letters – Bhartiyanews24x7

21Jun

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — June 21, 2025

Wars, a missing UNCountries in West Asia seem to be burning one after the other, leading to a million dollar question. Where is the United Nations? What is it doing? What was an Israel-Palestine issue has now become an Israel-Iran issue. It almost appears as if the United Nations, the Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency have delegated authority to Israel to prevent the nuclear programme of Iran and wage war against it. The dangers of the wars spreading and disrupting life across the globe seem to have been lost on these agencies. The UN seems to have become a modern-day Nero. In the ‘new world order’, there seems to be no role for peace. E.V. Tulasi Rao, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh Now that Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has openly said that Iran’s...

20Jun

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — June 20, 2025

Trump’s claimsUnited States President Donald Trump’s repeated claims over Operation Sindoor are a clear indication that Mr. Trump is unsure of himself (Page 1, “India will never accept a mediation: PM to Trump”, June 29). The American President’s claims are only a ploy to assume importance and proclaim that he is very influential in shaping world events. C.G. Kuriakose, Kothamangalam, Kerala The ideal setting We need to thank the central government for implementing a new rule standardising air-conditioner temperature between 20° C and 28° C. When air conditioners are set at unnecessarily low temperatures, they work harder, drawing more power, leading to higher bills and faster wear and tear. According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), every 1° C increase in an air-c...

18Jun

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — June 18, 2025

War and worker welfareIn the wake of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, the Indian government ought to ensure the safety of the thousands of Indian workers, especially in Israel. The report, “India moving citizens in Iran, Israel to safer places”, read in conjunction with the Editorial, “Escalation spiral” (both June 17) gave readers clear insights into the conflict. With thousands of skilled workers from India in the region, their well-being should be the priority. Balasubramaniam Pavani, Secunderabad Biased channels? The programming by certain Malayalam news channels, on Israel’s missile strike on Iran’s national television headquarters, might reflect a flawed and biased media narrative. These channels, in their eagerness to portray Iran as a perpetual victim, c...

17Jun

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — June 17, 2025

A path to peaceThe prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to cause widespread suffering. A realistic ceasefire must involve compromises being made by both sides and commitments from the global community. First, Ukraine and the neighbouring countries could adopt a neutral stance, with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization formally agreeing not to expand into Russia’s immediate neighbourhood. In return, major powers, including India and China, should jointly warn that any future unprovoked Russian aggression would face united global opposition. This would give regional countries a sense of security without the need for NATO membership. Second, Russia should return a portion of the occupied territories as a gesture of goodwill. While full territorial resolution may take time, partial wi...

16Jun

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — June 16, 2025

Bharat Mata and protocol of dignityI write this letter as the Additional Private Secretary to the Governor of Kerala. The recent controversy surrounding the image of Bharat Mata at a World Environment Day function held at the Kerala Raj Bhavan reflects a troubling trend — the politicisation of cultural and national symbols. What should have been a dignified state event turned into a needless flashpoint when the Agriculture Department objected to the inclusion of a traditional lamp and an image of Bharat Mata in the programme. Although the objection to the lamp was later withdrawn, the image of Bharat Mata was rejected on the grounds that it was allegedly associated with a particular political organisation.Raj Bhavan, in a spirit of accommodation, even suggested an alternative image — Bhara...

14Jun

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — June 14, 2025

Operation Rising Lion Israel’s strikes on some of Iran’s facilities mark a dangerous escalation in an already volatile West Asian theatre. While Israel cites preemptive security concerns, such unilateral actions risk provoking severe retaliation from Tehran, which could engulf the region in wider conflict. Iran’s possible military or proxy-based response may destabilise not just Israel but also the Gulf states, threatening vital global energy supplies. This tit-for-tat brinkmanship undermines ongoing diplomatic efforts, especially the already fragile Iran nuclear deal framework. Moreover, it raises the spectre of a nuclear arms race in the region, as other nations may seek similar deterrents. India, with its strategic ties to both Israel and Iran, and its dependence on Gulf energy ...

12Jun

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — June 12, 2025

Report on populationThe report by the United Nations Population Fund estimating India’s population to have hit the 146.39 crore mark is alarming (Page 1, June 11). We face a ticking time bomb. At a time when poverty, inequality and unemployment levels have gone up, there is a dire need to arrest population growth on a war footing. Prabhu Raj R., Bengaluru While concerns over overpopulation have long dominated policy discussions, we are now entering an era where population stabilisation and eventual decline must be viewed through a different lens. The projected peak of 170 crore in the next four decades indicates a crucial window for India to reap the demographic dividend. However, with declining fertility comes a future risk of an aging population, a shrinking workforce, an...

10Jun

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — June 10, 2025

Ships and Kerala coastThe back-to-back shipping accidents off the Kerala coast raise serious environmental, regulatory and security concerns. The silence around the origin, inspection records and cargo manifests of these ships points to gaps in international shipping oversight. Port authority accountability and marine environmental safety enforcement are seen missing. This is a coastline that is one of India’s most ecologically sensitive and densely populated. Have environmental norms been compromised in favour of corporate convenience or under-the-table arrangements? Kerala deserves nothing less than full disclosure and strict preventive measures. K.A. Solaman, S.L. Puram, Alappuzha, Kerala French Open It will be a million dollar question why Jannik Sinner was unable to co...

7Jun

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — June 7, 2025

Celebration to tragedyI would like to share my grief with the family members of the persons who died and also the injured during the celebrations of RCB’s win in the Indian Premier League 2025. It is distressing to write such a letter. The roadshow was unwarranted. Basic crowd control measures were lacking. There was hardly a stretcher or an ambulance in sight and the number of policemen was insufficient. The fact that lakhs of people had converged around the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, unmindful of the risks involved, also highlights the degree of unemployment in the country. There was no need for such a hype over the victory of the RCB. It only shows how a great sport has lapsed into a commercial enterprise, so much so that whenever a boundary is hit or a wicket is taken, there are cheerlead...

5Jun

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Letters to The Editor — June 5, 2025

Perseverance pays The Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) long-awaited IPL triumph is more than just a cricketing victory. It is a compelling story of perseverance, belief, and resilience. For over a decade-and-a-half, RCB bore the weight of expectations, often ending its campaigns with heartbreaks and near-misses. Yet, instead of caving in under criticism or doubt, the team continued to fight. Its journey is a reminder that true success often takes time, and it comes to those who keep showing up. In a world obsessed with instant results, RCB’s victory teaches us the value of patience, commitment, and the power of collective effort. The emotional outpouring from fans also reflects how sports can unite people, offering them hope and shared joy, especially during these testing times....

30May

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — May 30, 2025

Manipur situationThe intent by some in the National Democratic Alliance “to form a ‘popular’ government in Manipur” is strange (Page 1, May 29). That these people are unaware of the ground reality is cause for concern. The consensus of all stakeholders and a proper settlement of the ethnic conflict is what will pave the way for a conducive environment. One expects the government of the day to engage with the warring factions and find a lasting solution to the crisis. Prabhu Raj R., Bengaluru MP’s line Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has done a good job of turning the defence of India’s position vis-à-vis Pakistan into an unqualified eulogisation of the top leader in the course of India’s diplomatic outreach (Inside pages, “Shashi Tharoor faces flak from his own...

24May

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Letters to The Editor — May 24, 2025

Top court on ED The beauty of democracy lies in questioning. Sadly, such voices are not heard in India’s State Assemblies and in Parliament. One only has the higher judiciary coming to the rescue (“ED crossed all limits with raids on Tasmac, says SC”, May 23). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) too is not beyond questioning. Its raids, in most cases, are not made public, which raises serious questions. The perception is that ED raids are also being undertaken with disturbing regularity, and against some ‘targets’. The possibility of innocents being targeted cannot be ruled out. Balasubramaniam Pavani, Secunderabad Conflict and the truth Truth is always a casualty in any war and it takes quite some time for the truth to be unravelled. Even truths about the World Wars have ...

23May

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Letters to The Editor — May 23, 2025

Israel and western world The change in stand by Canada, France and the U.K. in the context of the belligerent and brutal campaign on Gaza by Israel, is also a part of a churning in the current global disorder, marked by a complete disregard for the UN Charter by nations with economic and military clout. It is a pity that over the last few years, we have been witnessing “expedient silences” and also an abstaining from voting opportunistically at international forums being portrayed as brilliant tactics even in matters where flagrant breaches are evident. Value-neutrality among diplomats is threatening to spell the end of diplomacy as the most effective method of dispute resolution Angara Venkata Girija Kumar, Chennai Judiciary, appointments I write this letter as Sen...

20May

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — May 20, 2025

Diplomacy and actionI write with reference to the Editorial and the Editorial page article (both May 19).” Nearly a month after the tragic Pahalgam attack, the perpetrators remain at large. I have full faith in our security agencies and armed forces. But, at the same time, as we dispatch all-party delegations abroad to counter Pakistan’s diplomatic offensive, we must arm ourselves with incontrovertible evidence. It is imperative that our agencies hunt down the attackers swiftly and transparently, demonstrating our resolve to bring terrorists to justice; uncover and present the attackers’ chain of command— and thereby expose the complicity of Pakistan’s ISI and Army (as we did in the 2008 Mumbai attacks by arresting Ajmal Kasab, who was interrogated, tried and sentenced to death by our judi...

17May

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — May 17, 2025

Right stanceIndia’s Defence Minister is right in his demand that the nuclear arsenal of Pakistan should be brought under the watch of the International Atomic Energy Agency (Page 1, May 16). A country that uses the threat of ‘nuclear blackmail’ cannot be trusted to be restrained under any circumstances. A country with a state policy of nurturing and exporting cross-border terrorism makes this a situation that is all the more dangerous. Kosaraju Chandramouli, Hyderabad Presidential Reference The developments around the Supreme Court’s ‘timelines’ to Governors and the President while dealing with State Bills, show that the intent of the Centre is to not let go of its stranglehold on States, thus gagging a healthy federal set up in the country (“Stalin calls out Presidential R...

10May

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — May 10, 2025

Conflict and realisationGiven the fragile state of its economy, Pakistan cannot afford to get entangled in a prolonged and conventional military confrontation with India. As a country riddled with high foreign debt and perilously low foreign exchange reserves, Pakistan’s rulers ought to understand the crippling repercussions of full-scale war with India on its economy and its people. It is time Pakistan avoided significant escalation, which holds the key to preventing its economic collapse and mass suffering. M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu The plight of Pakistan can be summed up by the phrase, “as you sow, so shall you reap”. Having sown the seeds of terrorism and hatred, and now facing the music, one can only hope that Pakistan realises its folly. Dr. Biju C. Mathew,&...

5May

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Letters to The Editor — May 5, 2025

Sound appeal While we are still struggling to overcome the sorrow resulting from Pahalgam, we are further saddened to learn that some elements are turning hostile towards Kashmiri students in some parts of the country. In this context, one would like to highlight the adorable stand taken by a lady who lost her naval officer husband in Pahalgam. Her appeal to stop spewing hatred against any community and her insistence that we strive for peace must be heard loud and clear. Even though her loss is irreparable, her appeal deserves rich appreciation. Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai Conduct of NEET My sister appeared for her NEET at the centre, Ilva Higher Secondary School, at Sena Nagar, Scheme no 31, Indore. She was at the centre on time but a downpour led to a power outage ...

3May

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Letters to The Editor — May 3, 2025

Census, caste, reservationReservation was introduced to correct historical injustices, and even Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had said it should be a temporary measure. But seven decades after Independence, political parties are still using it for vote-bank interests. There is now competition among parties to increase reservations — not out of concern for the poor, but to secure power. Perhaps the government must limit reservation to 25%, and for economically poor families, irrespective of caste. All upper castes are not rich and not all backward classes are poor. Helping the truly needy should be the goal. Let us aim for a casteless society. T. Kailash Ditya, Hyderabad The motive, intent and purpose of the caste rhetoric is for nothing but a few more seats, and thus power in the great...

30Apr

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Letters to The Editor — April 30, 2025

Continue immunisationThe warning sounded by the World Health Organization, UNICEF and Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), in the context of World Immunization Week, April 24-30, of ‘increases in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks threatening years of progress’, is one that should not be ignored under any circumstances. Neglecting this could be catastrophic for the world. All children and adults (especially women) should be immunised according to the latest national immunisation schedule sanctioned by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and ICMR. The Government of India must ensure that there is no slowing down of immunisation coverage. Dr. Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana, Punjab Stray dog issue As an octogenarian veterinarian, I have been keenly following the narratives on t...

29Apr

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Letters to The Editor — April 29, 2025

The responses The Prime Minister’s message at a rally in Bihar and later, in his Mann Ki Baat, is loud and precise on fighting terrorism. India’s initial and measured responses are absolutely resolute. Though there have been punitive strikes by India which did establish some deterrence, the Pahalgam massacre seems to indicate an erosion in this. Terrorism appears to be a part of the constitution of a hostile neighbour. Diplomatic moves that attempt the global isolation of a terror state are indicative of an assertive India. Nevertheless, it is not certain whether these measures alone will be enough to send a strong message as Pakistan keeps harping on ‘non-state actor involvement’ in terrorism. S. Seshadri, Chennai Dubious Though Pakistan has ‘offered’ to help probe the...

26Apr

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Letters to The Editor — April 26, 2025

Now, action All the steps taken by India in its anger to punish Pakistan could turn out to be double-edged swords. India cannot take back the areas under the occupation of Pakistan (PoK) without unleashing a war which could end up with catastrophic consequences given that both nations possess nuclear weapons. ‘Annulling’ the Indus Waters Treaty unilaterally is legally complex and might have significant risks for India’s international standing and also ensuring regional stability. Completely stopping the natural flow of rivers into Pakistan is also not immediately feasible. India must also not forget that China too is waiting to use water as a weapon. Therefore, what is required at the moment is not to over react. India needs to take steps, patiently and diplomatically, to isolate Pakis...

21Apr

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Letters to The Editor — April 21, 2025

Remarks about judiciaryThe framers of the Constitution have ensured a balance of power among the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. When a person holding a high constitutional post joined by some members of the ruling party make impractical, baseless and arbitrary remarks against the Supreme Court of India, how can an ordinary citizen be expected to uphold respect for the judiciary? The comments made by these persons show that they lack the maturity, the wisdom and the thoughtful understanding required. Such irresponsible statements cast a shadow on the functioning of our democratic system. Jitesh Mori, Kutch, Gujarat Under the constitutional scheme of ‘checks and balances’, every constitutional functionary should note that the independence of the judiciary is suprem...

19Apr

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Letters to The Editor — April 19, 2025

‘Judiciary and democracy’The Vice-President of India’s strong lines against the Supreme Court of India are unwarranted as what the Court has done is strictly according to the provisions of the Constitution. The timelines actually apply to the chain after the Assembly has made its considered decision. V. Padmanabhan, Bengaluru The use of phrases such as “super parliament” and “firing a nuclear missile against democratic forces” are unsettling. There can always be a healthy debate on whether the scope of Article 142 can be extended to giving such a direction to the President of India. The overall issue is best left to the Union of India to sort out instead of having examples of some leaders transgressing the constitutional boundaries of their office. S.K. Choudhury, Benga...

18Apr

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Letters to The Editor — April 18, 2025

Court on Waqf ActThe Supreme Court of India’s discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 is an opportunity to reinforce the constitutional values of equality, secularism, and justice. This debate is a positive step toward preserving the Constitution’s spirit and ensuring fairness for all citizens. Its stance signals efforts to align contentious provisions with the Constitution, improving the law and fostering public trust. This reflects the judiciary’s strength and commitment to the Constitution. R.K. Jain, Barwani, Madhya Pradesh The Supreme Court has done as it has thought best to avoid a “huge problem”, to use its words. The Court is sure to look at the constitutionality of the new Waqf law closely and rigorously and find out if the law is in conformity with Article 26 ...

17Apr

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Letters to The Editor — April 17, 2025

Cases that drag onThe report (Page 1, April 16), “National Herald case: ED files chargesheet against Sonia, Rahul”, only raises one pertinent question: why do cases get delayed for abnormally long periods? Do we need decades to clear cases? The judiciary needs to work to a time frame that is reasonable. The various agencies that support the judiciary in collecting evidence need to work fast. Things cannot be delayed beyond a period. Whether it is the National Herald case, or the cases of those of Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi or Vijay Mallya, there is an abnormal delay in closure. Balasubramaniam Pavani, Secunderabad This is a case that has been in the ‘pending list’. It raises the perception that the case is being revived as this is also election season. When the top court of t...

14Apr

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Opinion

Letters to The Editor — April 14, 2025

Court and the GovernorOnce again, the judiciary has saved democracy. The Supreme Court’s ruling on the exercise of powers by Governors to clear Bills within a reasonable time or be subject to judicial review has provided relief to States. The Court has laid to rest the ambiguity that enabled Governors to ‘harass’ non-BJP ruled States by delaying Bills. It is observed that the BJP intends to convey to voters that only a ‘double engine sarkar’ can govern without obstructions. Other governments will be frustrated through its ‘institutions’ of the Governor, the Enforcement Directorate and other central agencies. P.R. Ravinder, Hyderabad The verdict is a clear case of judicial overreach. The two-judge Bench could have referred the matter to the constitutional full Bench for prudent ...