Opinion Amar Prem

This scene symbolises the evanescence of innocence.

The Indian Express

July 28, 2012 12:18 AM IST First published on: Jul 28, 2012 at 12:18 AM IST

Amar Prem

In a memorable scene in Namak Haram,the union leader Somu,played by Rajesh Khanna,confronts his friend and abrasive factory owner Vicky,played by Amitabh Bachchan. Vicky berates Somu,the latter retorts that Vicky is no longer his friend. This scene symbolises the evanescence of innocence. The hero who made sacrifices soon got replaced by a hero who beat up his rivals. A new ethos unfolded for industry and society at large. The death scene in Anand has never been bettered in Hindi cinema. That movie showcased the brilliance of Rajesh Khanna,the ever-smiling cancer patient who dies,leaving the immortal message,Zindagi aur maut uparwale ke haath mein hai,Jahanpana.

G.S. Iyer

Pune

When heads roll

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavs wise and timely decision to replace the decapitated statue of Mayawati with a another statue of her has helped pacify her followers,whose hackles might have been raised after the assault on the statue (Maya statue broken,govt makes amends,IE,July 27). However,the BSP should note that sincere and dedicated service,not statues,keeps a leader alive in the memories of people.

M.C. Joshi

Lucknow

Power corrupts

IN The costs of democracy (IE,July 19),it has correctly been observed by the writers that corruption in India has stemmed from loopholes in the system of funding and spending for election campaigns. But the prevailing culture of political privilege has also allowed leaders to abuse power with impunity. In a democratic country like India,powers and privileges given to the bureaucracy and government functionaries are meant to be used to serve people,work towards social welfare and accelerate the rate of growth. Things go wrong when power and privilege are used for the promotion of individual interests. The government must consider curtailing these powers to address the larger problem of graft.

S. Sharma

Samastipur

Yours respectfully

THIS refers to Trinamool to go it alone in Bengal,Cong accepts challenge (IE,July 21). Addressing the crowds

at a Martyrs Day rally,Mamata Banerjee declared that the party did not want to survive on anyones mercy. It would remain in the alliance in Delhi as long as it was given respect. After her drastic U-turn on the presidential election,Banerjee probably felt she has to register some grouse with the Congress. Unfortunately,respecting Banerjee means no FDI in retail,no railway fare hike,

rollbacks and no resolution of the Teesta river dispute.

Bidyut K. Chatterjee

Faridabad