Karnataka8217;s loss

8226; The decision by Infosys to implement its expansion plans in other states sounds the death k...

8226; The decision by Infosys to implement its expansion plans in other states sounds the death knell for growth of Karnataka8217;s software industry. The decision comes as no surprise and was perhaps long overdue. Karnataka got a head start in the race and continued to grow rapidly for several years. The pathetic quality of infrastructure, government apathy bordering on denial, and politicians using the
industry as a pawn in their turf battles, are among the several reasons that have contributed to this sad state of affairs. With political instability looming large over the state, the problem is bound is worsen. Neighbouring and other states in the country have sensed their chance and are walking away with the bounty. Like the sun once set on the vibrant Vijayanagar kingdom, we Karnatakans can now bask in our past glory.

8212; C.N. Kumar Bangalore

Double standards

8226; This refers to two articles on your pages on Iran8217;s bold decision to resume nuclear fuel research after removing the UN seals IE, January 13. Every year the US Congress allocates millions of dollars for research into new types of nuclear and conventional weapons for 8220;bolstering readiness8221; wonder against whom?. When the US can do this, what moral right has it to object to other nations developing nuclear weapons 8212; and that too for self-defence? In fact, according to a Newsweek report, George W. Bush was himself stunned to know the size of the US nuclear arsenal. If the US, China, Russia, nay even India and Pakistan, can become nuclear powers, why can8217;t Iran?

8212; K.P. Rajan Mumbai

Muslims need help

8226; The UPA8217;s plan for uplifting the Indian Muslims and other minorities by fixing government spending as per their population share in the country is most welcome. It is not a question of religion or caste but a major section of minorities living in India are persecuted and denied of even the minimum to them. It is also a shame that every ministry at the national as well as regional levels has cunningly ignored Muslim interests in India. This anomaly on the part of the government is being covered by keeping alive issues like Pakistan and terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism. The media, unfortunately, have faithfully shut their eyes on all this because this stance of the state only helps the media advance their narrow interests.

8212; Abdulruff Colachal New Delhi

Defending the movie

8226; It is heartening that the Indian Air Force has not found it wise to meddle in the latest Bollywood eye-candy, Rang De Basanti. Very rightly the mere fictionalised depiction of the otherwise controversial MiG21 issue in the movie should not make it disrespectful towards the Indian defence system. The all-powerful public is there to judge the worth of the much-hyped movie.

8212; Arjun Chaudhuri Kolkata

What freedom?

8226; Ila Patnaik, in her article 8216;DTH: Direct from government?8217; IE, December 28, uses the freedom of speech argument. This is an argument used to propagate journalism of the worst kind. The new breed of TV channels uses it to intrude into people8217;s lives and sensationalise news. Does the journalist ever probe into the causes behind events? Does a journalist ever question the crassness in commercial cinema that can influence everyone and not just impressionable minds? Violence and crime against humanity gets manifested in various forms. Freedom of speech should be oriented towards finding the truth and for the betterment of humanity. I hope Patnaik comprehends this.

8212; Sam Panchamukhi Bangalore