Dear Dr Yadu Singh
As you are perhaps aware, I had joined the relevant FB group on your
invitation. Subsequently I have been removed from that group despite having
said nothing that could have caused offence. The grievance was apparently
that I'm promoting my blog on the group. But you are surely aware by now
that I use my blog for educational purposes, and FB doesn't allow for
extensive comments which can spill into 5-8 pages. It is therefore natural
that I comment on my blog and provide a link to the FB group.
Anyway, I've finally reviewed over 10 pages of comments posted by you and
other members on the group and provided a detailed response here:
http://sabhlokcity.com/2011/10/ganesh-vs-the-third-reich-9-detailed-r...
I'm aware that many members of the group belong to Melbourne and I'm happy
to personally address them on issues arising from this matter, should you
and others so desire. The key, as far as I am concerned, is that the Indian
community in Australia should avoid being seen as being narrow minded or
bigoted, like the Muslim community is now generally seen as, across the
world today.
I would like to suggest that on such matters it is important for a voice of
reason (or rather, opposition) to be available at the table. Only through
opposition can mankind make progress. Heraclitus rightly noted: ‘That which
opposes produces a benefit’. Good leaders and good Boards of companies
ensure that opposition is definitely represented. You may consider involving
me in some of your decisions, if only to give yourself a much stronger
understanding of what you stand for.
Recall that I sided with most of your work on the Kyle Sandilands case and
indeed would have supported most of your work on this (Ganesha) case as well
- had it been restricted to voicing an opinion and raising ruckus in the
media (including a dharna/protest/boycott). It was the reported call for a
ban of the play, and the involvement of the government, that necessarily
made me take a different position.
My presence on the FB group is clearly not wanted. So I will no longer
approach that group. I will now leave it to you (and possibly Bhagwad Jal
who I presume has not yet been ejected) to let members know that I've now
responded to their concerns and questions, and that if they wish, they can
now read my response on my blog.
I'm cc.ing in the Freedom Team and freedom partners, and a few others who
might benefit or want to comment on this discussion.
At a time when freedom (particularly freedom of expression) is coming under
grievous threat across the world, I'd like members of FTI and our partners
to carefully read and (if necessary oppose) the views I've expressed in this
particular blog post.
I look forward to continued productive and cordial relations with you and
would be happy to get involved in the activities of the Council of Indian
Australians Inc. to the extent you feel appropriate - noting that my main
focus of life is about reforms in India's governance, and that my interest
in Australia is secondary.
Regards
Sanjeev
PS. If you get the time, do please consider sending me the name of a
competent eye specialist in Melbourne. I'd be grateful.
---
sanjeev sabhlok
Blog: http://sabhlokcity.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/sabhlok/
Freedom Team: http://freedomteam.in
