The Tamil Nadu government’s order banning sacrifice of animals and birds in temples is praise-worthy. The ghastly sight to which children are exposed is sure to affect their psychology. Further, such practices in all probability might cause further damage to the environment and pollute ground water reserves.No religion or god accepts tainted offerings of brutally massacred animals. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s action in banning animal sacrifice must be supported by all.— K.C. Sethia, ChennaiNo black & whiteThis refers to your editorial ‘Farming a friendship’ (September 12). Let’s face the facts. Pakistan has been bleeding India through its proxy war, backed with nuclear blackmail. India’s response over the last two decades has been low key. Defensive actions have been undertaken only within Indian territory.On the other hand, Israel has adopted a policy of immediate retaliation targeting terrorists in civilian areas within Palestine. As the degree of violence increases, Israel uses more advanced weapons.In its determination to snatch Indian territory, Pakistan procured missiles and nukes from China. Due to the dangerous axis of China, Pakistan and North Korea, India has had to search for allies in combatting terrorism. Israel has all the advanced weapons required by India. The cementing of Israel-India relations has spooked Pakistan.— Arvind Amin, On e-mailThe sect’s dutyThe commando’s plight should be taken up with the Swaminarayan sect (‘Will someone get a hospital bed for this Akshardham hero in Delhi?’, IE, September 10). They are flush with funds, they are involved in big projects; surely they can chip in and help Surjan Singh Bhandari.— Gaurang Patel, On e-mailPersian dilemmaIndia has a history of leaning to the left and supporting rouge nations and countries that do business under the table (‘Tough one for India: how to vote on friend Iran’s nuclear programme’, IE, September 12).It’s time the government in the new century starts to work with honest nations. I hope they will vote to open Iran’s nuclear programme to IAEA inspectors.— Norman Coelho, On e-mailGentleman PeteIf Don Bradman glorified the game of cricket and Rod Laver that of tennis in decades gone by, there can be no doubt that Pistol Pete, as Pete Sampras is otherwise known, is the face of modern tennis.During the period that he held the racket, he was the king who made mince meat of his opponents with a scintillating display of serve and volley; more often than not, he rallied from the brink of defeat to upset the rhythm of his rivals. His repertoire of strokes was without compare.Modesty in victory, imperturbability in defeat and undying resolve to be on top manifested themselves in his character; he was a gentleman’s gentleman unswervingly committed to the game. In an era when quick money and media hype sway one-win-wonders, it redounds to his credit that he kept his poise.— M. Sundaresan, Chennai
