Letters to the editor

No hero worship8226; It is difficult to disagree with the logic of either your editorial or the views of your op-ed columnist IE , Decembe...

No hero worship

8226; It is difficult to disagree with the logic of either your editorial or the views of your op-ed columnist IE , December 19 on the stance of our nuclear scientists on the Indo-US deal. But logic is not everything in the emotionally charged atmosphere where scientists have been regarded almost as demi-gods, especially atomic scientists. In this public perception of scientists, media hype has played no small role.

Little wonder then that on a historic occasion like this, a community which has been closely associated with the country8217;s nuclear science activities should demand a big slice of the nuclear cake. In this respect, it is futile to remind the scientists of the hard realities of nuclear energy prospects in this country vis-a-vis their pet project of thorium-based three-tier strategy. Therefore, your critical analysis of the role of the scientists in the national scenario represents a welcome departure from the past tradition of uncritical 8216;hero worship8217;.

8212; A.N. Mitra, Delhi

Pervez alert

8226; The prime minister has just welcomed Musharraf8217;s proposal on J038;K 8216;General8217;s J038;K proposal in mind, PM says all ideas are welcome8217;, IE, December 21. That is all very well, but we should always be conscious of the man that we are talking to. I read Musharraf8217;s memoirs, In the Line of Fire, with great interest. In it he admits that it is unfortunate that

Pakistan8217;s image has been tarnished so badly and that the world associates Pakistan with terrorism and extremism. About the terrorists who are operating in Indian Kashmir, the author says that they are 8220;freedom fighters8221;, not terrorists. His account of the wars which Pakistan had fought against India in 1948, 1965, 1971 and 1999, are far from the truth. For instance, he claims that Pakistan was victorious in 1965. We should talk to Musharraf, but we must always be alert.

8212; Mahindar Singh, New Delhi

Starry response

8226; The life term given to Manu Sharma speaks volumes for the role of the media and popular opinion IE, December 20. Sadly, both remain lukewarm in case of crimes committed by reel life heroes like Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt, since the masses seem to adore them for their screen image. If Manu Sharma was a popular film star, he too may have escaped with a short stint in jail.

8212;Brinda Upadhyaya Padmini Shanbhog, Delhi

Please clarify

8226; The Bill to nullify child marriages has been passed by the Parliament in the winter session. However, the million dollar question remains unanswered: Are the marriages solemnised by the religious minorities, under their respective personal laws, kept out of the purview of this Act?

8212; Arun Malankar, Mumbai

Goodbye, Shane

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8226; Shane Warne8217;s decision to retire after the Ashes series is a big blow, not only to Australian cricket but cricket in general. He is the greatest spinner the world has ever seen as he could tweak the ball on his terms and make the batsman dance to his tune. Some 700 wickets in Test match cricket is no mean achievement and Warne, despite the endless controversies he created, will be remembered as long as cricket is played on earth.

8212; S.N. Kabra, Mumbai