Yoga and Hinduism
Yoga is older than the Vedas and even if it is not there is no reason to reject it. Hinduism is mythology, there is no question of rejection or acceptance. We don't reject or accept a story, we like it or don't! That's all. There is not much more to it. And, like historical fiction there is often a mix as we find in our two most famous war stories the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
The Bible is also another example of a mix of fact and fiction. In the light of modern science a lot of the claims appear nothing short of ridiculous. So is the case with all the major religions of the world with no exception.
As educated people living in the twenty-first century we need to discard ancient beliefs as they were believable at one time but not today. If we don't we will suffer from an unnecessary headache and neurosis. Yoga might be a cheap and effective medicine.
Joao Barros-Pereira, Japan
Unrealistic editorial
I was taken aback by your edit, “Storm in a teacup” (The Goan Everyday, June 20). First of all, it is pathetic that we are in the midst of “Lalitgate”, one of the worst scams in recent memory and you see nothing amiss. What is more, there’s already an “invisible” iron hand trying to provide a cover-up.
All BJP governance has been seemingly a cruel attempt to stifle dissent. By diluting the National Board of Wildlife and the various environmental agencies the government is clearly favouring the Ambani-Adani model of development. The parliament is almost held in contempt by the way ordinances are being introduced, and the land ordinance is a great blot on our democracy.
An attempt is also being made to suppress dissent at the ground level. NGOs are being harassed and squeezed of funds. The offloading of Priya Pillai of Greenpeace and the early morning arrest of Delhi’s law minister show the extent to which the government can go to fix its opponents. Teesta Setalvad and her NGO are being hounded for their valiant role in the post-Gujarat 2002 riots. Further, the harassment meted out to IIT students in Madras and those of the Shree College in Kerala truly brings back memories of the dark days of Emergency. Such instances can be multiplied. It is felt by the majority that the common man lives in fear wondering how safe it is to oppose the government when it acts autocratically, caring a damn for the aam aadmi.
Dr Francisco Colaço, Margao
Grassroots football needs more takers
The Indian football coach recently stated that Guam, who defeated India, had players who ply their trade in America and hence had good training. Yes, that is certainly true, but it's also a good foundation created by grassroots football. Many of those players were university students, according to a national daily. This is why we need a greater focus on grassroots development. While the ISL puts the spotlight on the country's football league for a short part of the year, we need to focus on it full-time and that means doing what the GFDC does and helping the cause. We need fitter, smarter and more skilled players. Only grassroots development can help there
Prashant Raiker, Panaji
