With reference to Pervez Hoodbhoy’s lead article An Indian odyssey (February 20), the article has helped me do away some impressions I had about the Indians’ claims towards cultural modernity.

In the 1970s I had the chance to talk to some high-ups of Indian bureaucracy who had come to The Hague on official training courses. On the question of caste and class system in India, I was told that India had become enlightened and the dark shadows of caste tradition were evaporating.

Now, what I learn from Pervez Hoodbhoy’s article is: “Indian society remains deeply superstitious. Caste divisions are important and women still have a long way to go.”

SALAHUDDIN A. KHAN
Karachi


Agony of a vanishing generation

With reference to Amar Jaleel’s column Agony of a vanishing generation (February 20), he rightly mentions that the majority of the present day generation knows little or nothing about the great divide of 1947.

The Pakistan Studies books, taught in schools and colleges tell us the one-sided story, of how the Muslims were killed by the Hindus and Sikhs, how their property and assets were plundered, while at the same time, these very books remain silent on the separation of East Pakistan.

Whatever the truth is, let it be taught to the younger generation. There is a serious dearth of youngsters who take interest in history.

SABA GILL
Karachi