This refers to the article, “Barking up the wrong tree” (August 20) by Prafull Goradia. Acceptance of the Partition of India, and its implementation thereof, are subject matters that would continue to tickle the minds of historians. More clarity is, however, expected to emerge with the analysis by the historians of future generation, blessed as they will be with the gift of absence from the scene, and thus freedom from influences of the actors involved in the tragic drama.
It is unfortunate that none of the leaders involved in taking the vital decision had a clear vision about the far-reaching consequences that their decisions were going to have on the country. Even Jinnah, who had developed certain concrete ideas after his experiments with amity, had developed cold feet on the implementation part of it except for wondering on the hurry exhibited by the ‘white man' sensing the effect that such a hurry was likely to have in Punjab and Bengal. On the Indian side, Ambedkar was, perhaps, the only one, except to some extent Rajaji, who had expressed his ideas on this matter in clear terms. It is a matter of political expediency and dishonesty that various political leaders, day in and day out go on referring to Ambedkar but have never tried to take lessons from these vital aspects of his thoughts. Let us face the reality and act honestly by talking to each other openly.