Letters to the EDITOR

Indian who truly brings glory to the country. Since it was instituted in the 1950s, and first given to C. Rajagopalachari and S. Radhakrishnan, the award has not changed much but some rather delicate dilemmas have attached themselves to it.

A cursory glance at the awardees reveals that many of them have been posthumous recipients, that is, their services to the nation have been recognised only after their demise. What8217;s more, now that the award has been mired in political controversy, it is likely to lose its sheen, with every Tom, Dick and Harry putting up contenders.

After L.K. Advani proposed the name of A.B. Vajpayee for this highest of honours, how could other political parties remain silent? The Congress is in a quandary and the CPM nominated its own grand old man, Jyoti Basu. Not to be left behind, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati proposed Kanshi Ram8217;s candidature. Leaving Advani8217;s political motives aside, Vajpayee might still fit the bill, but what happens when the Lalu Yadavs of the world also start claiming their suitability? Now it is up to the selection committee to decide on the appropriate course of action, keeping all this in mind. As a citizen of this nation, I appeal that the final choice be a true gem 8212; someone who will restore honour to this award.

8212; Rajesh T. Bhatt

Delhi

Kumble-giri

8226;One is tempted to quote Oscar Wilde, 8220;Always forgive your enemies 8212; nothing annoys them so much8221; 8216;Ahead of Perth Test, India drop charges against Hogg8217;. Anil Kumble8217;s gesture is generous. 8216;Gandhigiri8217; may be one way of putting it in the lingo of the 20th/21st centuries but ultimately it is the sport of cricket that must seem to be supreme and it was wise counsel to not pursue with Brad Hogg.

8212; Mukund B. Kunte

New Delhi

8226;Our cricket team8217;s decision to drop complaint against Brad Hogg has shocked cricket lovers at a time when the entire nation had backed the team to the hilt on the Harbhajan Singh issue 8212; which remains unresolved even today. India is a soft nation.

8212; S.N. Kabra

Mumbai

Play on!

8226;The ongoing India-Australia cricket series is turning out to be one of the ugliest ever. Two great cricket-loving nations are involved. For a few days the series was almost suspended. The Perth Test begins on Wednesday. One does not know how a game can be played without the players bringing to it stress from the confrontation. The situation could have been checked at a few instances by better team management.

8212; B.G. Prakash Bangalore

Nano rebuttal

8226;This refers to 8216;Nano is beautiful8217; by Gautam Chikermane. Yes, he is right. There are no two opinions that the Tatas have done it once again. There were innumerable question marks on the small car, but Ratan Tata shut their mouths, with the car8217;s inauguration. It is another feather in their cap, one that will make the world sit up and take notice. Well done.

8212; K.N. Krishna Moorthy

Chennai