Indian lament
Sir: Theodore Dalrymple is correct in what he writes (`India goes native in Britain', 12 September). I am saddened, even more so when I recall that only some years ago almost everyone I spoke to, including the Metropolitan Police, were unanimous in commenting that bad behaviour and crime were unknown in the Asian community. It is an even greater pity that the section of Asian youth mentioned in the article came from good peasant/yeoman stock. Earlier generations would have felt deep shame and dishonour at such behaviour. I feel the same dismay when I see young British backpackers in the subcontinent and reflect on the affront their behaviour would present to their forebears who by and large set such good examples and standards.
Also, this section of Asian youth is unable to remain aloof from a society where there is little sense of personal pride or shame, and standards of conduct are at a discount. Narindar Saroop
The Cavalry and Guards Club, 127 Piccadilly, London W1
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