From: iview-AT-technologist.com
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1998 18:58:09 -0800
Subject: Re: Collective letter to the Harvard conference organizers


Partha Banerjee wrote:
> 

> 
> Dear Mr. Banerjee,
> 
> ...
> 
> You have raised a number of issues in your letter to Dr. Witzel and to
> me which I shall have to reply. However, I wish to understand a few
> points made by you. ...
> 
> Please elucidate the terms "symbolize" and "represents" in your sentence
> " VHP and ... RSS  symbolize social and political power that represents
> oppression on weaker sections of the Indian society including women." Do
> you accuse the VHP & RSS of these crimes, or do you wish to say that
> these accusations are not real, these are only "symbolic" and
> "representative."  Please forgive me for my confusion.
> 
> Moreover, do you have proof that RSS, BJP and VHP leaders supported
> suttee and atrocities on women ?
> 
> I shall be thankful if you could enlighten me on these questions, which
> will help me reply to your letters.
> 
> With the best wishes,
> Sincerely yours,
> Himendra Thakur

Partha,

My suggestion would be to send Mr. Thakur a bibliography of books and
news articles on RSS/BJP/VHP atrocities against women and other
minorities in India.  That should soundly enlighten his current absurd
state of seeming ignorance.  Dr. Witzel should be cc:'d.

I suggest we attach that bibliography to the collective letter I
proposeto Dr. Witzel.  That letter ought to be cc:'d to Mr. Thakur.

Best wishes,

-Manjusree