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Page 2 The Pendulum Editorials Religious fanaticism threaten India’s future Indira Gandhi did not deserve to die, but the shock over her brutal assassination by ultra-extremist Sikh gunmen has prob ably moved the West more emotionally over the plight of her nation than for her as a public figure. After her death, embitterd Sikh extremists declared, “We have taken our revenge; long live the Sikh religion. Although India is the world’s largest democracy, it is also the weakest as it has consistently failed to achieve unity of religion. Language and ethnicity. And, because of its ambivalence, Mrs. Gandhi is the second leader of independent India to be slain in the name of religious fanaticism. Though India has countless religious segments, none are as explosive as the radical Sikh separatists of the Punjab state. To them, Mrs. Gandhi’s rule represented tyranny. The animosity between the Hindus and Sikhs peaked last June when Sikh separatists took shelter in the holiest shrine in the Sikh religion, the Golden Temple at Amristar, where they proceeded to participate in acts of terrorism. By Mrs. Gandhi’s decision, the Sikhs were raided and hun dreds were either captured or killed in a culmination of bitter religious rivalry, which numbered Mrs. Gandhi’s days as prime minister of India. Despite the feuds and strains of this combustible nation, one cannot overlook India’s strength and accomplishments. Through Mrs. Gandhi’s efforts, her nation rose above being a country full of turmoil, to becoming a nation with a mission. By ruling India for most of the past 18 years with an iron fist, Mrs. Gandhi led India into the nuclear and space age. Above all, Mrs. Gandhi fought for her people by emphasizing the rights of women and as a mass-state attempted to feed millions. Assassinations of major political figures are not only limited to such conflict-torn nations as India. In United States history, there have been four presidents assassinated. Ronald Reagan was shot at in the first year of his term, and other figures like Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., both promising political figures, had tragic endings. Most recently, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) bombed the hotel where British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was staying. In two months, India will hold their general election. For the moment, Mrs. Gandhi’s son Rajiv, a former airline pilot has been sworn in as the leader of India. Rajiv is a relative newcom er to politics. He didn’t originally intend to become involved in politics, however as sole surviving son, his role as a leader was pre-determined. The future of India will now depend primarily on Rajiv’s ability to maintain peace as well as the different political and religious factions and how they tolerate their opposing beliefs. Maybe the tangle of different languages, the numerous castes and sects among other groups will realize the miracle of their nation long enough to meet the ends of a constitutional govern ment. By Loukia Louka Talent Show location should change As always, the Talent Show was the highlight of parents weekend. Our campus always comes alive like Hollywood as students vie for the $100 first prize. The talent show is a credit to the Student Union Board and all others involved. Students practice long and hard for this night, and their work does not go unappreciated. Parents commented favor ably throughout the night on the caliber of talent to be found at Elon. Only one complaint could be heard throughout the show: Whitley Auditorium was much too crowded. Many people arrived early to be sure of getting good seats. Latecomers were lucky to have any seats at all. Students were asked to move to the floors of the aisles to allow parents to sit and enjoy the show. This was not only uncomfortable, but a fire hazard as well. Even the balconies were packed. Anyone who has ever tried to watch a presentation from the balconies of Whitley knows that visibility is near zero and that the temperature ranges from 85 to 100 degrees depending on the crowd. All of this could be easily re medied. Why can’t the Talent Show be held in Alumni Gym? This would alleviate the sea ting problem and afford every one a pretty good view of the night’s activities. Crowds at Talent Shows, like the overall enrollment here, have grown dramatically. Alumni Gym seems like a natu ral for next year’s Talent Show, and we recommend that col lege officials consider the shift — for the enjoyment and safety of all. By Maureen Sweeney Tolley accepts award from Brooks Association Dr. Jerry Tolley, director of annual giving, traveled to Laurinburg Saturday to accept for Elon College a certificate of appreciation given by the Josh Brooks Living Memorial Trans plant Association. The award thanked students and faculty for outstanding support and donations given to the Brooks family before the death of their son Josh. Nearly 400 supporters attended Saturday’s benefit. The Pendulum Staff Editor Loukia Louka Peanuts® by Charles Schultz R 9 The Brooks family was there to express their gratitude and to support the growing memorial. The association attempts to coordinate all organ trans plants in North Carolina and lend support to families faced with the expenses of seeking donor organs for their chil dren. Josh Brooks, the son of two Elon graduates, died last year at nine months after receiving a liver transplant. IT's HARD TO CHEER UP A PEPRE55EP BIRP Thursday, November 8, 1984 The Pendulum Staff Editor Loukia Louka Associate Editor Penny Thomas Student Affairs Editor Vicky Jiggetts Features Editor Maureen Sweeney Head Photographer Jamie Cobb Photographers Joe Coco Stuart White Steve Pearce Senior Editor Jo Craven Ad Manager Mouche Maggio Adviser Bob Nowell The PerKjulum welcomes letters, limited to 250 words, from our readers. Longer material may be submitted as opinion arti cles. All letters submitted must be signed, and a phone number given so that the let ters validity can be checked. The editor reserves the right to edit for length, libel, good taste and accuracy. The deadline for submitting material is 2 p.m. Monday. Our office is located in 102 Williamson Avenue, phone 584-2331 or 584-2467. The paper is published by the Com munications Media Board of Elon College. Founded on October 14,1974. as the stu dent newspaper serving the Elon College community. The Pendulum is published each Thursday during the regular terms except for examination and holiday periods. The Pendulum is printed by The Burlington Dally Tlmes-News. ( . I
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