The article No Scams for Us, Please by Sagarika Ghose (November 13) was excellent. It’s astonishing that at a time when most political leaders are connected with scams or ghotalas, there live political personalities who are miles away from scandals and lead a simple life. These gentle people will always be remembered in days to come. In the dirty present-day political scenario, they are like unpolluted fresh air.
F.I. Choudhury, Delhi
If our politicians try to understand the real meaning of peace of mind, happiness and consumerism, there is a chance that they will serve themselves and society much better.
Parjan Kumar Jain, Delhi
In an age where corruption and crime have become synonymous with politics and politicians, it is refreshing to note that there still are people of the likes of A.K. Antony, M. Dandavate and Manmohan Singh who practice what they preach and live within their means.
Radhika Sapra, Delhi
There are strong rumours that Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who is a Brahmin, had performed the Hindu thread ceremony of Michael Jackson when the super star of pop visited Matushri, Thackeray’s residence. It is said that Michael Jackson has been converted to Hinduism and has been renamed ‘Maayee Kaa Laal Jaikishan’. A bungalow worth Rs 5 crore will be gifted to ‘Maayee Kaa Laal Jaikishan’ a.k.a Michael Jackson for him to live in Mumbai. Do these rumours have grains of truth?
Rajesh Kumar Nanda, Pune
MJ is one of the greatest things to happen to the entertainment world (Jacko O, November 13). And for getting him to whip up the HIStorical hysteria, one must thank the Thackerays—all those comments about cultural invasion notwithstanding.
Deepak Sapra, Jamalpur
The report The Male Prerogative (November 6) was excellent. The fact that in Rajasthan crimes against women record a 30 per cent rise shows the inability of administration and judiciary to punish the rapists and criminals who escape because of their muscle-power, money-power and political power. The cases of Banwari Devi, Dhapu Bai, Raju and Manisha are very shocking. It is time for society, with women’s organisations and students, to come forward to nab the rapists with the help of the law.
Firdous, Delhi
A tradition-bound feudal society, pock-marked by chauvinistic characteristics, tends to keep women ridiculously suppressed and that is why traumatic episodes of exploitation of women in Rajasthan outnumber any other state. Moreover, the victim rather than the accused remains at the receiving end of social ostracisation. The need for an upswing in feminism and emancipation is absolutely necessary.
Subhashis Ray, Rourkela
The article Star Burst (November 6) came at a time when the performance of some of the Karnataka players in the Indian team was not very impressive, and when Karnataka was trounced not by a ‘Rest of India’ XI but by Goa in a Ranji Trophy match. It is also doubtful whether Karnataka can emulate Bombay’s feat of winning the Ranji Trophy for 15 years in a row.
John Joseph, Kochi
Kanshi Ram’s (Uncivilised and Uncalled For, November 6) behaviour towards media persons has proved that politics is the last refuge of scoundrels. Where goondaism is a tradition and an ideology in our country’s politics, why look for civilised behaviour in them?
R.S. Taranath, Davangere
This refers to your interesting and comprehensive article on Pakistan (It’s Yesterday Once More, November 20). One can only pity Benazir Bhutto that her government has been dismissed by the person who was once her trusted confidant. It was Benazir who was instrumental in getting this person (Farooq Ahmed Leghari) elected as the president of Pakistan. This proves the saying: "In politics there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests."
Naveen Haldia, Jaipur
The unceremonious and ignominious dismissal of the Benazir Bhutto government and the dissolution of the National Assembly in Pakistan are due to President Leghari and the military commander’s dissatisfaction with Benazir. She would have been at the helm of affairs, had she prostrated before the above instead of casting aspersions on Leghari in her brother’s recent murder.
A.P. Thadhani, Ahmedabad
A sensitive study of the Northeast was long overdue (Seven Sisters’ Tale, November 6). As a political motto, ‘Nagaland for Christ’ is misguided, and the NSCN would do well to pick up the Bible (which its members do not seem to have done) and read Christ’s response to those who expected Him to over throw Roman rule and establish a Jewish state. I really think that Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda would be doing the right thing if he visited the North-East at least half as often as he visits Bangalore. The people would appreciate it.
Som Thomas, Bangalore
Repealing the IMDT Act will be like opening up a Pandora’s box (A Tryst With Hope, November 6). Ironically, the AGP, which was born on the basis of its ire against illegal immigrants, now enjoys the same vote bank as the Congress used to. The problems of this region are due to inadequate leadership and the people keep changing their government (except in Arunachal Pradesh) in the quest for a leadership that will deliver. But actual benefits never percolate down to those in need.
Rajesh K. Jha, Dibrugarh
Your story At the UN, Money Talks (November 6) shows New Delhi’s isolation in the money-minded and fast changing world of international politicking. India should aspire to become an economic power house and compete at par with ASEAN countries and then bid for coveted posts in the international arena.
Sanjay Kumar, Hyderabad
You have rightly highlighted one of the reasons why India missed getting a non-permanent member seat at the UN. If money does matter so much, then why did India, a developing nation, stand against a country like Japan?
Vikas K. Mintu, Delhi
