On Diwali

Diwali passed away smoothly but firecrackers caused a major problem for many. Companies should stop producing high-sounding firecrackers. Smoke, too, should be controlled. They can try producing herbal crackers instead of using chemicals.

G. Srinivas,

Tiruchi

Diwali is supposed to be a festival of lights but for me, it was a day of noise and smoke. My friends and neighbours were happy bursting firecrackers but I did not understand what was so exciting about double

dhamakas .

A week ago, I too thought I would celebrate Diwali with firecrackers. But soon I realised that while nature gives us everything, we give back nothing. I decided not to buy firecrackers and told my mother to save the money. I can now proudly say I have done a bit towards conserving nature.

Preetam K.,

Visakhapatnam

With all the progress India is seemingly making, our care for life and the environment seem to go deeper into indifference. I wonder how many of the old, asthmatic, infirm, and sick suffered from the smoke, pollution and ear-splitting decibel levels. Most of all, my heart goes out to the voiceless animals, terrified and without food or water for days with no place to hide.

Indubala Ashok,

Chennai

The festival of lights can be something to look forward to if the noise factor is eliminated. It is time we realised that blowing up noxious chemical laden explosives does no good to anyone.

With jam packed cities and very few civilian spaces, the collateral damage is inflicted on all in the vicinity. The age-old plea of giving to charity does hold good even to this day and it is never too late to begin.

Anoop Hosmath,

Mysore