Aamir Khan was only expressing his apprehensions and insecurity that have vitiated the atmosphere around him when he said he was alarmed at the rise in intolerance and that his wife Kiran Rao had wondered whether the two of them should relocate to another country (“Aamir Khan can go to Pakistan, says Shiv Sena,” Nov. 25).
As a citizen, he has every right to voice his views. What he emphasised was the lack of assurances from the political leadership following some acts of intolerance. We need to introspect and raise our voices to safeguard the social fabric of our country rather than be carried away by emotions.
Balaji Akiri.Rajam, A.P.
To increase their TRPs, media outlets have blown the issue out of proportion, repeatedly criticising the actor for his remarks. Aamir has said nothing new. All he has done is to join the debate on growing intolerance, stating that he too, like some others, is “alarmed” by some incidents.
There are a number of forwards doing the rounds on WhatsApp, with people taking personal offence and making ridiculous statements. All this has left me both baffled and despondent. I can only agree with the actor on the political environment now.
Shajid Khan,Tangla,Assam
Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam’s remark that Aamir Khan can go to Pakistan is a scathing denunciation that the country should ignore.
Bringing Pakistan into the discourse every now and then amounts to tarnishing the spirit of India’s foreign policy.
Ningreikhan Wungkhai,New Delhi
How can we call ourselves tolerant when some leaders show more concern for cows than for insecure citizens, and the Prime Minister remains silent on soaring discontent? It is time Mr. Modi addressed the insecurities that prevail among certain sections.
Avinash Medidhi,Palakol, Andhra Pradesh
The opinions of celebrities need to be measured, as they are closely followed by the media. Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao’s concern over the safety of their child may be genuine, but they have unwittingly placed themselves at the centre of a controversy. The Shiv Sena’s strongly worded response was only expected. As for Aamir, if he feels he will be safer in a country other than India, he should think again.
V. Lakshmanan,Tirupur
The actor seems to have forgotten that what he is today is because of the fans of this country. Actors should remain above politics.
R. Sekar,Visakhapatnam
There is no doubt that India is among the most tolerant nations in the world. The Indian democracy and its Constitution guarantee equality and ensure religious freedom as very few nations do. The trouble starts only when political parties and politicians exploit religion and caste for votes. Regardless of the religion to which they belong, fundamentalists have an ulterior motive of dividing people.
George Merlo Pallath,Kochi
Intolerance does not necessarily refer to a physical fight or vandalisation of religious places. It is an ideology. If it spreads, it will cause grave damage to our society. When I hear from an elected MP that I should be a Hindu to live in India, it really hurts. When my neighbour’s house is under attack, I cannot shut my doors and say I am safe. I may be the target of attack tomorrow.
V.S. Anith,Kotticode, Tamil Nadu
When the world is moving towards multiculturalism and syncretism, it is time for us to declare proudly that we have the mantra to harmonious co-existence - incredible, not intolerant, India.
Ritesh Kumar,New Delhi
