Purdah Controversy

The UPA-Left Presidential nominee Pratibha Patil's statements on the origin of the 'purdah' system in India is historically correct. I can't fathom as to why such a huge hue and cry is being raised in the academic circles and the political arena about her statements. The Leftist historians' criticism about her statements is filled with hypocrisy. They always seem to find fault with historical facts that are even minutely critical of the minorities. This pseudo-secularist corruption and distortion of Indian history by leftist historians and the fact that, in the name of 'secularism', sections of the Indian media too have supported this warped view of theirs is symptomatic of the intellectual corruption and intolerance that exists in this country which states that, any fact, if deemed unacceptable to a fringe section of the society, should be opposed. The 'ghoonghat' symbolised respect for elders and there were practices like the 'swayamvar' in India back then. In all this hullabaloo regarding her speech, the essence of it, relating to social reform, which was very relevant and praiseworthy, has been sidelined, which is unfortunate.