It is precisely because of the media's cleverly crafted kid-glove treatment of Ms Gandhi's illness that has given rise to outlandish and preposterous explanations, on the Internet at least, for Ms Sonia Gandhi's recent absence from the country, interestingly during one of the stormiest periods in national politics (Sept. 22). Genuine, inspiring leaders have no private lives. The nation and its people are their families who should be concerned about their welfare. Dynamic leaders like Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez spoke publicly about their illnesses and both Cuba and Venezuela unabashedly celebrated their recovery. A photograph of Ms Gandhi alighting from the aircraft on her return, waving to her people with a beaming smile would have done wonders to her profile. The media's omertà could prove to be very cruel on Ms Gandhi.
Col. C.V. Venugopalan (retd.),Palakkad.
