Bharat Ratna

It is a matter of shame that it has taken so long for the government

>to recommend the Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand (Aug. 13). Like our cricketers, especially the celebrated Tendulkar, he has great records to his credit. He symbolised the country’s aspirations in the pre-independent era, giving it an image and an identity.

Shaukeen Khan,

Alwar

It is baffling that anyone would want to give the Bharat Ratna to heroes of the past. Those who are already heroes will remain that way; they do not need our medals/honours. How can today’s citizens be expected to emulate Subhas Chandra Bose or Bhagat Singh? The era in which they lived demanded such heroes. It is also important to remember that they got enormous encouragement at the time.

Devaki Jain,

New Delhi