‘Vishvas’: a word that threatens Pakistan

Letter September 20, 2012
Has anyone in Pakistan ever realised that Sanskrit is actually Pakistan’s own language?

NEW DELHI:

This is with reference to Khaled Ahmed’s article “‘Vishvas’: a word that threatens Pakistan” (September 19). The writer has cited the negative reaction of certain sections, including actor Shaan, to the use of the Hindi word ‘vishvas’ by the Pakistani prime minister, with some calling it “Indian culture’s invasion” of the country. Has anyone in Pakistan ever realised that Sanskrit is actually Pakistan’s own language? It was developed in the region by the ancestors of present-day Pakistanis. A word, a picture, a video and an actress are seemingly enough to make religious fanatics insecure. What about the way Shaan uses English words in every other sentence he says? Should we start calling that a Christian invasion?


Vishnu Dutta


Published in The Express Tribune, September 20th, 2012.