On China

As a citizen of one of member nations of SAARC, I aggressively advocate the inclusion of China in the organisation 8216;India, Bhutan146...

As a citizen of one of member nations of SAARC, I aggressively advocate the inclusion of China in the organisation 8216;India, Bhutan8217;s big question: China in SAARC8217;, IE, January 27. As the whole world is moving toward economic and financial integration, the dynamism that will result from inclusion of China in SAARC will be massively beneficial for this region. India should play a constructive role and work towards the inclusion of China in SAARC.

8212; Anjan Panday Waco

8226; The article does not provide any meaningful reason for supporting China8217;s possible entry into SAARC. The potential for trouble and reduction in India8217;s sphere of influence is very significant. For now, it would be more worthwhile for SAARC to work towards the creation of a single trading block 8212; rather than worry about issues such as inclusion of China in South Asian groupings.

8212; Sudhir Mody Mumbai

Right to say no

8226; We have the right to vote 8212; but how many of us have really cared to get the right to cast a negative vote 8216;Nay fever8217;, IE, January 26? A negative vote is essential in today8217;s politics wherein political parties give tickets to criminals, lawbreakers and anti-social elements. A voter should have the right to reject their candidature if the political parties are incapable of doing so. A vote is a vote, if one has the right to decide who is capable, he/she must have the right to decide who is not. This right would ultimately bring more transparency in the election process.
People will come out and cast their vote. This would curtail the problem of fake ballots. Political parties will also field genuine candidates to win over the people. If political parties are ready, a public debate is possible on this issue.

8212; Vandita Agrawal On e-mail

Selling India

8226; Yoginder K. Alagh makes an excellent case for India to position itself better on the world stage 8216;Come on, India. Think global8217;, IE, January 26. Our government leaders need more savvy and more training in selling the country well. We still often tend to look 8220;colonial8221; at international gatherings. The Chinese, in spite of their huge language problem, have somehow managed to present a very compelling image of their country on the global stage. We tend to hang on to one or two pre-conceived notions or personalities and try to sell those outdated images for our own smug comfort. It is time we trained our leaders in presentation and communications skills.

8212; Perry Naik Atlanta

Now, the kids

8226; The continuing kidnapping of students in Bihar must be denounced most vociferously. First it was businessmen and then doctors and now students who are the victims of the kidnapping industry in Bihar. Apart from this there have been killings of ordinary people under the pretext of caste wars and murderous assaults on account of political rivalry. These incidents are but indicators that the law and order machinery in the state has completely broken down.

8212; S. Kamat Goa