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Journalism of Courage
Shekhar Gupta8217;s 8216;National Interest8217; was well worth waiting for an extra day 8216;It8217;s The Broker And The Farmer8217;, IE, July 11. Though in economics jargon, he was inclined to use 8220;and8221; instead of 8220;or8221;, there need not have been any doubt in physics jargon: it is and/or! Indeed, it is a perfect example of what is known in quantum physics as the duality principle: the broker and the farmer are a pair of 8220;dual8221; canonically conjugate variables. These variables are never simultaneously measurable with unlimited precision, yet an optimal balance is a must for the success of any such measurement. Translated in a socio-economic jargon, the interests of such pairs are intrinsically at odds with each other, yet their simultaneous 8220;measurement8221; read welfare is a must for harmonious development of society. The NDA government boosted the former at the cost of the latter and paid for it. Now the UPA is on test: can it harmonise the interests of these groups?
8212; A.N. Mitra Delhi
Taxing times
8226; With reference to your leader 8216;Budget 20048217; July 9, I was reminded of Nikita Khruschev8217;s observation, 8220;politicians are all alike, they promise a bridge even if there is no river8221;. The claims of the UPA about the Budget proposals, that they are non-inflationary, focus on rural development, are friendly to the middle class, etc, seem far-fetched. Pray, what is the service tax, if it is not a new tax by another name? Are we to understand this tax will be borne by service providers themselves? Or is it that the UPA8217;s 8220;aam admi8221; does not buy petrol, does not use public transport, does not have anything to do with banks, and does not have any savings to invest in tax-free RBI bonds which are now to be discontinued?
8212; M.K.D. Prasada Rao Ghaziabad
Keep walking
8226; The Congress and its allies did it in Parliament and now the BJP is doing it more vigorously. Walkouts have become so common that no one with any sense will take them seriously. Walking out is not a heroic act. It is cowardice. If the opposition has any guts, it should argue in Parliament and make the ruling party reform.
8212; V.S. Venkatavaradan Salem
Hope for Sudan
8226; With the agreement between Khartoum and the UN, there is more hope now for Sudan8217;s one million-plus refugees than there has been since the country8217;s civil conflict began more than a year ago. Unfortunately, some Security Council members, including Pakistan, Brazil and China, are said to be reluctant about leaning too heavily on Khartoum.
8212; Mark Rebello Bangalore
Temple tales
8226; There are many errors in 8216;The Chariot of Jagannatha8217; by Mrinalini Sarabhai IE, June 24. One, it is mentioned that Devi Gundicha is their aunt, so Gundicha temple is their aunt8217;s place. But the fact is, Gundicha temple is considered the Lord8217;s birthplace. Their aunt8217;s place is situated in the middle of the Grand Road between the main temple and Gundicha temple. Two, the colours of the Chariot mentioned are also wrong 8212; it is mentioned that Lord Jagannatha8217;s chariot is bright yellow. It is red and yellow. Three, It is mentioned Lord Jagannatha with his brother and sister stays for 15 days at Gundicha temple whereas he stays there for only eight days. Four, it is mentioned this year the images or the Idols of the Lord are renewed as it is a twelfth year. The renewal, or Nabakalebar, happens any time between eight and 19 years, and this year it is not scheduled.
8212; Shakti. P. Dwivedy Pune
