CambridgeToday received the following Letter to the Editor from reader Kanti Makan:
I disagree with Venkatraman that the putting of the “urn” in the trash bin was an act of “intolerance."
Unawareness of specific customs should not lead one to irrationally conclude that disrespect was the underlying motive.
With the arrival of so many different and varied customs from around the world it would take a long time for all people to become familiar with each others’ traditions, ceremonies and rituals. During that time the responsibility falls on the leaders of the various groups to educate our citizenry at large so that unintended offences do not happen.
One also has to bear in mind that laws in Canada may prevent a ritual from being practiced here and people need to find creative ways to celebrate their valued customs.
Kanti Makan,
Cambridge