This refers to your editorial “India should not reclaim Koh-i-Noor Diamoond” (April 23). British acceptance of the Kohinoor diamond as being of “Indian origin” is itself a big recognition. It is a symbol of our honour, prestige and history. So whether the diamond was “voluntarily gifted” by us or taken away “forcibly” by them should not be a matter of discussion. It is undeniably a graceless act to demand its return after so much time has passed. It is clarified by SC that the heirs of Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave the Kohinoor to the British as “voluntary compensation” to cover the expenses of the Anglo-Sikh Wars. Now when it was handed over to the British we should not ask for returning of the same or buying back. It was part of a treaty between the British and the Sikh empire after the Sikhs fought bravely hand in hand against the British but eventually lost the decisive battle in 2nd Anglo – Sikh War. Is it fare to constantly scratch the sores of past wounds and slights instead of looking to the future and building a better India? Will bringing back the diamond alter our status as an emerging economy? Don’t we think we need to get our priorities to the millions who suffer from severe drought? On the other hand, even if we succeed in bringing back Kohinoor to India, do we think it will be safe here?
Vinod C. Dixit
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
