•The collapse of structures under construction,due to either faulty design or poor safety measures,is nothing new (Metro mishap-II…,IE,July 14). Such accidents or failures occur even in developed countries and one structure crashing is not the issue here,apart from the tragic deaths. In that sense,Sundays crash was unfortunate. What is disconcerting however is that the structural collapse happened in a built-up residential-cum-commercial area,on an arterial road with schools and a college. Even more worrisome is the apparent negligence or callousness in continuing with work even though the crack in Pier 67 had been reported in March. While its good that Sreedharan is back at work,engineering companies contracted for such jobs should be generally pulled up and made to upgrade their safety and technical standards.
H.R.B. Satyanarayana
Mysore
Sibals agenda
•Kapil Sibal has well-articulated his agenda in his Walk the Talk with Shekhar Gupta. His concern about mediocrity is shared by many,as is his eagerness to ensure excellence in our educational institutions,from the primary school to the university and research programmes. Primary and secondary education in government schools across India is pathetic,and private tuitions have become an industry. To redress the malady,the Union government should strengthen school education in all states. Recruiting competent teachers,with genuine degrees,and offering them fair remuneration are also important.
M.K.D. Prasada Rao
Ghaziabad
Oh,what a fall!
•Arun Shouries The end of ideology (IE,July 15) was thought provoking. It provided an insightful analysis of the systematic and systemic fall of Indian politics. But the question remains even if a movement or organisation is originally inspired by an ideal to undo what is wrong,to establish what is right as to how we define right and wrong. It seems these definitions are rewritten as per the times and the whims of the leaders henchmen. These individuals are becoming increasingly powerful within their parties. However,this is not the cause but an effect of the ideological fall of party politics.
Shishir Sindekar Nasik
Next step?
•The acquittal of the six accused in the murder of H.S. Sabharwal is disappointing (All six ABVP students acquitted…,IE,July 14). According to the judgment,the six were acquitted because of the prosecutions failure to produce adequate evidence to prove its case. The victims son has naturally hinted at political machinations. Now its up to them to go to the Supreme Court or even demand a CBI inquiry.
M.C. Joshi Lucknow
Arc of their triumph
•One felt proud of being an Indian watching Indian soldiers marching down Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day. Nicolas Sarkozy should be thanked for not only recognising Indias contribution to the World Wars but also its role in the emerging world order.
Mukund B. Kunte
Richmond,UK
