Pleasing the Almighty
This refers to the article The misery of plenty by Nissim Mannathukkaren (August 28). One is reminded of Irish writer Bernard Shaw's words: “Inequalities of income and wealth have created a paradox of dinner without appetite and appetite without dinner.” Some big places of worship across the country roll in wealth. It's imperative that the government imposes taxes on them rather heavily and spends the proceeds on the welfare of the poor. The Almighty would be rather pleased.
S. Ramakrishnasayee
Ranipet
Crowd puller
This is with reference to Sevanti Ninan's “The people multiplier” (August 28). To the question as to who is drawing the crowds (or rather, who was to Ramlila Maidan: the television channels, the people or Anna Hazare himself, the answer is that the ‘credit' goes to the ‘Hero' who has been the unconquerable villain all along, the much hated and dreaded Mr. Corruption! When, at long last, there was someone like Anna Hazare who challenged the villain, the people were anxious to extend moral support to a giant-killer in the making. The TV channels and the print media are just reporting us the day-to-day developments.
P.U. Krishnan
Ooty
The crowds were drawn to Ramlila Maidan, by the angst born out of disgust on the issue of corruption. All responsible citizens of the country have started feeling that they are being robbed off systematically by the so called politicos of all hues, for several decades now. The television channels (especially the regional ones) and the print media have played a vital role in galvanising the feelings and aspirations of the people. The message has percolated down to the people living in all parts of the country and abroad. The government found that all its escape routes have been plugged effectively and hence they have risen together to pass the resolution in Parliament. Honest and upright citizens of this country unequivocally salute the power of the media at such a critical time. The media cannot be brushed aside or sidelined any more. In the days to come, it is going to play a crucial and dominant role in shaping the destiny of this nation.
B.R. Kumar
Chennai
Other struggles
Hats off to Kalpana Sharma who threw light on the lonely struggle of Irom Sharmila (“Another India, another protest”, August 21). Compared to the media coverage given to Anna Hazare's anti-corruption crusade, Irom Sharmila has been totally ignored and isolated. I used to suggest her case as a topic of debate. The result was always tormenting. Most of them don't even know whom Irom Sharmila is. It is high time that her 11-year struggle is recognised and discussed in the rest of the country
Divya S. P.
Kannur
It was a well articulated article on the perils of the AFSPA and how a lot more needs to be done if the people of Manipur are to walk freely again without any fear or being harassed by the security forces. Being from the state of Manipur myself, I endorse the writer's views on the inactive role played by the media and the government in ignoring the northeast in general and Manipur in particular, for a very long time. Everyone needs to learn from exemplary women like Irom Sharmila. It's apt that she has been called the “Iron Lady of India”. A wonderful article reminding the rest of the country that a lot more needs to be done if India is to be called a truly independent and democratic nation.
Muan Hangzo
Delhi
Kalpana Sharma has juxtaposed well the glamorous fast undertaken by Anna Hazare under the glare of TV channels and the lone fast without any fanfare conducted by Irom Sharmila since 2000 to get the Armed Force Special Powers Act (AFSPA) repealed. While the Government has given too much importance to the former, it is disheartening to note the cause of the latter fast and its implications are totally ignored. It reveals a lack of statesmanship and a bankruptcy of ideas in dealing with these two issues. It is hoped that authorities will give serious considerations to solve the stalemate pertaining to Manipur.
N.C. Sreedharan
Kannur
Joint and joyous families
Being an active member of a rather small joint family, I surely admire the views of Vijay Nagaswami (“Phoenix rising, August 21). At the same time, I feel, this joint family system in its new avatar or in the old form can be successful if and only if the ‘head' of this institution is really an ideal individual. Moral values and unbiased views are a necessary quality needed by him. This along with a little mutual understanding between the members will certainly rule out the suffocation and inequalities threatening the system. The dreams and aspirations of the young, newly come members should not be suppressed. These fulfilled, I feel, it just wont be a joint but also a joyous family.
Raheema B.K.
Kasargod
