Sir,

This refers to Dr. C.D. Sreenivasa Murthy’s article titled “The First President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad” (SOM dated Jan.25). It is truly enlightening for the younger generation and a reminder for my generation which has forgotten all the grave follies of previous Governments and the Emergency during Indira Gandhi’s reign!

 The author has been factual, and with clarity brings out the virtues of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the true qualities of the charismatic Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

When I was a student in school and college, being ignorant and following what was dished out by the admirers of the great Nehru Dynasty, I was also a great admirer of the father and daughter, grandson and the foreign daughter-in-law.

After I was 20 years old and went to US, I started taking interest in political developments and the political leaders and became a voracious reader of articles and books on these subjects. After watching the tamasha that was called a democracy but actually a monarchy (!) in India — a farce of holding elections and claiming how democracy works in India, I began to understand the role played by the historians, writers, politicians, journalists, media who were influencing people without giving them the truth.

It is high time we put an end to this and truly encourage democracy. Dynastic democracy (!) should be wiped out. We should take pride in our heritage.

I was never ashamed of my heritage, culture or background. I hate double standards. Let us really celebrate our true leaders and be proud of them and what they stood for.

Vande Mataram. Bharat Mata ki Jai.

– Madhuri Thathachari, Mysuru, 27.1.2022

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