Letters-93: Gandhii’s Letter to Hitler

Wardha, C. P., INDIA,

July 23, 1939

DEAR FRIEND,

Friends have been urging me to write to you for the sake of humanity. But I have resisted their request, because of the feeling that any letter from me would be an impertinence. Something tells me that I must not calculate and that I must make my appeal for whatever it may be worth.

It is quite clear that you are today the one person in the world who can prevent a war which may reduce humanity to a savage state. Must you pay that price for an object however worthy it may appear to you to be? Will you listen to the appeal of one who has deliberately shunned the method of war not without considerable success? Any way I anticipate your forgiveness, if I have erred in writing to you.

I remain,

Your sincere friend,

M. K. Gandhi

To

HERR HITLER,

BERLIN,

GERMANY

Letters-92: Delhi Gang rape

… 

Last week’s gang rape is a symbol of a vulgar society that a vulgar political class has manipulated into existence.  It is a symbol of the degradation of values that a corrupt ruling regime has imposed on an otherwise docile people of snake-charmers and sadhus.

Excerpt from the letter of Mr.N.Saratchandran, Thiruvananthapuram, to the Editor of THE HINDU, dated Dec 24, 2012.

Grateful thanks to Mr.Saratchandran and THE HINDU.

Letters-91: Dumping of Toxic wastes

A letter by Manicklal Chakraborty, Chennai, in the City Mailbox of the Chennai edition of The Times of India dated July 18, 2012:

Apropos the news report, “INDIAN PORTS STUCK WITH TOXIC WASTE FROM EUROPE” (July 17, 2012), the fragile ecosystem along the 7,600 km-long Indian coastline faces a serious threat.  Even as dangerous foreign waste continues to be dumped here, it is unfortunate that the shipping ministry promises immediate action but does little.  Before things go from bad to worse, the ministry of surface transport and the ministry of environment and forests must act to save our ecosystem.  Will they?

The article that appeared in the Times of India issue of July 17, 2012, under the caption, “Indian ports stuck with toxic waste dumped by Europe” by Arun Janardhanan, TNN:
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-17/india/32712799_1_indian-ports-toxic-waste-major-ports

For more info on Toxic Wastes from Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxic_waste

An Overview of Toxic Waste Facts, Toxic Waste Information from the National Geographic:

Learn about the causes and effects of Toxic Waste at National Geographic, and … Violations, like dumping hazardous waste:

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/toxic-waste-overview/

Grateful thanks to Mr.Manicklal Chakraborty, The Times of India, The National Geographic and Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Letters-90: Cry, my beloved country!

Excerpt From a Letter from a reader in the Mailbox of The Times of India dated July 17, 2012:

….We live in a country of barbarians who have no fear of law or respect for civility.  The culprits are the authorities who are callous and nasty.  The recent incident in Assam is said to be of a jilted goon who has the patronage of the powers that be  The farce of a few arrests is laughable.  It is just a re-enactment of the charades we have witnessed against parents who kill children for honour and members of organisations who strip girls in the open.  The latest Taliban-type diktat against women in UP is another case in point.  The root cause of the malaise is politicians who do not move even their little finger for fear of antagonising vote banks. – Mukund Kumar, Mumbai

Grateful thanks to Mr.Mukund Kumar and The Times of India.

Letters-89: Devastating Floods in Pakistan

Sir, Aditya Sinha in “The flood of silence” (TNIE, August 21, 2010) is blaming the middle and media (of India) for a cold response to the devastating floods in Pakistan when he himself has given the reason for our lack of interest.  More than three unprovoked wars, repeated terror attacks, a hate campaign for the last six decades, sending militants to Kashmir, sowing seeds of separation, instigating the minority communities…. have left a bitter taste among Indians towards their neighbour.  Given this, it is pointless to blame the media and the middle class. – V.Sundararajan, Chennai. (Letter to The Editor, The New Indian Express of August 23, 2010).

My comment:  Perhaps Mr.Aditya Sinha expects every Indian to be a Buddha or a Jesus. We are ordinary mortals burdened with our own problems and difficulties.  More often we are not able to express our token of gratitude people who do some good or the other to us. So involved and enwrapped we are in our problems and so difficult is life. When such is the case, how we could take an interest or sympathise with people who add to our misery.

Grateful thanks to Mr.V.Sundararajan and The New Indian Express.

Letters-87: Tackling Maoism

1. Many political parties are reluctant to act firmly against political extremists. There are also the so-called intellectuals who have a soft corner for the extremists. Everyone speaks of winning people’s trust but some governments, particularly in naxal-affected States, are responsible for making their States a fertile ground for extremism. Their indifferent approach to the problems of the poor has left several schemes meant for the deprived half-implemented – P.U.Krishnan, Udhagamandalam.

2. The main cause for naxalism to thrive is the lack of a proper delivery system and inclusive growth. India lives in the villages but growth eludes the villagers. Most of the funds allocated are not spent in the backward regions. The Centre has conveniently shifted the blame to the States where naxalism has been thriving. If this trend continues, Maoism cannot be rooted out in the near future – K.M.Lakshmana Rao, Vishakapatnam.

Courtesy: Letters to the Editor, The Hindu, Madurai, May 15, 2010.

Grateful thanks to M/s.P.U.Krishnan, K.M.Lakshmana Rao and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-86: Tamil Nadu Legislative Council

In what can be termed “political opportunism”, the Congress and the United Progressive Alliance Cabinet have decided to accept the DMK’s demand for the creation of a Legislative council in Tamil Nadu. At a time when there are discussions on whether an upper house is needed at the national level, one fails to understand why parties want to create a new legislative council, unless it is for pampering some not-so-popular leaders and constituencies. Why not abolish the Rajya Sabha itself and instead nominate a certain number of eminent personalities to the Lok Sabha? – B.C.U.Nair, Hyderabad.

Courtesy: Letters to the Editor, The Hindu, Madurai, May 6, 2010.

Grateful thanks to Mr.B.C.U.Nair and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-85: Live-in Relationships

The Apex Court ruling that live-in relationship and pre-marital sex could not be construed as an offence anymore, coming at a time when the joint family system (is collapsing?) and broken marriages are on the rise, is a bolt from the blue. When the modern-day youth feel proud aping everything Western and look down on anything traditional, the observation of the learned judges giving blanket permission without understanding the nuances of the age-old traditions and practices was not only a big surprise but comes as a rude shock to millions who still believe and uphold the sanctity of marriage because the children born out of wedlock will not only be deprived of the parental love and affection but also the elders’ blessings. One wonders what would happen to societal norms and practices followed since centuries? – K.R.Srinivasan, Secunderabad.

Courtesy: Mail Bag, The Hindu, Sunday Magazine

Grateful thanks to Mr.K.R.Srinivasan and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-85: Pull up Varsity

1. The news that radioactive material, which caused critical illness to many and even a death at Mayapuri, New Delhi, was auctioned by the Chemistry Department of Delhi University (The Hindu, April 28, 2010), is shocking. Doubly shocking was that the material, which was procured from Canada for conducting experiments, was lying abandoned for long before being sold as scrap. This was clearly an act of criminal negligence for which legal and administrative action must be taken against the university authorities. The Vice-Chancellor must assume moral responsibility for this serious lapse and proceed on leave till an independent probe can fix responsibility and punish the culprits – J.M.Manchanda, New Delhi.

2. The tracing of the source of the radiation scrap opens up several issues with respect to the sale and condemning of equipment using radioisotopes. Why were regulations not followed when such an equipment was condemned in 1985 but not returned to an appropriate agency for safe disposal? Does the government cell overseeing the sale and disposal of condemned machinery not have a protocol to monitor the use of such equipment?

The blunder by university and the government cell makes this an act of “culpable homicide not amounting to murder”. Will the officials responsible ever be identified and punished? – S.Purushotham, Kochi.

Courtesy: Letters to the Editor, The Hindu, Chennai, April 30, 2010.

Grateful thanks to Mr.Manchanda, Mr.Purushotham and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-84: TV Serials

It is undeniable that TV is a companion to home-makers. At the same time, it has insulated us from neighbours. Many thefts and robberies could have been averted had there been a healthy relationship among tenants in flats. Though producers claim that their serials portrayed how good prevails over evil, it is the vices that get registered in the minds of the young. As the visual medium has a strong influence over impressionable minds, serial-makers should desist from producing screenplays that negatively impact on society – R.Sridharan, Chennai.

Courtesy: Letters to the Editor, The Hindu, Chennai, April 27, 2010.

Grateful thanks to Mr.R.Sridharan and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-83:

IPL has become the Indian Paisa League and all political parties are trying to milk the cow. Shashi Tharoor was batting well on a sticky wicket but Lalit Modi delivered such a googly that ground umpires A.K.Antony and Pranab Mukherjee could not take a decision. They referred the case to third umpire Manmohan Singh who took the final decision in consultation with ICC referee Sonia Gandhi and declared Tharoor hit wicket. Tharoor got out due to his own mistakes. But this has now opened a Pandora’s box and the entire IPL has come in the firing line – Damodar Joshi, via email, Letters, Deccan Chronicle, Chennai, April 22, 2010.

Grateful thanks to Mr.Damodar Joshi and Deccan Chronicle.

Letters-82: "Igniting a Passion"

I chose passion over pragmatism when I changed my field of study from science to arts. I faced disapproving glances but I am resolute now. In the end, we have to live our own life, so we should set it up to our own taste, even if it calls for rebellion – Aastha Sharma, Kangra, HP.

Courtesy:Reader’s Digest (India), Sep.2009.

Grateful thanks to Aastha Sharma and Reader’s Digest.

Letters-81: Live-in Relationships

(Regarding the observations of the Supreme Court on Khusboo’s petition about premarital sex and lived-in relationships)

Is there adequate protection in law for those involved in such relationships in case of a break-up? Has our society matured enough to accept a single-mom? There are plenty of social and legal issues that have been overlooked. Premarital sex and live-in relationships have never been illegal. The court should have held that against the case and should not have stepped ahead to give legality to such relationships – S.Balaji, Chennai.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Trichy, March 27, 2010.

Grateful thanks to Mr.Balaji and The Hindu.

Letters-80: China’s Rise in Science

1. The results of unfettered developmental activity behind the Great Wall are slowly trickling out for the rest of the world to observe, study and emulate (Editorial, The Hindu, March 26, 2010). Notwithstanding criticisms of human rights violations along the road to progress, the Chinese have demonstrated their almost supernatural commitment to hard work, scientific research and patriotism, all of which have ensured tremendous economic growth rate – Sunil P Shenoy, Bangalore.

2. China has indeed travelled a long way. The New Scientist’s assessment that “China’s emergence as a scientific superpower can no longer be denied” should be an eyeopener for the Indian science and technology establishment. We boast of having the largest pool of professionals in the field of science and technology. But when it comes to original and innovative works, our record is dismal. Not a single science and technology organisation figures in the top-hundred list of quality institutions in this arena (as per the Shanghai index). NASA and companies in the Silicon Valley employ a significant number of Indian professionals. This means that given the opportunity, our scientists can compete at the top level.

It is high time we seized the initiative of channelling our pool of professionals while simultaneously improving the existing institutes – Subodh Kumar, New Delhi

Courtesy: Letters to The Editor, The Hindu, Trichy, March 27, 2010.

Grateful thanks to Sunil P Shenoy, Subodh Kumar and The Hindu.

Letters-79: Reservation for Muslims

1. The Andhra Pradesh government’s plea for quota for Muslims is purely vote bank politics and not for the uplift of backward Muslims in the State. Providing reservation on the basis of religion, which is not allowed under the Constitution, is nothing but dividing the people – Jetling Yellosa, Nizamabad.

2. The Supreme Court order, if validated by the Constitutional bench, will lead to further reservation on religious grounds and cause an exodus of people seeking the benefits of such quotas to those religions. It would be most welcome if the Constitutional bench decides to do away with any such privileges on religious lines – Padmakumar G.Nair, Ahmedabad.

3. Islamic scholars maintain that all Muslims are equal. When this is the case, how can a section of Muslims be categorised as backward class? Some parties want to divide the people on the basis of caste and religion just for the sake of votes. They are adopting the ‘divide and rule’ policy the British followed to rule India – A.Srikantaiah.

4. The Supreme Court has only removed the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s stay on reservation for Muslims. A review of the constitutional validity of the quota is pending. A similar case regarding the validity of Haj subsidy has been pending for more than three years. The court should dispose of both these cases without further delay – N.Ramamurthy, Chennai.

Courtesy: The Letters to the Editor, The Hindu, March 27, 2010.

Grateful thanks to M/s.Jetling Yellosa, Padmakumar G.Nair, A.Srikantaiah and N.Ramamurthy and The Hindu.

Letters-78: "Email ID for Every Employee"

The decision of the Kerala Chief Minister to provide email IDs to every employee is in the right direction. This will make the administration transparent, paperless and decisions will be taken fast; and the people will get the communication and feedback immediately. I suggest that this move to be replicated by all State Governments, the Union Territories and the Central Government. – K.V.Suryanarayanan, Coimbatore.

From “Letters to the Editor, The Hindu, Sep.19, 2009.

Grateful thanks to Mr.K.V.Suryanarayanan and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-77: "Law against Hunger"

1. When it comes to tackling hunger, India should learn a lesson or two from Bhutan. Instead of hankering after technological advancement, our tiny neighbour has focussed on health and education. It measures its prosperity with the unique index of “Gross National Happiness.” Our leaders have wasted time and resources on Pokhran, mission to the moon and Ram temple – Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata.

2. A large section of the population still suffers from hunger. Skyrocketing prices of essential commodities and changing lifestyles have added fuel to the fire. Unless concrete steps are taken, the government cannot achieve the projected growth in the near future – Ippili Santhosh Kumar, Srikakulam.

3. Looking at the effectiveness of government’s policies in the 62 years since independence, one wonders if hunger and poverty will ever be eradicated. Our representatives spend most of their time persuading coalition partners and signing overseas contracts. Do they ever go to the field to check if the local authorities are implementing welfare schemes properly – R.Preethi, Tirunelveli.

4. We have many laws without teeth because our politicians do not care about their implementation. If our leaders do not change their ways, cartoonists will forever portray villagers with figures of a hut and coir-bed near them. Shame on us. – Unnikrishnan Manjeri, Malappuram.

From ‘Letters to the Editor, The Hindu, August 29, 2009.
Grateful thanks to M/s. Kajal Chatterjee, Ippili Santhosh Kumar, R.Preethi, Unnikrishnan Manjeri and The Hindu.

Letters-76: "Money Power, Politics and Governance"

1. The article “The Age of the Aam Crorepati” (The Hindu, June 20) is a stinging piece of writing on the susceptibility of politics to money power. the term aam crorepati is seemingly an oxymoron. But it serves to highlight the fact that the newly constituted Lok Sabha is under the sway of millionaire politicians. With 836 million people still “getting by” on less Rs.20 a day and the average worth of a Lok Sabha MP being worth Rs.51 million, the gap between the poor and their rich representatives is glaring. A house of the rich for a nation of the poor is apparently a paradox. But it can be resolved by understanding the correlation between wealth and power. – G.David Milton, Maruthancode.

2. The excellent and informative article makes distressing reading. It highlights the true state of affairs – which is at variance with the picture portrayed – in our elected bodies. Facts speak louder than the din of high-decibel concerns voiced ritualistically in favour of the aam aadmi from time to time. – Satinath Sen, Bangalore.

3. The article has exposed the link between money power and governance. Our political parties have steadily discarded their policies and manifestos, resorting instead to freebies and populist schemes to lure the poor. – T.R.Krishnamurthy, Chennai.

4. The 15th Lok Sabha established the disturbing phenomenon that only people with huge wealth can occupy positions of power, even in a supposedly working democracy like India. Garibi hatao, power to the aam aadmi, and uplift of the weaker sections are all empty slogans. The polity, it seems, has been compromised irreversibly. – J.V.V.Murthy, Coimbatore.

Courtesy: ‘Letters to the Editor’, The Hindu, Madurai, June 22, 2009.

Grateful thanks to M/s.G.David Milton, Satinath Sen, T.R.Krishnamurthy, J.V.V.Murthy and The Hindu.

Letters-75: "Election Dadagiri"

1. The editorial, “Election dadagiri in Tamil Nadu” (The Hindu, May 5, 2009), was timely and apt. The trend in Tamil Nadu, as elsewhere, seems to be to bulldoze one’s way through time-tested ethical practices to victory. As for the quickly introduced and withdrawn ‘bus fare cut’ across the State, the damage has been done despite the Election Commission’s timely intervention. The voter has been made to believe that the ruling party is all for mitigating his woes and it is only the Election Commission that is coming in the way. – B.Shivashankar, Bangalore.

2. It is unfortunate that the Tamil Nadu government sought to reduce bus fares when the elections were on. It is surprising that such a flagrant violation of the model code of conduct could take place when a seasoned politician, M.Karunanidhi, is at the helm. The Chief Secretary has been forced to eat humble pie and the government made to roll back the fare reduction. – R.Sekar, Visakapatnam.

3. We generally find Ministers and government officials performing the unhappy task of explaining upward revisions in bus fares and the like. But in Tamil Nadu, we have witnessed the strange spectacle of their explaining away a downward revision. The hapless commuters became pawns in a game played at the highest levels. – C.Paranthaman, Chennai.

4. The Tamil Nadu government played a cruel joke on poor bus passengers. Who came up with the idea of fare cut? Who gave oral instructions to transport corporations? Why did not the managing directors of the undertakings insist on a written order? – A.Ramasubbier, chennai.

5. It is a pity that almost all political parties violate the model code with ease in election after election but no effective measures are taken to stop them. The parties would do well to understand that the people are not fools. they can see through desperate measures like unannounced reductions in bus fares in the midst of elections. – Vinod Kumar Pillai, Thiruvananthapuram.

6. Everyone knows that dadagiri determines the election results in most of the constituencies of Tamil Nadu, particularly Madurai. Every party wants to win by hook or by crook, caring little for the rules. – N.Venu, Nagercoil.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, May 6, 2009.

Grateful thanks to M/s.B.Shivashankar, R.Sekar, C.Paranthaman, A.Ramasubbier, Vinod Kumar Pillai, N.Venu and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-74: "Telling Picture"

1. This refers to the picture of children carrying electronic voting machines on their heads in Bhagalpur on the eve of the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections (The Hindu, April 30, 2009). One would expect the Election Commission to ensure that the officials in charge of overseeing the conduct of elections are scrupulous enough not to violate any legal provision, even inadvertently, while discharging their responsibilities. An institution that has the mandate to discipline political parties should ensure that its officials are not caught on the wrong foot. – P.Prasand Thampy, Thiruvalla.

2. It is painful to see policemen escorting the children carrying the EVMs. Are not we, the responsible citizens of India, to blame for such blatant misuse of child labour by official agencies? One wonders how many children are employed in such duties across India. – A.Mohamed Ali, Chennai.

3. The photograph makes one wonder whether the laws on child labour are observed only in the breach, especially in Bihar. – Achal Narayanan, Chennai.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, May 1, 2009.

Grateful thanks to M/s.P.Prasand Thampy, A.Mohamed Ali, Achal Narayanan and The Hindu.

Letters-73: "Work for Success"

In his conversation with Ravi S Joshi, Infosys chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy has correctly underlined the need for the youngsters to be industrious and innovative for a better India (“Password for confidence in rural India”, The New Sunday Express, April 19,2009). In this highly competitive world, nothing is offered on a platter.

As John Ruskin had correctly put it, “Toll is the law”. Also, NRN stresses on values such as integrity and humility. One feels, schools and colleges across the country must have a few copies of his new book, A BETTER INDIA; A BETTER WORLD in their libraries. This would certainly help transform the younger generation into invaluable human resources, which are a sine qua non for the nation’s all-round growth. – S.Ramakrishnasayee, Ranipet.

Courtesy: The New Sunday Express, Tiruchy, April 26, 2009 (“Letter to the Editor”).

Grateful thanks to Mr.S.Ramakrishnasayee and The New Sunday Express.

Letters-72: "Politicisation"

1. It is unfortunate that the Sri Lankan Tamils issue is occupying centre stage in Tamil Nadu politics. Every party is trying to outdo the other in portraying itself as the champion of the Tamils’ cause. The ruling DMK is resorting to flipflops to ensure that even while it remains part of the UPA, it is not compelled to yield ground to other parties. The real issue has been obfuscated and the plight of the Sri Lankan Tamils has become secondary in comparison with the LTTE, which is getting undue coverage and misplaced sympathy. – G.Gokul Kishore, New Delhi.

2. Our leaders do not seem to have genuine concern for the innocent Tamils caught in the crossfire between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan army. They seem to be more worried about the LTTE and its chief Prabakaran. They are engaged in a war of statements. Have they taken any step other than going on strikes, organising human chains and writing to the Centre on the issue? – D.Asokan, Tiruvarur.

3. Thousands of innocent Sri Lankan Tamils are caught between the LTTE and the armed forces. Both sides are militant in achieving their goals and the poor people have become pawns in their game. Their misery is a godsend to our politicians. It helps them remain in the limelight and divert people’s attention from price rise, misrule, unemployment, power shortage etc. – A.K.Chari, New Delhi.

4. Colombo is fighting a dreaded terrorist outfit. I fail to understand how anybody can demand that Sri Lanka should stop the war against the LTTE, which is holding the civilians as a human shield. It is the LTTE which should be persuaded to release the people. – P.Senthil Kumar, Gurgaon.

5. The strike called by Mr.Karunanidhi to protest against the killing of Sri Lankan Tamils is unwarranted. We have had enough of strikes, bandhs, fasts, etc. on the issue. It is quite apparent that the move is the result of political compulsions. – N.Nagesh, Chennai.

6. It is frustrating to see bandhs and strikes being organised for some reason or the other. The DMK government should understand the pulse of the common man, who is burdened with day-to-day problems in view of the recession. It should not thrust its outdated ideas on the people to get political mileage in the coming election. – S.Balasubramanian, Chennai.

7. Why are not our politicians talking about development issues? When will we see the end of hartals, strikes, etc., which make the life of the common man a nightmare for no fault of his? – A.C.Krishnan, Chennai.

8. How will a general strike here help the Tamils suffering in Sri Lanka? Instead of observing a strike, the political parties can jointly bring pressure on the Centre to request Colombo to ensure the safety of the Tamils. The Prabakaran question can be discussed later. – Chambath Gopalakrishanan, Palakkad.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, April 23, 2009 (‘Letters to the Editor’).

Grateful thanks to M/s.G.Gokul Kishore, D.Asokan, A.K.Chari, P.Senthil Kumar, N.Nagesh, S.Balasubramanian, Chambath Gopalakrishnan and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-71: "LTTE and Terrorism"

1. The world must allow the Sri Lankan government, which has come so close to eliminating the LTTE menace, to do everything it can to complete the task. By any logic, the military can only limit the extent of civilian damage. Any pause in the current offensive will allow the LTTE to regroup. Once the LTTE is finished, India and the rest of the world can apply pressure on Colombo to address the genuine issues of the Tamils. – V.Govindarajan, Singapore.

2. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a terrorist “is a person using especially organised violence to secure political ends.” In the context of Prabakaran and the LTTE, the word should redefined to read as “a sadist who wants to see human blood flow in his relentless pursuit of imaginary ends.” – S.Ramakrishnasayee, Ranipet.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, April 23, 2009.

Grateful thanks to M/s.V.Govindarajan, S.Ramakrishnasayee and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-70: "Code of Conduct"

1. Much of the Election Commission’s resources have gone into disciplining and pulling up candidates and political parties for their behaviour during the election campaign (“Honouring the code in the breach,” The Hindu, April 16) so far. The erring candidates have received excellent help from the electronic media which relayed and analysed every act threadbare and provided hour-after-hour of publicity to them. The campaigning was generally distasteful. What ought to have been issue-based – there is no dearth of local, regional and national issues – became an acrimonious exercise. The voter had an overdose of rallies devoid of intellectual content, with parties releasing meaningless manifestos. – R.Swarnalatha, New Delhi.

2. The editorial, it appears, has been written more in sorrow than in anger at the dismal state of affairs in the largest democracy of the world. As pointed out, increased public awareness is the only solution to prevent further decay. – K.N.Bhagavan, Bangalore.

3. Since it has no statutory backing, the model of code of conduct is like a balloon without air. the campaigning for the first stage of the election was characterized by irresponsible remarks by many leaders. What we need are reforms to make the parties more responsible and the Election Commission more powerful. – Ankit Kumar, Ghaziabad.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, April 17, 2009

Grateful thanks to M/s.R.Swarnalatha, K.N.Bhagavan, Ankit Kumar and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-69: "Election Manifestos"

1. In our country, political parties can promise anything during elections because they know nothing will happen if they do not honour them. The congress has promised a law on food security, under which families living below the poverty line will get rice or wheat for Rs.3 a kg, knowing full well that this and its other promises involve huge financial implications and the funds earmarked for other projects may have to be diverted to turn the promises into reality. We do not have a mechanism to evaluate the performance of a party on the basis of its election manifesto. Till we evolve one, political parties will continue to take us for a ride – Mudgal Venkatesh, Gulbarga

2. Parties announce freebies to woo voters because these will be paid for by the taxpayers. No party has talked about raising agricultural production without which the assurance to give rice at Rs.2 or 3 a kg will remain a mere promise; industrial development to generate employment, and measures to alleviate poverty. – A.K.Rao, Hyderabad.

3. Election manifestos are forgotten once the polls are over. Accountability in public life is an abstract proposition. If one analyses the poll manifestos of political parties over a period of time, it will become clear that very few promises have changed. It seems the parties pull out their old manifestos, decorate them with new covers and make a few modifications. The parties in power should come out with a statement on how much of their promises they delivered on during their tenure, and what they propose to do about the promises they could not fulfil. This calls for high integrity. Slogans like “India shining” and “Jai ho” convey nothing – Samiron Phukan, Hyderabad.

Grateful thanks to M/s.Mudgal Venkatesh, A.K.Rao, Samiron Phukan and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-68: "Right direction"

1. The Election Commission’s direction to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer to file criminal cases against Varun Gandhi, BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate from Pilibhit, for allegedly making anti-Muslim speeches at a meeting is a step in the right direction. The communal overtones in the speech attributed to him have vitiated the atmosphere. He should be stopped from contesting the election. – Shahid Jamal, New Delhi.

2. Varun’s speech as telecast in a few television channels was undoubtedly anti-Muslim. He has not only violated the model code of conduct but also gone beyond the limits of moral ethics. His puerile and immature speech makes one wonder whether he belongs to the same class of political leaders as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. – R.M.Manoharan, Chennai.

3. The statements attributed to Varun are disturbing. That such heightened frenzy against the people of a community is being created in the election battlefield is difficult to digest. Although the BJP adopts a public posture of being committed to nationalism, it has been proved time adn again that it carries a heavy and dangerous agenda of divisiveness and hatred. – N.Sekar, Salem.

4. Actually what Varun Gandhi said is nothing new. His elders in the BJP such as Praveen Togadia, Narendra Modi and L.K.Advani have been saying the same kind of things for years. The question is: are such people fit to be our representatives? In our country, politicians think they are rulers, not representatives. Until that perception changes, other changes are difficult to contemplate. – M.Yawar Baig, Hyderabad.

5. It is a matter of shame that a young politician like Varun Gandhi on whom the nation has great hopes should be exploiting religion for votes. Like any other politician, he looks at the electorate as Hindus and Muslims, not Indians. – Arjun Bagvath, Chennai.

6. Varun’s speech has become the focus of attention because he is Indira Gandhi’s grandson. Otherwise, inflammatory speeches by politicians in public meetings are common. Leaders permit their party workers to use foul language against a community and political opponents. If it leads to trouble, they respond in an elusive manner or distance themselves from the comments and the speakers. It is time for political parties to control their cadre. – R.Prathaban, Kancheepuram.

7. Why find fault with Varun for his hate speech when every institution has been communalised? Communal elements have penetrated government bodies, business houses and even educational institutions. They are sustained and reared by political parties which want to consolidate their vote-banks. The people should reject such forces and help to defeat the communal, divisive, fascist and anti- national elements in the coming election. – Asra Kamal, Hyderabad.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, March 19, 2009.

Grateful thanks to M/s.Shahid Jamal, R.M.Manoharan, N.Sekar, M.Yawar Baig, Arjun Bagvath, R.Prathaban, Asra Kamal and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-67: "Action Against Police"

1. The High Court makes no mention of the unruly behaviour some lawyers indulged in on February 19. There is no doubt that the police resorted to excessive force. But the trouble started after the advocates went on the rampage. They even set fire to a police station on the court premises. The Justice Srikrishna report has clearly dealt with the sequence of events that took place that day. Taking action against the police alone is not fair. – S.Kannan, chennai.

2. Now that action has been recommended against two police officers, what is proposed to be done with regard to the erring lawyers? Will the lawyers who attacked Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy in the court hall and those who burnt down the police station on the court premises made accountable for their acts? One hopes senior lawyers will strive for enforcing equality before law. – K.Ramasami, Coimbatore.

3. Are rotten eggs permitted inside the court? What action has been recommended against the lawyers who assaulted another lawyer in front of judges? Since police officials face suspension for taking steps to tackle a violent situation, can they be told how they are expected to act in the event of mob violence in future? What is the fate of the Srikrishna report? How can there be two different findings on the same issue? – K.Dhandapani, Coimbatore.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, March 20, 2009 (“Letters to the Editor”).

Grateful thanks to M/s.S.Kannan, K.Ramasami, K.Dhandapani and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.

Letters-66: "On Ragging-2"

1. The Supreme Court’s observation that the time has come for cutting off financial aid to institutions that do not comply with its directions to put down ragging is sure to act as a deterrent. The college managements, it is hoped, will comply with the directions at least for fear of losing financial aid. – N.Vivekananda Rao, Hyderabad.

2. Ragging has become the worst manner of interaction between new entrants and seniors. The death of Aman Kachroo and the suicide attempt by a student in Andhra Pradesh are condemnable. They expose the indifference of the college authorities. But cutting off financial aid alone will not have the desired effect. Colleges which fail to curb ragging should be closed down. – Suman Kukal, Chandigarh.

3. Over time, ragging has evolved into some sort of organised crime. it is time to conclusively do away with the practice. Aman’s death should serve as a wake-up call to society. Besides enacting a Central law banning ragging, a social movement against the practice should be launched. – Rakesh Chourasia, New Delhi.

4. The only way to end this menace is stringent punishment for not only the offenders but also those at the helm of affairs in the college. Parents can also do a lot to prevent ragging. If their children are good enough to get into professional colleges, they should understand that juniors are also human. Parent should impress this idea upon their wards. – Rebecca Thomas, Mylapra.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, March 20, 2009 (“Letters to the Editor”)

Grateful thanks to M/s.N.Vivekananda Rao, Suman Kukal, Rakesh Chaurasia, Rebecca Thomas and The Hindu.

Letters-65: "On Ragging"

1. The death of Aman Kachroo, a first year student of the Dr.Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra, allegedly at the hands of his seniors, has shaken the faith of those who are for the effective implementation of anti-ragging measures in educational institutions, especially professional colleges. The time has come to discard the term “ragging” an d substitute it with the word “torture”. “Ragging” does not seem to convey the ominous consequences to which it can lead. It is still considered by many as some form of camaraderie, necessary for juniors to get to know their seniors. The law should leave no scope for doubt in the mind of the torturers about the nature of their actions. – Subhash Chander Gupta, Rohtak.

2. Aman’s death makes one wonder what led his fellow students to behave in the manner they did. Who is to blame for the barbaric mentality in youngsters? Their acts of violence reflect the slackening of moral values among the younger generation. The resignation of the principal or the suspension of a few will not help to end ragging in colleges. The attitude and outlook of the youth should change. And for this to happen, they should be educated on human values. – Sruthi Appu, Bangalore.

3. The arrest and expulsion of the four students who allegedly beat Aman to death are welcome. But the legal procedure may take some time and the torture undergone by Aman will soon be forgotten. The trial should be swift and the guilty brought to book soon. The Kangra incident should serve as an eye-opener to all collgees. Instead of waiting for students or parents to complain of incidents of ragging, the college authorities should be proactive in preventing ragging on campus. Even the so-called light ragging – lime making students sing or dance – should be dealt with firmly as it eventually leads to serious ragging. – Jayanthi Viswanathan, Palakkad.

4. It is shocking to learn that ragging continues unabated despite a ban on it and the Supreme Court’s direction to educational institutions to curb it. It is not the seniors alone who are to blame for what happened to Aman. The college authorities are equally to blame. Colleges in which such instances take place should be derecognised. The fear of de-recognition may be more effective in curbing the menace of ragging. – Amit Kumar, Patna.

5. Aman’s death is not an isolated incident. Serious cases of ragging are suppressed by college authorities. Deaths are dubbed as suicide. In spite of the Supreme Court’s orders, the mental and physical torture of freshers continues in almost all professional colleges across the country. All rational people should raise their voice against the despicable practice. A toll-free helpline should be created for the victims of ragging. – U.Kaur, New Delhi.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, March 14, 2009 (“Letters to the Editor”).

Grateful thanks to M/s.Subhash Chander Gupta, Sruthi Appu, Jayanthi Viswanathan, Amit Kumar, U.Kaur and The Hindu.

Letters-64: "Unacceptable and Shocking!"

It was indeed shocking to read that advocates attached to various Bar Associations of Tamil Nadu burnt not only copies of the Justice B.N.Srikrishna report but also an effigy of the retired Supreme Court judge who probed the violence in the Madras High Court. The behaviour of lawyers has already attracted criticism from many quarters. A few members of the legal fraternity think they are above the law and can therefore indulge in despicable acts. They have tarnished the fair name of their noble profession. Before things go from bad to worse, the lawyers should resume work. – G.Ramalingam, Chennai.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, March 11, 2009 (“Letters to the Editor”)

Grateful thanks to Mr.G.Ramalingam and The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.