Reader Debate: Now Rushdie! Why this kolaveri, Mr Katju?

Our commenters had much to say about Justice Markandey Katju’s observations on Salman Rushdie and the Jaipur Literature Festival and our views on the article titled ‘ Now Rushdie! Why this kolaveri, Mr Katju? ’__. Continuing our effort to give our readers a voice, we have decided to publish our readers views as a separate post. A majority of our readers were of the view that although Justice Katju has the right to air his views, his is doing himself disservice by being too critical and going public with his views. As is our policy, we have edited out a few sentences that were directed at the author. SUYASH: Well not only this, but when Justice Katju criticises Indian cinema, cricket etc and talks about classic ancient literature he so forgets that there is a Natya Shastra by Sage Bharat that is frequently referred to as the fifth veda. How can he be so critical of everything enjoyable common. We agree that there has to be a right balance but that is for us to achieve, that is for us to decide. [caption id=“attachment_194585” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption="" It would be better if he spoke less as his job would demand. Otherwise people will misjudge him and his mission." PTI"]  [/caption] SATANSPRIDE: In the smaller,concentrated frame of his comments, ’ They suffer from “colonial inferiority complex,” he said.’ he does make a highly persuasive point. This pervasive fascination for western idiosyncrasies especially among the ‘intellectuals’ is sickening to say the least. Its also a facilitator for the inherent racism all Indians across the board possese. And ‘“Two personalities linked with films were projected as the finest poets in India, though to my mind their work is of a very inferior order.”’ is the sad ,disheartening and disillusioning reality of this country where celebrity cult scores way over character. GUEST: The point was never about how good or bad a writer Rushdie is. The point was not about making one person, Rushdie, an Hero. The point is not about hero worshipping. The point is about the principle of freedom of speech. ARVIND KUMAR: Justice Katju is one of the best judges in India’s history and his perspective is also sound. However I agree that it would be better if he spoke less as his job would demand. Otherwise people will misjudge him and his mission.