Stat-Math Unit ISI 8th Mile, Mysore Road R. V. College Post Bangalore 560 059 November 22, 1997 The Editor "Young World" supplement The Hindu Messrs. Kasturi & Sons Madras 600 002 Dear Sir/Madam, It has been rather disturbing to read the column "Forsaken Friends" that has been appearing in "Young World" for the last month or more. The views in this column can only be described as extremist. It is doubtless true that: 1. The breeding of animals and the cultivation of plants needs to be done in a more ecologically sustainable way. 2. That Man has adopted cruel ways in dealing with all animals (including humans). 3. A diet that consists largely of foods that come lower in the food chain (like meat, fish etc.) is unhealthy. That children need to learn this to create a better world as they grow is again incontestable. What is dubious is that this can be achieved by taking an extreme position whereby a majority of the earth's population (just take all the Chinese who are non-vegetarians) would stand condemned. It is very important to convey to children (and adults!) the need for dialogue and debate on issues so that alternative means of survival and livelihood can be found for those engaged in activities that are contrary to ones' ideology. Extremism ought to have no place in such a scheme. Yours sincerely, K. H. Paranjape