Opinion Studying icons
Our political parties may have different ideological stripes but most of them have a common streak promoting their interests even at the cost of reason and truth....
Our political parties may have different ideological stripes but most of them have a common streak promoting their interests even at the cost of reason and truth. They speak in one voice,indulge in competitive politics,only to draw maximum political mileage from contentious and emotive issues. This is whats happening in Maharashtra. Critical,scholarly comments cannot detract from the importance of and our respect due to our political,cultural and historical figures. The treatises only put historical facts and events in perspective. Our knee-jerk reaction to them is only belittling and localising our icons statures. Its unfortunate that the legacy of our idols is being hijacked and appropriated by politicians.
Tarsem Singh
New Delhi
Healing Kashmir
This refers to Pratap Bhanu Mehtas Stones and silence (IE,July 15). Its the fundamental right of all Indian citizens to enjoy freedom of speech and expression,to assemble peacefully and unarmed,to form associations. However,violent protests like stone-pelting should be dealt with decisively. Still,security forces need to exercise caution when firing at protesters even if they hold stones. The forces should understand that the estranged people of Kashmir have suffered decades of alienation and distrust. They need the healing touch. Thats why,Kashmiris feel deep resentment and anger towards the Indian establishment. This understanding of the situation can make the police and paramilitary forces more capable and effective. Also,political leaders have an important role to play. They need not remain mute spectators. Both state and national leaders should play a proactive role in restoring normalcy to the Valley.
Mohammed Furquan
Delhi
Money makers
The editorial Sign language and Amulya Gopalakrishnans Making money (IE,July 16) were interesting. The new rupee symbol is a great work of art and fusion; it looks attractive and international; yet its merely symbolic and an unwarranted hype is being generated. It doesnt increase the value of the rupee; and ones bank balance would remain the same. Of course,the new symbol would give our currency an international status; but instead of the media hype,we should concentrate on increasing the value of the rupee.
S.N. Kabra
Facile ideas
This refers to Fissures run deep but India,Pak agree to meet again (IE,July 16). Two points are worth analysis: bridging the trust deficit as the PM would say,and the so-called non-state actors,as Pakistan evasively describes people like Hafiz Saeed. India is not responsible for the trust-deficit,if any,because after 26/11 Pakistans civilian establishment is at pains to deny their country had any role in that dreadful incident,but the same is not the case with the ISI and the army. These two institutions maintain their silence. Also,which other country tolerates non-state actors when these indulge in terrorism against another country? Pakistan is creating facile ideas to avoid being cornered.
Prasad Malladi
Nidadavole
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