The article “Respect for foreign laws, customs is the only way to travel” (Arab News, June 21) is simply superb and fabulous. As a matter of fact, many people do not have the perfect knowledge of Islam and out of ignorance they act in such a way that brings a bad name to the Islam. The writer in her article has removed misconception and showed us the way to act upon positively.
Also, the West does like to have Islamic values and practices in a person’s life. They must understand that everyone has some liking and disliking and nobody should be forced to do something. For example, in Asian countries women do not like to swim in swimsuits openly on beaches, where in West it is the normal trends.
My point is, every culture is different to another culture. So, West hue and cry is unnecessary. Apart from this, practicing Muslim men and women should not go on holidays to that country where carrying out religious obligations become difficult for them. The French airport authority when asking a woman to lift her veil then she should have done that for the sole purpose of identity checking. I had seen at Dammam airport where concerned authority was asking an Indian family to raise the veil and family was not obliging the request, then airport authority said to the family he would not endorse the passport and family had no choice and obliged his request. When in Saudi Arabia such a thing can happen so what is wrong to lift the veil at French airport for person’s identification. (Anees Lokhande, Alkhobar)
Death of Indian journalist
This refers to “Veteran Indian journalist dies” (June 24), in the death of renowned Indian film journalist Burjor K Karanjia, popularly known as "BK," who passed away in Pune, brings to end an era of yesteryears of film journalism when there was no electronic media and Internet. It was only film magazines that connected readers with film industry exceedingly well.
He was the brother of yesteryears most renowned and outstanding journalists of his time, Rusi Karanjia, who persuaded serious investigative journalism and brought out most sought after investigative tabloid "Blitz.”
While BK influenced film journalism and the entertainment industry and started his carrier as reporter before becoming editor of renowned film magazines like Film-Fare, Screen, Movie Times, Cine Movie and others. He was also founder of the trendsetter film finance corporation, which set a precedent of financing low-budget, high quality films with upcoming stars and directors instead of spending big money on big budget films with big outdoor banners. He also held the position of NDFC chairman. He also authored several books about film industry,
Due to his outstanding work in the film industry, he was member of jury in many national and international film festivals.
Despite advancing age-related diseases, his zest for journalism and writing continued as he wrote for several newspapers in India and in Gulf, including your esteemed newspaper Arab News. In his last days of life BK was very much concerned about the decay of Mumbai civic life, which was once considered a most disciplined city to live where citizens were contended with its governance.
The veteran film journalist left behind legacy of excellence in journalism and a glorious chapter of film journalism comes to an end. His loss is irreparable.
We all pray to God that his family and readers gathers strength to overcome this, from God we come and to God we return. (Ramesh G. Jethwani, Bangalore, India)
Letters — Veil and foreign laws
