Letter: An Indian view of death by fire
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Apropos your reports on Kiranjit Ahluwalia (20 and 21 July), it occurred to me that to the Western mind setting oneself or someone else alight may seem particularly bizarre or cruel; but to the Indian mind it is much less outre. It is not an uncommon method of committing suicide, particularly for women. In the cases of 'dowry deaths', women have been set alight.
It should also be remembered that sati is not a forgotten memory in Hindu minds, and that we cremate our dead. I'm only suggesting that Kiranjit Ahluwalia's action is at least as understandable as that of a person with a Western background seizing a knife in desperation.
Yours sincerely,
SUNITI NAMJOSHI
Rousdon, Devon
21 July
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments