Judge a book by its cover
The hoopla surrounding the re-launch of the Hindustan Times probably overshadowed it, but the feature on book covers by Indrajit Hazra, Cover Story (July 11), made for a nice Saturday read. The collage of covers of Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita was also an interesting idea. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to make such compilations a regular feature on the page, especially with the many avatars of novels by Indian authors hitting the stands.
Diptakirti Chaudhuri, via email
Little support for Sec 377 ruling
I appreciate Barkha Dutt’s views on personal freedom in There’s nothing queer about it (Third eye, July 11). But is the amendment of Section 377 as big an achievement as it is being made out to be, when most people don’t agree with this view? Instead of creating a hype over the issue, the media should focus on serious issues like how this judgement will impact our culture and tradition. The media should spread awareness among the people about the pros and cons of homosexuality instead of misleading those who oppose it.
Priya Gautam, Delhi
II
Barkha Dutt’s attempts to make readers accept homosexuality in the name of personal freedom are baseless. Homosexuality is a perversion and calling it personal freedom is wrong. We cannot ignore the role that religion plays in our life. Even the government considers religious implications of policies before implementing them. So why should we ignore religion when it comes to homosexuality?
Haarriss Khan, via email
The Red army is winning
The editorial In the red on real solutions (Our Take, July 15) gives a clear insight into how our Central as well as state governments have failed to curb the Naxal problem. The state governments are silent over the recurring attacks on security forces and do not seem keen to tackle the Naxals. Therefore, it becomes the duty of the state governments to come up with a strong action plan against the Naxals.
Saurabh Shekhar, Raipur
The Red army is winning
The editorial In the red on real solutions (Our Take, July 15) gives a clear insight into how our Central as well as state governments have failed to curb the Naxal problem. The state governments are silent over the recurring attacks on security forces and do not seem keen to tackle the Naxals. Therefore, it becomes the duty of the state governments to come up with a strong action plan against the Naxals.
Saurabh Shekhar, Raipur
Markets know best
I disagree with Pratik Kanjilal’s assertion in Now for those who need it (Speakeasy, July 11) that the stock market failed to interpret the Budget. While the government’s re-emphasis on rural development is welcome, markets do have reasons to worry about the country’s financial health. The government must think of an new delivery mechanism, like public-private partnerships for infrastructure, to ensure that its welfare and development schemes reach the intended beneficiaries.
Ajaypal Cheema, Chandigarh
New Delhi needs to be tough
Apropos of the editorial A divided household (Our Take, July 16), even ten months after 26/11, there have been no convictions. It is because of our government’s inability to solve any crisis on its own that we keep taking help from the US. This inactivity only encourages terrorist acts against us. The government needs to take stern measures against our enemies.
Sushil Chilimbi, Mumbai
Obama instils hope
Chris Patten in The power of the One (July 15) rightly describes President Barack Obama as a charismatic leader. Be it breaking the ice with the Muslim world through his speech in Cairo or supporting India on key issues, he commands respect wherever he goes. Only time will tell whether his policies will work or fail. Till then, let us support his positive attitude even in these tough times.
Anupama Tiwari, Indore