Idea of India

It seems a dark future lies in wait for the nation in the form of the ‘anti-outsider movement’ that raised its ugly ...

It seems a dark future lies in wait for the nation in the form of the ‘anti-outsider movement’ that raised its ugly head in Assam and Maharashtra. The recent attacks on Biharis and people from UP have not only disrupted the harmony among different communities but also deal a heavy blow to the feelings and sentiments of national integration.

These are attacks on the very soul of our constitution. Article 19 clearly says that every citizen has the right to move freely throughout the territory of India. Article 15 prohibits any discrimination against its citizens on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
— Amit Kumar Singh, Pune

Local first

It is not surprising to see the Shiv Sena spewing hostility against non-Mumbaikars and non-Maharashtrians eventually. The seeds of unrest were sowed by Jawaharlal Nehru when states were divided on the basis of language.
It is ridiculous that the courts and the Centre should pass strictures assuring employment to any Indian anywhere in the country. Did they think of passing a stricture to ensure that industries and companies spread their wings to various parts of the country? Why cannot the Railways recruit candidates based on location and residential proximity? It is important to pay attention to local citizens first, secondly the state-residents and then the non-state residents.
— K. J. Lawyer, Mumbai

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Let two prevail

Apropos of Ashok Malik’s ‘Tomorrow never dies’ (IE, November 27), whatever may be the result in the assembly elections, the biggest worry for the country is the third front. India is not suited to a multi party democracy which has only ensured the emergence of the Mulayams, Laloos, Mayawatis and Jayalalithaas. The time has come for India Inc to think of bi-party democracy. The country will benefit on two fronts. New talents in the political arena will have to choose one of the two. Tax payers won’t be required to pay a fortune for snap polls.
— Sharad Bishnoi, Pune

Salut Sanjiv

My salute to Sanjiv Kumar for risking everything to clean up the system, ‘When he opened a sealed almirah, it all tumbled out’ (IE, November 26). Congratulations, also, to the Indian Express for carrying such positive stories which will inspire every citizen to be more like Kumar.
— Jayanth Pingili, On e-mail

Setting standards

Soon after the publication of ‘Talking with Jaswant Singh’, (IE, November 11) I had hoped to congratulate Shekhar Gupta and the minister on the excellent interview. I read the piece again this morning and it is not one bit dated — striking home-truths are never stale.

The quest for excellence is like a clarion call to all citizens of this great country. We can achieve — if only we do not say too much on too many subjects. ‘‘It is much better to be prudent, it is much better to remain silent’’ are not mere verbal exhortations of the finance minister. He practices what he preaches. Anyone who watches and listens to the debates in the Rajya Sabha will be struck, as I am, at the effectiveness with which points can be made without raising the rhetoric: both the Leader of the House (Jaswant Singh) and the Leader of the Opposition (Manmohan Singh) are living object lessons in our quest for excellence.

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The Bhagavad Gita says: ‘‘Whatsoever a great man doeth, that other men also do, the standard he setteth up, by that the people go’’.
— Fali S. Nariman, New Delhi

EAM Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Rubio hold bilateral discussions in New York

India49 min ago

Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar and US Senator Rubio met in New York to discuss the 25% tariff on Indian oil imposed by Trump. This was their first in-person meeting since the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. India and the US also began talks for a trade agreement, with positive discussions during a recent visit by US trade officials to India.

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