This refers to the article, “Moment of victory as moment of doubt” (June 4), an excellent analysis of the core issues facing the new government. India cannot achieve its dream of becoming an Asian tiger without removing social and economic inequalities which are the result of ignoring the needs of the marginalised. How long will the corporate sector remain engaged in window-dressing when it comes to carrying out its social responsibilities? How long will successive governments follow untiringly, outdated methods of dealing with our social and economic ills? How long will the electronic media resort to shallow debate on vital issues? The Modi government must usher in a new era with innovative ideas especially as there are no coalition pressures.
Rameeza A. Rasheed,Chennai
What a beautiful article which clearly shows that pluralism, sustainability, justice and representation of nature are the dire needs of our time and our democracy! It is time we realised that so-called development at the cost of nature, the poor and the marginalised has no possibility of being sustained. As the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) report suggests, we have “to replace the prevailing ‘Develop recklessly-conserve thoughtlessly’ pattern with one of ‘Develop sustainably-conserve thoughtfully’.”
“Democracy,” as Jawaharlal Nehru said way back in 1948, “is not purely a political affair.” The 19th- century conception of democracy, that is, each person having a vote, was a good enough conception in those days, but it was incomplete and people think in terms of a larger and deeper democracy today.
Sukumaran C.V.,Palakkad
The article is a must-read, the political class included. Governing our country is not a one-man show. Instead, it involves team work with coordinated schemes and realistic targets. Mr. Modi alone cannot lead the country. Many of us are still floating in the haze of his victory. We have not elected him to celebrate his victory forever. There are “moments of doubt” already.
Ashna D.,Thrissur
The new set of perspectives offered by Professor Visvanathan is self-contradictory and bizarre. The demand for a new social contract where nature needs representation will only act as an obstacle to development. Ecuador is one example where such rights were granted to nature, but eventually ignored. He then calls the Constitution as “doubly outdated,” but it is the primary document which binds India. The article reflects his inherent negative perception. While it is fine to be cautious, let us not be pessimistic. Let us give the government time to settle down before we start being “brutal.”
Sweety Gupta,New Delhi
It is an interesting article, but one that has left me deeply disappointed with its negativity. Professor Visvanathan is a critic of Mr. Modi, as he acknowledges, but he is pointing out negatives that belittle the Prime Minister hypothetically! How can anyone judge a new government in a week?
P. Krishna Kumar,Coimbatore
The article gives the impression that the writer is in a tearing hurry to proffer advice to Mr. Modi. He is only exhibiting his innate prejudice against the BJP. Mr. Modi never gloated over his victory. To pen such an essay before even the Members of Parliament are in place reveals his haste in condemning the government. A mere group of intellectuals cannot chart the course for India.
T.M. Renganathan,Srirangam
