MALAISE IN INDIA SIR.—Mr. Pocock's letter provides a very good
anti- dote to Mr. Rushhrook Williams's article, which appears to me to have been written way up in the stratosphere of political thinking. To put forward the Kshattriyas as the basis for forming a new ruling class is really rather obnoxious to me as an Indian. We have often been chastised for our caste systems and the predominant role played by Brahmans in an
Indian society, and now a responsible journalist comes forward and puts the case for the Kshattriyas.' What is to happen to the millions of Muslims and the minorities? Are they to be mercilessly excluded just because they have not the right caste credentials? What sort of a democracy is that going to be? Mr. Williams will no doubt protest that he was just sug- gesting that the Kshattriyas are more patriotic and responsible than other Indians. Were all the Indian leaders of the Independence movement Kshattriyas? How much did the Rajput maharajahs and the land- owners sacrifice for India's independence? Not a very imposing total, is it?
His comments on Communism are also rather laugh- able. It will not require Dr. Chandrasekhara's con- sent for Communism to triumph in India. Even if China is a' 'zoo catering for purely animals needs,' which it isn't, what is wrong with satisfying animal needs if it means eliminating hunger and providing shelter and the slenderest of security for the millions who, at the moment, have none? The refugees who crowd the platforms of Sealdah Station in Calcutta would certainly rather see a government dedicated to satisfying their animal needs than one which leaves them hungry and homeless, in spite of all its efforts to improve their lot.—Yours faithfully,
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