Rabindranath Tagore was truly a rare talent
Amit Chaudhuri in Nothing but a poet (May 7), reminded us how Tagore was truly an unparalleled talent. However, the great poet’s talents were not just restricted to verse but extended to short stories, novels, plays, music and art. He was a multi-faceted individual and to call him just a poet is to ignore all the other facets of this gifted artist. Had it not been for his works, Bengali literature and culture wouldn’t have evolved into what it is today. However, it’s a pity to learn that Visva Bharati is on a downhill slope these days.
The university, which was once known for its excellence, should be restored to its former glory as a tribute to its creator.
R.L. Pathak, Delhi
Our MPs’ take-and-take policy
This has reference to the report Bill to hike MPs’ salary to be tabled in July (May 7). It was shocking to see how our MPs have thrown all dignity to the winds and have equated themselves with senior civil servants. It’s not only absurd but also greedy to ask for pay packages equal to those who serve as secretaries. Before making such ludicrous demands, they should have considered the fact that these secretaries enjoy their perks only after clearing one of the toughest civil service examinations globally and don’t come to Parliament by virtue of muscle or money power, as is the case with most of our parliamentarians.
Parbodh Saini, Delhi
II
Our respected MPs enjoy so many perks, which include free accommodation, telephone, travel, security and the like that demanding more isn’t justified. Their plea for a salary hike simply reflects their greed for all things material. Instead of demanding a raise, they should make efforts to ensure that people in their constituencies enjoy a decent quality of life. In fact, all increments to these leaders should be made on the basis of their performance.
S.C. Vaid, Noida
A delusional feeling of joy
This refers to the report Death for Kasab (May 7). Ajmal Kasab’s death may be reason enough for the survivors to feel vindicated. However, we should not get carried away by the conviction of one Kasab as there are several more waiting to strike. India’s fight against terrorism must continue. And let’s not delude ourselves by viewing Kasab’s punishment as a fitting reply to the Pakistani government. They cannot be bothered about the death of one terrorist.
Sidhartha Srivastava, Delhi
A delusional feeling of joy
This refers to the report Death for Kasab (May 7). Ajmal Kasab’s death may be reason enough for the survivors to feel vindicated. However, we should not get carried away by the conviction of one Kasab as there are several more waiting to strike. India’s fight against terrorism must continue. And let’s not delude ourselves by viewing Kasab’s punishment as a fitting reply to the Pakistani government. They cannot be bothered about the death of one terrorist.
Sidhartha Srivastava, Delhi
II
Although Ajmal Kasab has been awarded the death sentence, the problem that ails our judicial system — delays — remains. The verdict should have come months ago. The Indian judiciary must have a system for speedy justice for terror convicts and their trials should be separated from other criminal cases.
M.C. Joshi, Delhi
They must move to survive
This has reference to the report MP tears into Gujarat over lions (May 5). It’s good to hear that the population of lions has grown in the Gir sanctuary. However, it is rather selfish on the part of the Gujarat government to refuse to relocate some lions to Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno sanctuary. To ensure the survival of the Asiatic lion, relocation programmes are essential as these help revive the decreasing numbers of the endangered animals. For instance, the Indian rhino is doing well after being relocated from Kaziranga to the Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh.
Shariq M. Bijli, Ghaziabad