Arun Kumar in The Indian Observer, 15 May, 2000

... If these campaigns deserve such commendations then there are other more deserving ones. Like the VHP, Bajrang Dal, the Shiv Sena-the silent rank and file deserve such honours more than Dr. Joshi. More than the leaders, it is the activist who takes more risks and hence deserves more honour. Take any case - from demonstrating against films to digging of cricket pitches, these rank and file have shown the tenacity to shoulder responsibility and resist. How can we forget Dara Singh? Perhaps, one day there would be campaign to honour him with some similar degree or Bharat Ratna. Okay the two - Dr. Joshi and Dara - cannot be compared yet do not forget that our erudite. HRD Minister is charge-sheeted in the Ayodhya case ...