Much ado
* This refers to Saying it all by Pratap Bhanu Mehta (IE,September 27). Moral progress is not just about curtailing slurs and ethnic jokes,but also the willingness to accommodate peaceful protest. As for the film Innocence of Muslims,it should have been ignored the way outrageous propaganda often is. We should define ourselves by how tolerant we are of others speeches and ideas,not by what offends us to the point of violence.
Prakash Iyer
New York
* I AGREE with Pratap Bhanu Mehta the process of cultural evolution does play a part in encouraging self-restraint in a society when it comes to freedom of expression (Saying it all). At the same time,I believe that in places where a large number of people do not have the privilege of quality education,such nuanced positions cannot be expected. In such cases,the educated few must understand that their arguments will not resonate with the majority. A failure to understand this is bound to generate unnecessary conflict rather than a productive argument.
Harkirat Singh
Patiala
Sweet nothings
* APROPOS Waiting for Oscar (IE,September 25),Indias official entry for the 2013 Oscars,Barfi,has a poor chance of winning in the best foreign film category. It resembles too many Hollywood classics. Although the filmmaker did admit to being inspired by Charlie Chaplin,the movie also resembles Hollywood movie Benny and Joon (1993) and the Korean movie Oasis (2002). One of the comic scenes in Barfi,featuring Ranbir Kapoor,is even reminiscent of Mr Bean. The movie is a love story between two differently abled persons and does not deal with the issue of disability in particular. It does not have the originality to make it shine on a global stage.
Shivendra Bisht
Maharashtra mayhem
* THE editorial Govern or go (IE,September 27) was an insightful commentary on the murky political tug of war in Maharashtra. The states politics has become a playground for powerful politicians with huge political ambitions. Good governance has long taken a backseat. The Congress-NCP coalition has not been able to feel the pulse of the people. The people should make it clear they want a stable government in place,one that is not affected by the tug and pull of coalition compulsions.
Ganapathi Bhat
Akola
Regional power
* THIS refers to Approaching Kabul (IE,September 27). India should use the opportunity that has opened up in Afghanistan and partner with the US and China to bring about greater regional stability and prosperity in the country. For that to happen,India should should ease out any hurdles towards better bilateral relations with Afghanistan. This would help it expand its sphere of influence in Central Asia.
Rupinder Bhalla
Sonepat
