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Vox pop
This refers to Ramachandra Guha's article A differential calculus (History Matters, August 24). I was a child during Jayaprakash Narayan's movement in the 1970s. But I distinctly remember that JP's movement was not as non-violent and disciplined as Anna Hazare's anti-graft movement is.
Unlike JP's, Hazare's movement has been non-violent so far
This refers to Ramachandra Guha's article A differential calculus (History Matters, August 24). I was a child during Jayaprakash Narayan's movement in the 1970s. But I distinctly remember that JP's movement was not as non-violent and disciplined as Anna Hazare's anti-graft movement is.
During JP's movement, buses were burnt, trains were attacked and very often there would be strikes and bandhs. Often, public property would be damaged by JP followers. In many parts of the country, schools were closed fearing violence. My school had only 28 teaching days in the 1975-76 session. The Allahabad University declared 1977 a zero-year.
SC Shukla, via email
II
I agree with Guha's views that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, notwithstanding his personal credentials, has failed miserably as an administrator. His disinterest in standing for a Lok Sabha election and failure to take timely action against corrupt ministers shows his timidity. A cowardly leader is not good for a nation. Today, India needs a bold and assertive leader who can tackle the challenges effectively.
Vijay Puri, Indore
Retail therapy for consumers
I agree with the editorial Wearing the politician's hat (Our Take, August 23) that if the country has to grow at a faster rate and eradicate unemployment and poverty, it will require large doses of foreign investment.
There is also no doubt that foreign investment in the retail sector will definitely benefit consumers and help India achieve its long-term economic goal. Along with foreign investment, the government needs to come up with a law that will marginalise the middlemen, who always end up benefiting the most, in the retail industry.
Satya Prakash, via email
