In response to our recent articles on the Armenian College in Calcutta , we received the following letter from a reader in Bangladesh , who adds, "You can publish what I wrote in Hetq but I don't want to harm anyone. Please see that the article does not harm the children and the Armenian families of Calcutta." We reprint the letter in its entirety, with minor changes for the sake of clarity.

"I would like to give you some feedback regarding your article. First of all, there are a lot of lies that have been written to support Sonya John and the school.

I agree Malaria is a common disease in India but if proper care is taken, then children do not get malaria so often. The school authorities have not taken proper care; they should prevent malaria by giving medicines, nets, sprays and mosquito coils. The money is wasted repairing things which ought not to be repaired. The Armenian Church of Nazareth has a building on the opposite side in the church complex that is old, dilapidated and dirty. The ceiling leaks, it needs to be painted etc. No care has been taken to repair it. Old Armenians in the church are given money instead of food.... How are old people supposed to buy their own food? Earlier there had been a canteen and proper care had been taken. Now money is given to shut their mouths.

Children of the Armenian School do not want to return back from Armenia as no love is given there. They are not allowed to talk to anyone. Children are punished and as punishment their monthly pocket money is cut. Two Indian boys who are Indian Armenians do not receive pocket money due to reasons unknown. All children should be equal but differences are made between them. Earlier the school was never publicized and many children graduated from there successfully. WHY NOW? It clearly shows the management is in the wrong. Children are beaten up and everything related to their torture is true.

Donations are given to other hospitals like cardiology hospitals, but when Armenians are admitted there they have to give the full amount. Even after they say they are Armenians or married to Armenians, they have to pay the full amount (the case of Vernonica Martin and many more people) What is the use of the Armenian wardens and chairperson giving huge sums of donations when proper care is not taken of the Armenians. [A lot of money is] being wasted this way. Is there anyone to look at this? All are liars. God is there to judge and there is a judgment day for everyone.

It would be appreciated if reporters go down to India ( Calcutta ) to view the truth and to put it in the limelight. Then the true story would emerge.

Thanking You,

[First name omitted] Simonian