Madam, - Dr Michael Holmes's excellent piece on Irish-Indian links (World View, January 21st) makes some interesting historical observations in tracking the common nationalist heritages of our two states. Having studied and worked in India, I would like to elaborate further and make a suggestion as to how our two countries might enhance future links.
Dr Holmes's analysis of our nationalist attachments mentions the example of Irish nationalism in challenging British rule but neglects to examine in detail the important influence of the Irish Home Rule movement on the Free India movement. It was the work of Parnell, Butt, Davitt (and others) that inspired Mahatma Gandhi to adopt many non-violent approaches to overthrowing the colonial overlord and delivering justice to the oppressed.
Gandhi was actually at odds with De Valera on methods of challenging British oppression but referred specifically to the success of the Land League, of boycott campaigns and Parnellite filibustering at the House of Commons in the late 19th century in bringing the search for self-determination to a new level. The fledgling Congress Party went so far as to invite the firebrand Davitt to India to plot civil disobedience campaigns and non-violent activism. Fixity of tenure, a key aspect of Parnell's manifesto, was of particular interest to Gandhi and his effort to protect the untouchable castes in India.
Unfortunately, bonded labour and a lack of fixity of tenure remain huge obstacles for hundreds of thousands of Indian agriculture workers.
Incidentally, Senator Geraldine Feeney states (Letters, January 23rd) that "most Irish people recognise the Easter Rising. . .as the start of our independence". It was indeed a critical moment but it was also another chapter of violence in Ireland's quest for independence, and it certainly was not the "start".
While we should commemorate those who fought oppression throughout the centuries, we should be careful not to glorify violence. Revering the memory of those who perpetrate it, as Senator Feeney assumes without foundation that we do in the case of James Connolly, is not a positive message to future generations. There is enough violence in our societies.
In a world where so much money is spent on researching how to make war and how to make profit, the Irish Government should consider investing further in research on how to make peace, how to distribute profit fairly and how to provide justice for the oppressed. This would be a fitting testimony to the Irish-Indian relationship and there are many avenues to be explored here through civil society and academic links.
The many Irish non-governmental organisations, societies, academic institutes and cooperatives working for the betterment of marginalised people in India could do with further support. - Yours, etc,
KARL DEERING, Lisbon, Portugal.