
Debate in Parliament
A media article has highlighted how politicians in particular keep repeating the same thing over and over again. This is very true of Indian politicians. One is unable to understand what useful purpose is served by harping on the Emergency-era all the time, regardless of its relevance to current issues and legislative proposals. Those at the helm of affairs may rest assured that the Emergency is deeply etched in the collective memory of the nation, which will ensure that the people of India will never let anyone dare to attempt it again.
M. Jameel Ahmed,
Mysuru
The picture of victory
The replacement of the photo/painting in the Indian Army Chief’s lounge, which commemorated Pakistan’s surrender to India in the 1971 war, with another painting depicting mythology and modern themes, is deeply disturbing. The 1971 victory symbolises the valour of the armed forces and the strategic leadership which led to the liberation of Bangladesh. The reason behind the replacement of the painting is obvious to all those who follow the politics of the day. The armed forces belong to the nation and not to any government or party. Diminishing the historic achievements of the armed forces for political convenience is an insult.
Kurian Mathew,
Kochi, Kerala
Ustad Zakir Hussain
The passing of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain marks the end of an era. For a country that faces threats to its diversity, the legendary artist was a shining example who demonstrated the fact that music is that divine and powerful unifier which transcends all such man-made barriers, bringing together mankind under one umbrella.
The catch word coined by him, ‘Wah Taj’, in the advertisement featuring him in the late 1980s will also be etched in the minds of his admirers.
B. Suresh Kumar,
Coimbatore
Ustad Zakir Hussain mesmerised when he played the tabla. His passing will leave a huge void in the world of culture.
Sudhir G. Kangutkar,
Vangani, Thane, Maharashtra
No nawab-era cricket this
The franchisees of the IPL possess a lot more ken in picking their teams and assessing the performance and the potential of Indian cricketers than our official selectors. The ongoing Test with Australia is not going too well and the “creamy” lot of players consistently out of form ought to have been benched. Our cricket board is affluent enough to have flown out replacements from its enviable talent pool. The era of cricket as a game of the lords out for a sun tan, has long gone.
R. Narayanan,
Navi Mumbai
Published – December 17, 2024 12:24 am IST