation at times of war. A lot of us have forgotten that.

Why does our media automatically associate terrorism with Muslims? It is as if only Muslims and Islamic nations commit terrorism. Why isn't the destruction of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya called a terrorist attack? Why aren't atrocities such as rape, murder, and torture committed for the past 20 years by Indian soldiers upon innocent Kashmiri Muslims considered terrorism?

Hate is not preached by any religion or race. Unfortunately there are sick people out there that do preach it as a part of faith. But these sorry souls aren't only the Lashkar-e-Toiba or Osama Bin Laden. We also have zealots such as such as Bal Thakeray, the Shiv Sena party, and the majority of the BJP who continue to oppress Indian Muslims and treat them as if they are pests living in their future Hindutva nation.

Let's get rid of these hysterical stereotypes. Let's also end minority oppression and work for a better, more secular India that will one day peacefully prosper along with its South Asian neighbors.

B. Kazmi, via the Internet

THREADBARE DESI

I feel it necessary to react to "Threadbare" in Desi Voice (IC Feb 2002). I think the author is in the same turmoil as every desi, more so one who is from orthodox and poor Brahmin families. The main reason is that he is rooted neither in orthodoxy nor in cosmopolitanism.

I am a pensioner in India visiting my daughters in the U.S. and have seen life here to some extent. Though initiated to the "first phase of four-part Hindu life," I stayed away from my home for education and was not subjected to the rigors of the regulations, but I know how elders in society were following the rules. I was also influenced by the post-Independence spirit of social upliftment and secularism. This kept me away from the rituals, but I did not develop an antagonism because of the deep-rooted cultural background. During debates in my mind, I saw merits in both ways and considered that the choice should be left to the individual.

I have a modest understanding of Vedic literature and I am convinced that the rigor they insist in following is not only to give blind practice in the young, expecting the followers to get more knowledge and convinced in the religion, but also to keep the tradition going. Religion and philosophy are different but are related. You may not be able to understand and appreciate philosophy without religion.

Our philosophy is propounding a single God (there may be various paths to reach Him) and urges every one to try to attain the qualities we ascribe to God. But to reach this stage you may have to go through the mill of life and get convinced of this philosophy, otherwise you will branch off to some other path.

Knowing more should be the aim of all persons, and going to the temple, devoted or less devoted, standing in front or back, are irrelevant. Real prayer means with full sincerity. And in this act you should convince yourself and nobody else.

M.N.S. Rao, San Jose, CA

SPEAK YOUR MIND, WIN A PRIZE!

Have a thought or opinion to share? Send it to us in the form of a letter of 300 words or less. If your letter is picked for the Best Letter Award, you could win one of several attractive prizes: a best-selling book, a new music release, or a subscription! Include your name, address, daytime phone number, and email address. We prefer letters which say something original and say it well, even if—especially if—they reflect a different point of view. Letters are edited for clarity and brevity. We do not publish copies of letters sent elsewhere. Write .

� Copyright 2002 India Currents. All rights reserved. This site is best viewed with Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape Communicator 4.5.