It is OK and we must encourage the young (I am sorry, if I am wrong on this guess) buds. What struck me most was that in the description of a ‘Lucknow Muslim Culture’, was it all that he had a picture to paint about Muslims; in the name of atrocities on the post-independent India. I could react even more wildly, but I ask a question, “What purpose will it serve”. I could faintly recall that ‘Nawab of Lucknow’ was not just a ruling dynasty, but an ‘Institution’ in itself. I always felt proud of ‘Lucknowy Tahjeeb and
Nazaakat’. I expected something more lively, more vibrant from that Islamic tradition, their contribution to the society, freedom struggle of Nation and etc. That would have been far more nicer and a literary marvel worth reading and emulating for the current generation. I am, of course, very little conversant about them.

It reminds me of a small line from an Urdu Poet (I am sure, Nasir will know it), “Jab daria se teri pyaas
naa bujhi, to katre se kyaa bujhegi”. Nontheless I can point out that the Muslims in India are far more happy, well protected even at the cost of the
majority community than either in the ‘Islamic Republic of Pakistan or Bangladesh”.

Nasir Mian, please be gracious and grateful. You seem to be in the habit of looking at the half empty side than the half full side. Contentment is an inner phenomenon. Those who look for it outside, can never be happy. I would hate to look disgraceful while I quote, the The Kingdom whose sun never set on this earth at one time, the princess of that family could not derive pleasure in their Palace. I apologise to say so, not with disrespect but with agony. But this is the reality of this world, we have to learn to live with.

Now I shall like to take you to the “Real Human Values” which if any religion lags behind to preach and profess and enforce in its followers, there must be something to question about. Mere hollow
complains and mud slinging on others will only compound the problem. Rember the ‘Law of Motion’ by Newton,”Every action has equal and opposite reaction’.

If you believe me Nasir, you have to grow up to face the challenges of the world and with you, with all my humility, my Muslim Brothren across the globe. The times are running fast. As Zafar Anjum said that it is a fight between ‘The Victor and The Vanquished’. I couldn’t disagree with him, at least here if not totally in his reply to nobody else but to your iconic Hero “Sir V S Naipaul” on 26 February 2002.

I certainly do not totally agree with the ‘Hindu’ religion in the current scenario, but I am afraid, I am no less critical of the present day ‘Islamic’ practices either. No need to unnecessarily make the issue worst by going deeper.

As I always say, if you start digging the history of the world, I can assure you, you will hate to call this social beast, even a ‘Man’, ‘Human’ is far away.
I think we have made him a “Who-Man”.

Another painful observation in your writing smacks of cowardishness when you peevishly admit, “We discussed prejudice in England, which I had found all pervasive. Naipaul did not deny its existence, but since we had chosen to live there, knowing full well that it exists, there was no sense in complaining. Quite right.” No, it is not quite right. I
beg to difer here. The fact is even if you did complain, you know the result. That deters you to tolerate in England, but I am afraid, that deterent is not in India. This makes you more complaining about India despite the fact that you even do not live here. That is why I call not ‘Human’ but ‘Who-Man’.

I admire your knowledge of both ‘English’ as well as the ‘English’ big-wigs. It sells well in India if it is Western.

Keep it up. God bless you.

With my loving regards and blessings,

Dr. O. P. Sudrania