We are sad to read about the recent "family suicide" of M Sangitha together with her two kids. It is unfortunate that there are amongst Malaysians who feel that there is no hope for help and as such resort to drastic actions like suicide.

However, putting the blame on Indian films and asking Indian film directors to be more responsible only shows the lack of understanding of the core issues at hand.
M Johnson and M Sangitha's problem is not about watching and mimicking movies but rather the core issue is a socio-economic one.

Do rich Indians commit suicide after watching Indian movies, too?

Until we look at the real needs of the "have-nots" in this country and see how we can channel our economic action to lift them out of poverty, we may see many more M. Sangithas.

We need to stop looking at the Indian problem as an Indian one and see it as a national issue. A national level approach needs to be taken with clear targets set. Perhaps an NEP (National Economic Policy) like program can be organized for the Indian poor (or for anyone poor for that matter).

This should include not only short term direct subsidies, easy access to business and jobs but also a longer term program targeting easy access to better education for children from this group. For example the MARA college model used for the Malays and Bumiputras with much success can be duplicated for the Indian poor too.

What do you think?

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