"" had a difficult time trying to figure out why no women could make it to your 'power list'"' Kalplata

Simple madam simple-Vinod Mehta is a normal Panjabi Egoistic Male like Panjabi Puttars are !

I had a difficult time trying to figure out why no women could make it to your 'power list'. The fact is so glaring that one has to assume that it was a conscious decision on your part. How do you explain it?

There is big name missing in the list. there should have been 26 people int he list and not 25.
Without Mr Vinod Mehta the list is incomplete. I am sure every reader will agree to what I am saying.

Most of them vinod mehta's favourite lefties.
Still I admire P sainath and Jean dreeze.Isn't Jean dreeze the one who resigned from the kowledge commision set up by the prime minister PROTESTING RESERVATIONS?.IRFAN KHAN IS A SUPERB ACTOR.

>> "Muslims should be dealt only with the stick and they understand it better. A guy like Modi is the answer. More like him are welcome"

Another of Chaitanya's hate messages. I suppoose the poor fellow just can't help it!

More stress should be given to the well being native tribes of India rather than Muslims, rich and poor. They have been living in India since immemorial times and love this land more than anybody. The nationalists must look to them to derive roots of inspiration. Peace loving people. More than anything, their values and traditions must be protected from the forces like missionaries of foreign origin and the same should be given a stress for reforms. Muslims should be dealt only with the stick and they understand it better. A guy like Modi is the answer. More like him are welcome.

The cover page illustration of person in the cover page of this issue is very akin to the famous Nazi illustration of master race.

It's interesting to note the correlation of Muslim population to backwardness of regions of India.

Haryana, Punjab, Uttarkhand, Delhi, Gujarat, TN, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra have a total combined Muslim population of around 35 Million and the population is nearly 10 % or less in each of these states. Muslims makeup nearly 5% of total population in TN, 1.5 % in Punjab, 2 % in HP, 5.7 % in Haryana, just about 9 % in Gujarat.

UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Kashmir contain nearly a combined population of 110 Million Muslims and they makeup nearly 20 or more percent in each of these states.

Tribal population can also be correlated to backwardness of a state. For example, Orissa, Jharkand, Chattisgarh. But they are tribals and they just mind their business.

Jean Dreaze is Belgian.
the are 6 muslims out of 24 that 25% the muslim population is around 12% what happend to quotas ?

Dr Sen does not deserve to be in the list he is way more intelligent than the rest.

Uh oh - with all those Muslims on your list the Hindutwits will be getting their knickers in all sorts of twists.

all of them bloody lefties.
Still I admire P sainath and Jean dreeze.Isn't Jean dreeze the one who resigned from the kowledge commision set up by the prime minister PROTESTING RESERVATIONS.IRFAN KHAN IS A SUPERB ACTOR.

Perhaps, Mr. Mehta believes that the capable, bright women who might have have made it to the current (rejects) list will, in fact, successfully make it to the Power List!

ABESH CHOUDHURY, LAWYER, LONDON, ENGLAND

Nice Introduction.

www.pradeepsharma.info

I have absolutely no quibbles with those who are on your list. But the pattern of omission is rather intriguing. I have started my own list here
http://arguingindia.blogspot.com.
Suggestions from Outlook readers welcome.

Strange indeed that no women in India seem to make the cut for your list; maybe that is what your last paragraph disclaimer was about? A few I can think of and in my mind, could replace some in your list are:
Medha Patkar, Aruna Roy, Mahashwetha Devi, Indira Jaisingh, Bina Agarwal, Mira Nair...

you did it again! Hats off to your efforts!

For all the feminst bashers on the site - the problem with this list is that it shows that when one thinks power, one does not think woman. Therefore power = man. So all those claims about women and equal opportunity are meaningless, they do not seem to translate into media lists, even by supposedly feminist sympathizing publications.

The very fact that you called the power list syndrome a dumbing down of the media is a reassuring thing, thanks. Does not the same go for the so-called "scientifically done" opinion polls and surveys?

You could have picked at one least one woman!! C'mon----this is a bit ridiculous.

I don't really have any problem in invoking Allah or Christ other than Bhagwan. I invoke one of the three in awe and despair depending on how my nervous system behaves. That's how i was brought up and the surrounding secular atmosphere had it's effect which i can't dicard just like that. Coming to why i didn't call it a Hindu forum, i don't think it's really necessary. I mentioned "We Hindus" because we are the ones who are vociferous in our patriotism to the motherland and we portray it's essence. Others follow. That includes Christians, Parsis, Muslims. Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and the rest of dharmic bunch can be included as Hindu in terms of their political identity. I hope that explains.

Just remembered this. This notion of Power lists containing people who are relatively unknown is not an invention of Outlook. India Today did this a couple of years back when it publised a list of powerful people who were NOT in power. SO for Vinod Mehta to pretend this to be his brainchild is simply dishonest.

In your article "25 People Who Will Never Make it To The Power List" the people you honour are indeed doing wonderful work. But the title may better have been "25 MEN who will never make it to the Power List". True, there was a 26th person on the list, who was a woman. But are there no other women who you would honour in this way? What does this say to your readers about the status of women in India?

>>incomplete, possibly subjective, centre-left list>> You pre-empt many objections to your list but the fact that it comprises not one woman (tellingly one half of a couple is mentioned) is glaring to say the least. Specially when it professes to portray people supposedly in the shadows. The fact that no woman can make it to this list is merely proof of their actual invisibility. And then perhaps you'll do one of those "Female power in the Shadows" kind of list that will overcompensate in that feel good manner. But no, women just can't seem to find place at that men's only table!

We Hindus have the right to abuse anybody in this forum. This is Indian forum for christ sake.

>>incomplete, possibly subjective, centre-left list>> You pre-empt many objections to your list but the fact that it comprises not one woman (tellingly one half of a couple is mentioned) is glaring to say the least. Specially when it professes to portray people supposedly in the shadows. The fact that no woman can make it to this list is merely proof of their actual invisibility. And then perhaps you'll do one of those "Female power in the Shadows" kind of list that will overcompensate in that feel good manner. But no, women just can't seem to find place at that men's only table!

The absence of women from the list, especially the likes of Medha Patkar, Vandana Shiva and Arundhati Roy, is very striking. Many of those included are indeed working in a non-confrontational manner on issues close to their heart, but people like Baba Amte, Medha Padkar and Vandana Shiva have not only confronted power in a non-violent manner, but also highlighted alternatives to mainstream notions of equity, progress and sustainable living. The pre-emptive protestations of imperfection and subjectivity do not carry much weight, considering the work that these people have done for so many years in relentless pursuit of justice. Of course, there area also others in the NBA and other similar campaigns who are not so famous, but the absence of these stalwarts suggests more than just subjective oversight.
As an aside, the fact that every issue is reduced, in these columns, to Muslim appeasement and accusations of Hindu-bashing is also very telling.

"I have respect for those individuals who express their views against communal divide and support peace and harmony. All brands of radical views, irrespective of religion are not good for the progress of the country. "

Most people support peace, harmony and growth - the issue is "what leads to this" -

- when Teesta rationalizes the frying alive of 59 Hindus[including 20 children]- there's no intent of harmony or peace

- when foreign-funded Medha stops progress consistently [with the help of well-compensated villagers] affecting the lives of tens of millions of people - she's blocking India's progress

- When Romilla writes a book on "oh-the-not-so-bad" Ghazni - the intent is whitewashing - will never lead to peace or harmony

- when Nirmala Deshpande after one of the bloodiest month of terrorism on Indian soil - still stands up to excoriate India and defend Pakistan - the intent is not peace, but performing paid-for-services

So, for many well-meaning Indians, these people above have the same relevance as the head of the VHP/Bajrang Dal.

I appreciate the views expressed by Vinod (Bangalore), Ganpat Ram (Haridwar), Jaleel (Lucknow), MALL (La Jolla), and A K Ghai (Mumbai). I have respect for those individuals who express their views against communal divide and support peace and harmony. All brands of radical views, irrespective of religion are not good for the progress of the country. Its a small world and we are here for a very brief period of time. Let's not have bad feelings against each other. Let's agree to disagree on certain issues. Thanks

Vinod Ji,
Not even single Women. Is it intentional.

Leaving aside the matter that these are mostly Sonia Gandhi chamchas, in the interests of full disclosure it would have been nice if caste-wise breakdowns had also been provided. We know that women and SC/STs and OBCs actually don't mean anything to Outlook, so the question of being sensitive to the handicapped or the Northeast is of course insanely optimistic.

DR. ZAFAR IQBAL SAHIB,

Our tragedy is our rulres majority oh them are illetrate \communalists\votebankers\criminals decide what History we have to study.
In the age of internet and pletny availability the New generation fret out TRUE History.

>>And you could think of no woman?

So what ? If there were some women in the list, what would have changed ? Would it have strengthen the status of average Indian women ?

In India women, especially the Muslim women are abused. In many places, Indian Muslim men are still imprisoning their women in Burqa to survive in sweltering heat. Who are doing anything for these helpless creatures ?

Dr Iqbal. So Arudhati, Teesta should have been included in the list. Why ? Just Because they are championing the Mullah's cause ? Have they ever raised the cause of the Muslim women ? Where were they when the shameful fatwa issued against a helpless Imrana ?
Mr Iqbal, from your wish list , I think only Shabana Azmi qualifies for the "power" list. She has the courage to take the Mullhas head on. Others are too terrified of the fatwa issuing Mullahs and so are not qualified for the list.

""I forgot to mention the great historian Romila Thapar. Also, Ram Punyani and Harsh Mander-two people dedicated to communal harmony."""

DR. ZAFAR IQBAL SAHIB,

Teesta and Arunadhiti are suspect in eyes of even Secular Hindus so perhaps they don't qualify for your list.In fact there are serious charges against Mehda Patakar and Teesta about receipant of dubious foreign funds etc.
Romila Thaper has been not an honest Historian. She was commissioned by Congress\Commies to re-write\ water down Mughal History about destruction of Hindu tempeles ,forced,conversions etc.Doctor Sahib comunal peace WOULD been immencely strengnthened had the true History been taught to young generation.Infact falsification of History itself has given a big stick to Hindu hardliners.Babri,Krishan Janmbhoomi,Kashi Wiswanath temple issues came to boil by thi s falsification of facts. Hardliners are able to exploit this denial as added insult after the initial injury to Hindu society.
There are better and honest Historians like Yadu Nath Sarkar who have written the true facts as of MusliM Period without increasing communal passions.Hope you have read "THE RISE AND FALL OF MUGHAL EMPIRE' by Sarkar.
Acceptance,not denial of true History by Indians will bring more communal calm !
You could have added Kuldip Nayar too in your list.

However Doctor Sahib I respect your sentiments.

I read this 'unusual' list and did not know about any of them except for one. Most of them have done good work either regionally or nationally --- silently but with determination. My compliments to you for recognising them. I guess you were expecting more brickbats --- but here is one bouquet!

I forgot to mention the great historian Romila Thapar. Also, Ram Punyani and Harsh Mander-two people dedicated to communal harmony.

I missed the great historian Romila Thapar and gentlemen working for communal harmony- Harsh Mander and Ram Puniyani.

Its a great list. I would have included Praful Bidwai, Arudhati Roy, Shabana Azmi, Medha Patkar, Nilima Deshpande, Sandeep Pandey, Teesta Setalvad, and Rajmohan Gandhi.

other than scicien section all are same lefitist political backgraound persons, noone wud have guessed it.. tck tck

And you could think of no woman?

"Anticipating brickbats, we apologise in advance for an incomplete, possibly subjective, centre-left list of individuals who are powerful and who are doing sterling work in their respective areas, but do not frequent TV studios "

The "center left leaning" is the key here. Evidently there CANNOT be any right wing nut doing good things. The RSS has done more during national calamities than the rest of NGO's combined. But it never gets praised for its work.

And I am wondering how the remaining 24 feel when they are clubbed together with a liar like Irfan habib. He trotted out a whole series of lies during the Ayodhya campaign. And ofcourse, he allowed people in his department to plagiarize. Paramartha Saran's work were stolen and reprinted with other's name. The guy approved it. He is the founding member of the Freedom India project which essentially milked money from the state while giving nothing in return.

It is better that guys like Habib remain powerless and unknown. Like the other charlatan,Romila Thapar, this guy needs to be exposed for what he is-not applauded.

"possibly subjective, centre-left list of individuals.."

My my Vinny boy, even when it comes to good causes and intentions, your first port of call is not what and how much an individual does, but what their political affliations are.

Sheesh and here is me think you were an objective journalist. Silly me.

I was surprised to see no women are in your top 25 people who will never make it to the power list! No doubt, the most poweful person in India is a woman, SONIA GANDHI. Why this happened MehtaJi, given the fact that you have a soft c(p)orner for women.

This should serve as booster to many committed people working for a social cause and improving the lives of the under-privileged .Flip side is keep churning lists like this and your marketing manager will start surfing job related websites.

Fiine list, yes, but no woman in the list?!

Fiine list, yes, but no woman in the list?!

This should serve as booster to many committed people working for a social cause and improving the lives of the under-privileged .Flip side is keep churning lists like this and your marketing manager will start surfing job related websites.

I was surprised to see no women are in your top 25 people who will never make it to the power list! No doubt, the most poweful person in India is a woman, SONIA GANDHI. Why this happened MehtaJi, given the fact that you have a soft c(p)orner for women.

"possibly subjective, centre-left list of individuals.."

My my Vinny boy, even when it comes to good causes and intentions, your first port of call is not what and how much an individual does, but what their political affliations are.

Sheesh and here is me think you were an objective journalist. Silly me.

"Anticipating brickbats, we apologise in advance for an incomplete, possibly subjective, centre-left list of individuals who are powerful and who are doing sterling work in their respective areas, but do not frequent TV studios "

The "center left leaning" is the key here. Evidently there CANNOT be any right wing nut doing good things. The RSS has done more during national calamities than the rest of NGO's combined. But it never gets praised for its work.

And I am wondering how the remaining 24 feel when they are clubbed together with a liar like Irfan habib. He trotted out a whole series of lies during the Ayodhya campaign. And ofcourse, he allowed people in his department to plagiarize. Paramartha Saran's work were stolen and reprinted with other's name. The guy approved it. He is the founding member of the Freedom India project which essentially milked money from the state while giving nothing in return.

It is better that guys like Habib remain powerless and unknown. Like the other charlatan,Romila Thapar, this guy needs to be exposed for what he is-not applauded.

And you could think of no woman?

other than scicien section all are same lefitist political backgraound persons, noone wud have guessed it.. tck tck

Its a great list. I would have included Praful Bidwai, Arudhati Roy, Shabana Azmi, Medha Patkar, Nilima Deshpande, Sandeep Pandey, Teesta Setalvad, and Rajmohan Gandhi.

I missed the great historian Romila Thapar and gentlemen working for communal harmony- Harsh Mander and Ram Puniyani.

I forgot to mention the great historian Romila Thapar. Also, Ram Punyani and Harsh Mander-two people dedicated to communal harmony.

I read this 'unusual' list and did not know about any of them except for one. Most of them have done good work either regionally or nationally --- silently but with determination. My compliments to you for recognising them. I guess you were expecting more brickbats --- but here is one bouquet!

""I forgot to mention the great historian Romila Thapar. Also, Ram Punyani and Harsh Mander-two people dedicated to communal harmony."""

DR. ZAFAR IQBAL SAHIB,

Teesta and Arunadhiti are suspect in eyes of even Secular Hindus so perhaps they don't qualify for your list.In fact there are serious charges against Mehda Patakar and Teesta about receipant of dubious foreign funds etc.
Romila Thaper has been not an honest Historian. She was commissioned by Congress\Commies to re-write\ water down Mughal History about destruction of Hindu tempeles ,forced,conversions etc.Doctor Sahib comunal peace WOULD been immencely strengnthened had the true History been taught to young generation.Infact falsification of History itself has given a big stick to Hindu hardliners.Babri,Krishan Janmbhoomi,Kashi Wiswanath temple issues came to boil by thi s falsification of facts. Hardliners are able to exploit this denial as added insult after the initial injury to Hindu society.
There are better and honest Historians like Yadu Nath Sarkar who have written the true facts as of MusliM Period without increasing communal passions.Hope you have read "THE RISE AND FALL OF MUGHAL EMPIRE' by Sarkar.
Acceptance,not denial of true History by Indians will bring more communal calm !
You could have added Kuldip Nayar too in your list.

However Doctor Sahib I respect your sentiments.

>>And you could think of no woman?

So what ? If there were some women in the list, what would have changed ? Would it have strengthen the status of average Indian women ?

In India women, especially the Muslim women are abused. In many places, Indian Muslim men are still imprisoning their women in Burqa to survive in sweltering heat. Who are doing anything for these helpless creatures ?

Dr Iqbal. So Arudhati, Teesta should have been included in the list. Why ? Just Because they are championing the Mullah's cause ? Have they ever raised the cause of the Muslim women ? Where were they when the shameful fatwa issued against a helpless Imrana ?
Mr Iqbal, from your wish list , I think only Shabana Azmi qualifies for the "power" list. She has the courage to take the Mullhas head on. Others are too terrified of the fatwa issuing Mullahs and so are not qualified for the list.

DR. ZAFAR IQBAL SAHIB,

Our tragedy is our rulres majority oh them are illetrate \communalists\votebankers\criminals decide what History we have to study.
In the age of internet and pletny availability the New generation fret out TRUE History.

Leaving aside the matter that these are mostly Sonia Gandhi chamchas, in the interests of full disclosure it would have been nice if caste-wise breakdowns had also been provided. We know that women and SC/STs and OBCs actually don't mean anything to Outlook, so the question of being sensitive to the handicapped or the Northeast is of course insanely optimistic.

Vinod Ji,
Not even single Women. Is it intentional.

I appreciate the views expressed by Vinod (Bangalore), Ganpat Ram (Haridwar), Jaleel (Lucknow), MALL (La Jolla), and A K Ghai (Mumbai). I have respect for those individuals who express their views against communal divide and support peace and harmony. All brands of radical views, irrespective of religion are not good for the progress of the country. Its a small world and we are here for a very brief period of time. Let's not have bad feelings against each other. Let's agree to disagree on certain issues. Thanks

"I have respect for those individuals who express their views against communal divide and support peace and harmony. All brands of radical views, irrespective of religion are not good for the progress of the country. "

Most people support peace, harmony and growth - the issue is "what leads to this" -

- when Teesta rationalizes the frying alive of 59 Hindus[including 20 children]- there's no intent of harmony or peace

- when foreign-funded Medha stops progress consistently [with the help of well-compensated villagers] affecting the lives of tens of millions of people - she's blocking India's progress

- When Romilla writes a book on "oh-the-not-so-bad" Ghazni - the intent is whitewashing - will never lead to peace or harmony

- when Nirmala Deshpande after one of the bloodiest month of terrorism on Indian soil - still stands up to excoriate India and defend Pakistan - the intent is not peace, but performing paid-for-services

So, for many well-meaning Indians, these people above have the same relevance as the head of the VHP/Bajrang Dal.

The absence of women from the list, especially the likes of Medha Patkar, Vandana Shiva and Arundhati Roy, is very striking. Many of those included are indeed working in a non-confrontational manner on issues close to their heart, but people like Baba Amte, Medha Padkar and Vandana Shiva have not only confronted power in a non-violent manner, but also highlighted alternatives to mainstream notions of equity, progress and sustainable living. The pre-emptive protestations of imperfection and subjectivity do not carry much weight, considering the work that these people have done for so many years in relentless pursuit of justice. Of course, there area also others in the NBA and other similar campaigns who are not so famous, but the absence of these stalwarts suggests more than just subjective oversight.
As an aside, the fact that every issue is reduced, in these columns, to Muslim appeasement and accusations of Hindu-bashing is also very telling.

>>incomplete, possibly subjective, centre-left list>> You pre-empt many objections to your list but the fact that it comprises not one woman (tellingly one half of a couple is mentioned) is glaring to say the least. Specially when it professes to portray people supposedly in the shadows. The fact that no woman can make it to this list is merely proof of their actual invisibility. And then perhaps you'll do one of those "Female power in the Shadows" kind of list that will overcompensate in that feel good manner. But no, women just can't seem to find place at that men's only table!

We Hindus have the right to abuse anybody in this forum. This is Indian forum for christ sake.

>>incomplete, possibly subjective, centre-left list>> You pre-empt many objections to your list but the fact that it comprises not one woman (tellingly one half of a couple is mentioned) is glaring to say the least. Specially when it professes to portray people supposedly in the shadows. The fact that no woman can make it to this list is merely proof of their actual invisibility. And then perhaps you'll do one of those "Female power in the Shadows" kind of list that will overcompensate in that feel good manner. But no, women just can't seem to find place at that men's only table!

In your article "25 People Who Will Never Make it To The Power List" the people you honour are indeed doing wonderful work. But the title may better have been "25 MEN who will never make it to the Power List". True, there was a 26th person on the list, who was a woman. But are there no other women who you would honour in this way? What does this say to your readers about the status of women in India?

Just remembered this. This notion of Power lists containing people who are relatively unknown is not an invention of Outlook. India Today did this a couple of years back when it publised a list of powerful people who were NOT in power. SO for Vinod Mehta to pretend this to be his brainchild is simply dishonest.

I don't really have any problem in invoking Allah or Christ other than Bhagwan. I invoke one of the three in awe and despair depending on how my nervous system behaves. That's how i was brought up and the surrounding secular atmosphere had it's effect which i can't dicard just like that. Coming to why i didn't call it a Hindu forum, i don't think it's really necessary. I mentioned "We Hindus" because we are the ones who are vociferous in our patriotism to the motherland and we portray it's essence. Others follow. That includes Christians, Parsis, Muslims. Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and the rest of dharmic bunch can be included as Hindu in terms of their political identity. I hope that explains.

You could have picked at one least one woman!! C'mon----this is a bit ridiculous.

The very fact that you called the power list syndrome a dumbing down of the media is a reassuring thing, thanks. Does not the same go for the so-called "scientifically done" opinion polls and surveys?

For all the feminst bashers on the site - the problem with this list is that it shows that when one thinks power, one does not think woman. Therefore power = man. So all those claims about women and equal opportunity are meaningless, they do not seem to translate into media lists, even by supposedly feminist sympathizing publications.

you did it again! Hats off to your efforts!

Strange indeed that no women in India seem to make the cut for your list; maybe that is what your last paragraph disclaimer was about? A few I can think of and in my mind, could replace some in your list are:
Medha Patkar, Aruna Roy, Mahashwetha Devi, Indira Jaisingh, Bina Agarwal, Mira Nair...

I have absolutely no quibbles with those who are on your list. But the pattern of omission is rather intriguing. I have started my own list here
http://arguingindia.blogspot.com.
Suggestions from Outlook readers welcome.

Nice Introduction.

www.pradeepsharma.info

Perhaps, Mr. Mehta believes that the capable, bright women who might have have made it to the current (rejects) list will, in fact, successfully make it to the Power List!

ABESH CHOUDHURY, LAWYER, LONDON, ENGLAND

all of them bloody lefties.
Still I admire P sainath and Jean dreeze.Isn't Jean dreeze the one who resigned from the kowledge commision set up by the prime minister PROTESTING RESERVATIONS.IRFAN KHAN IS A SUPERB ACTOR.

Uh oh - with all those Muslims on your list the Hindutwits will be getting their knickers in all sorts of twists.

Jean Dreaze is Belgian.
the are 6 muslims out of 24 that 25% the muslim population is around 12% what happend to quotas ?

Dr Sen does not deserve to be in the list he is way more intelligent than the rest.

It's interesting to note the correlation of Muslim population to backwardness of regions of India.

Haryana, Punjab, Uttarkhand, Delhi, Gujarat, TN, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra have a total combined Muslim population of around 35 Million and the population is nearly 10 % or less in each of these states. Muslims makeup nearly 5% of total population in TN, 1.5 % in Punjab, 2 % in HP, 5.7 % in Haryana, just about 9 % in Gujarat.

UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Kashmir contain nearly a combined population of 110 Million Muslims and they makeup nearly 20 or more percent in each of these states.

Tribal population can also be correlated to backwardness of a state. For example, Orissa, Jharkand, Chattisgarh. But they are tribals and they just mind their business.

The cover page illustration of person in the cover page of this issue is very akin to the famous Nazi illustration of master race.

More stress should be given to the well being native tribes of India rather than Muslims, rich and poor. They have been living in India since immemorial times and love this land more than anybody. The nationalists must look to them to derive roots of inspiration. Peace loving people. More than anything, their values and traditions must be protected from the forces like missionaries of foreign origin and the same should be given a stress for reforms. Muslims should be dealt only with the stick and they understand it better. A guy like Modi is the answer. More like him are welcome.

>> "Muslims should be dealt only with the stick and they understand it better. A guy like Modi is the answer. More like him are welcome"

Another of Chaitanya's hate messages. I suppoose the poor fellow just can't help it!

Most of them vinod mehta's favourite lefties.
Still I admire P sainath and Jean dreeze.Isn't Jean dreeze the one who resigned from the kowledge commision set up by the prime minister PROTESTING RESERVATIONS?.IRFAN KHAN IS A SUPERB ACTOR.

There is big name missing in the list. there should have been 26 people int he list and not 25.
Without Mr Vinod Mehta the list is incomplete. I am sure every reader will agree to what I am saying.

I had a difficult time trying to figure out why no women could make it to your 'power list'. The fact is so glaring that one has to assume that it was a conscious decision on your part. How do you explain it?

"" had a difficult time trying to figure out why no women could make it to your 'power list'"' Kalplata

Simple madam simple-Vinod Mehta is a normal Panjabi Egoistic Male like Panjabi Puttars are !

No Woman, Big Cry
Your compilation on calm karmayogis made interesting reading (25 People Who Will Never Make It To The Power List, Apr 23). It gave the reader some idea of a small but silent (and admirably so) section of the population engaged in the noble act of serving humanity. What makes this write-up all the more important is that it restores our sense of balance—of looking at things around. The mere knowledge of the existence of such samaritans itself reassures us that our world is not just about the weddings of film stars or even the decadence of politicians. We get to know of a set of socially responsible, constructive, diligent and committed people fighting all odds—quietly, selflessly.
Kalpana Kannabiran, Secunderabad

Wonderful work, only that you got a crucial word wrong in the headline. It should have started as ‘25 Men’ instead of ‘25 People’. True, there is one woman in the list, but even she shares the slot with her husband. What does this say to your readers about the status of women in India?
Randall Giles, Chennai

I went through each thumbnail sketch, read every word about the achievements of each personality. As much as their services, what struck me was that out of of the 25 people, I knew only one. My compliments.
Harish Jagtiani, Bangalore

Heart-warming cover. Outlook stands like a lone oak in a mediocre shrubland of magazines.
D.N. Banerjee, Uttarpara, Hooghly

Congratulations, but wasn’t it professional rivalry that brought the best out of you?
Amitabh Thakur, Lucknow

Now that Outlook has highlighted the silent services of a set of samaritans, we all should give them a chance to make it to the power list. Else, it will be our bad luck, not theirs.
Shailesh Kumar, Bangalore

The lives of these people are so purposeful and inspiring that I would even suggest the government models its welfare programmes on such lines. That will be a well-deserved tribute to their tenacious services.
Bapty Seshasayee, Chennai

I am sure your article would serve as a booster to many such people working for social causes and improving the lives of the underprivileged.
U.S. Aroon, Mumbai

Let this be a watershed issue for Outlook. Let glitz no more find space in your pages.
Kaushik Dutta, Calcutta

Your list doesn’t end here for sure. I expect occasional—if possible, regular—sequels to it. They would be enlightening.
B.K. Chatterjee, Faridabad

An NRI, I felt proud of my compatriots. It’s not just that these people work for the marginalised communities. They are themselves marginalised!
S. Nassar, Raleigh, US

Most of the people listed belong to your editor’s favourite class—the Leftists. That said, I must concede I like
P. Sainath and Jean Dreze.
Shri Prasad, Hyderabad

It could have been great if you widened the vista of the list beyond individuals. And included organisations—the Ramakrishna Mission and the Arya Samaj. That would have made it look more holistic.
Ganpat Ram, Haridwar

The fact that no woman has made it to your list is proof to their actual invisibility—especially when the whole piece professes to portray people living out of limelight. Hopefully you will do one of those ‘Female Power In The Shadows’ kind of list as a corrective.
Niharika Dinkar, New York

Sadly, you missed out Praful Bidwai, Arundhati Roy, Shabana Azmi, Medha Patkar, Neelima Deshpande, Sandeep Pandey, Teesta Setalvad and Rajmohan Gandhi.
Dr Zafar Iqbal, Germantown, US

And also Aruna Roy, Mahasweta Devi, Indira Jaisingh, Bina Agarwal, Mira Nair.... Oh, but then they are all women.
H.S., Boalburg, US

Wasn’t it intentional that you excluded women?
S. Rohit, Dubai

The inclusion of Dr Rani Bang—the sole woman in your list—as wife of Dr Abhay itself is proof to your sexist attitude.
Anjali Singh, New Delhi

You could think of no woman? Now, that’s really bewildering!
Salil Tripathi, London

Mercifully, Vinod Mehta has, in his introductory edit, made a confession. Having conceded the trivial nature of media surveys to make rolls of honour to highlight the bright and the best of the country, he has made the same folly and makes no bones about it. His apology carries no conviction. This time too, the outcome makes no sense for the reader.
Gyan Ranjan Saha, Calcutta

It’s reassuring when you say the power list syndrome is a dumbing down of the media. Doesn’t it go for your ‘scientific’ opinion polls and surveys?
Ramana Murthy, Hyderabad

The word ‘centre-left’ is vital in Mr Mehta’s edit. He implies that the right wing is incapable of doing good work. This, when the rss has done more than the rest of the ngos combined during times of national calamity.
V.R. Ganesan, New Jersey

No, Mr Mehta, you needn’t be apologetic about the list at all.
S. Vidyadhar, Hyderabad

No Woman, Big Cry
Your compilation on calm karmayogis made interesting reading (25 People Who Will Never Make It To The Power List, Apr 23). It gave the reader some idea of a small but silent (and admirably so) section of the population engaged in the noble act of serving humanity. What makes this write-up all the more important is that it restores our sense of balance—of looking at things around. The mere knowledge of the existence of such samaritans itself reassures us that our world is not just about the weddings of film stars or even the decadence of politicians. We get to know of a set of socially responsible, constructive, diligent and committed people fighting all odds—quietly, selflessly.
Kalpana Kannabiran, Secunderabad

Wonderful work, only that you got a crucial word wrong in the headline. It should have started as ‘25 Men’ instead of ‘25 People’. True, there is one woman in the list, but even she shares the slot with her husband. What does this say to your readers about the status of women in India?
Randall Giles, Chennai

I went through each thumbnail sketch, read every word about the achievements of each personality. As much as their services, what struck me was that out of of the 25 people, I knew only one. My compliments.
Harish Jagtiani, Bangalore

Heart-warming cover. Outlook stands like a lone oak in a mediocre shrubland of magazines.
D.N. Banerjee, Uttarpara, Hooghly

Congratulations, but wasn’t it professional rivalry that brought the best out of you?
Amitabh Thakur, Lucknow

Now that Outlook has highlighted the silent services of a set of samaritans, we all should give them a chance to make it to the power list. Else, it will be our bad luck, not theirs.
Shailesh Kumar, Bangalore

The lives of these people are so purposeful and inspiring that I would even suggest the government models its welfare programmes on such lines. That will be a well-deserved tribute to their tenacious services.
Bapty Seshasayee, Chennai

I am sure your article would serve as a booster to many such people working for social causes and improving the lives of the underprivileged.
U.S. Aroon, Mumbai

Let this be a watershed issue for Outlook. Let glitz no more find space in your pages.
Kaushik Dutta, Calcutta

Your list doesn’t end here for sure. I expect occasional—if possible, regular—sequels to it. They would be enlightening.
B.K. Chatterjee, Faridabad

An NRI, I felt proud of my compatriots. It’s not just that these people work for the marginalised communities. They are themselves marginalised!
S. Nassar, Raleigh, US

Most of the people listed belong to your editor’s favourite class—the Leftists. That said, I must concede I like
P. Sainath and Jean Dreze.
Shri Prasad, Hyderabad

It could have been great if you widened the vista of the list beyond individuals. And included organisations—the Ramakrishna Mission and the Arya Samaj. That would have made it look more holistic.
Ganpat Ram, Haridwar

The fact that no woman has made it to your list is proof to their actual invisibility—especially when the whole piece professes to portray people living out of limelight. Hopefully you will do one of those ‘Female Power In The Shadows’ kind of list as a corrective.
Niharika Dinkar, New York

Sadly, you missed out Praful Bidwai, Arundhati Roy, Shabana Azmi, Medha Patkar, Neelima Deshpande, Sandeep Pandey, Teesta Setalvad and Rajmohan Gandhi.
Dr Zafar Iqbal, Germantown, US

And also Aruna Roy, Mahasweta Devi, Indira Jaisingh, Bina Agarwal, Mira Nair.... Oh, but then they are all women.
H.S., Boalburg, US

Wasn’t it intentional that you excluded women?
S. Rohit, Dubai

The inclusion of Dr Rani Bang—the sole woman in your list—as wife of Dr Abhay itself is proof to your sexist attitude.
Anjali Singh, New Delhi

You could think of no woman? Now, that’s really bewildering!
Salil Tripathi, London

Mercifully, Vinod Mehta has, in his introductory edit, made a confession. Having conceded the trivial nature of media surveys to make rolls of honour to highlight the bright and the best of the country, he has made the same folly and makes no bones about it. His apology carries no conviction. This time too, the outcome makes no sense for the reader.
Gyan Ranjan Saha, Calcutta

It’s reassuring when you say the power list syndrome is a dumbing down of the media. Doesn’t it go for your ‘scientific’ opinion polls and surveys?
Ramana Murthy, Hyderabad

The word ‘centre-left’ is vital in Mr Mehta’s edit. He implies that the right wing is incapable of doing good work. This, when the rss has done more than the rest of the ngos combined during times of national calamity.
V.R. Ganesan, New Jersey

No, Mr Mehta, you needn’t be apologetic about the list at all.
S. Vidyadhar, Hyderabad