Missing the bigger picture
Jyotirmaya Sharma in Time for some meditation (November 24), has taken his argument to absurd levels. To compare an accused in the Malegaon blasts to Osama bin Laden shows the inherent bias of the writer. And to call people like Vivekananda or Aurobindo Hindu apologists just shows how little the writer knows about them. Vivekananda is recognised by the world as a resurgent Hindu reformer. It is he who said ‘playing football is a better way of reaching God than reading Bhagvad Gita’. It is time that Sharma takes to research seriously before sharing his preconceived notions. Some meditation may help too.
Rashneek Kher, Delhi
Writing on the wall
The report High voting in J&K, again (November 24) is a resounding rebuff to separatists and terrorists. People have got tired of their methods that have only yielded a harvest of suffering over the years. This should also serve as a resounding answer to those advocating independence, forgetting the sacrifices of those who have paid dearly with their lives for a more enduring principle of unity on which the foundation of our nation was laid. There is light at the end of the tunnel and parties like the PDP should see the writing on the wall and join hands with those who have defied the separatists’ call for a boycott.
Bapu Satyanarayana, via email
Advani’s wait and watch
I don’t agree with the editorial Beaten at its own game (Our Take, November 24) about the BJP being late in defending Malegaon blasts accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh. Since the matter was under investigation, the party was right in waiting and watching. Since she continued to be questioned even after no evidence was found against her, L.K. Advani has rightly exposed the UPA government’s moves to please its minority vote-banks.
Kumar Rahul, Mumbai
Time to heal Delhi
Apropos of the report Poll battle for Delhi... and India (November 24), the Congress has failed to fulfil the aspirations of the common man in Delhi. One can see the condition of the roads and of power and water supply in the capital. There is no concern for the safety and security of citizens, whether at home or on the roads and the Chief Minister’s callousness towards working women is apparent from her past comments. Our politicians live in bungalows and move around with armed guards while the common people fall victim to terrorists, criminals and reckless drivers. It is time for a government that can address the concerns of the common man. But given our self-serving politicos, does such an alternative exist?
Ranjana Manchanda, via email
Time to heal Delhi
Apropos of the report Poll battle for Delhi... and India (November 24), the Congress has failed to fulfil the aspirations of the common man in Delhi. One can see the condition of the roads and of power and water supply in the capital. There is no concern for the safety and security of citizens, whether at home or on the roads and the Chief Minister’s callousness towards working women is apparent from her past comments. Our politicians live in bungalows and move around with armed guards while the common people fall victim to terrorists, criminals and reckless drivers. It is time for a government that can address the concerns of the common man. But given our self-serving politicos, does such an alternative exist?
Ranjana Manchanda, via email
Make it less taxing
Venkat Iyer’s suggestion in A bit of pocket money (November 24) to introduce a cut in taxes in these times of global recession could certainly leave the taxpayer with more money at his disposal and provide an impetus to kickstart demand. All along we have been facing high tax impositions. True, they bring in more revenues for the government. But, for the present and difficult period of a global meltdown, a reduction in taxes seems to be the Hobson’s choice for combating the financial crisis.
K Venkataraman, Delhi
At the cost of safety
Apropos of the report Metro worker dies after fall (November 24), the accident resulting in the tragic death of a worker was avoidable had the worker been given proper protection gear including a safety belt, which is mandatory for working at heights. Perhaps the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is not aware that mere safety boots, neon jackets and helmets are not enough to protect a worker while working at heights.
JN Mahanty, Puri