II

Mr Barack Obama has inspired not only the people of America but of the whole world. The euphoria he has created makes one feels as if he is the President of the world. He is being seen as an icon of the world. However, it remains to be seen if he can deliver.

 His initial steps like suspending prosecutions at Guantanamo Bay prison, saying no to new nuclear weapons, freezing salaries of the senior staff of White House are certainly positive signs. It appears that he believes in action and has it in him to lead the US and the world.

 DR SANJIV GUPTA, Perth, Australia

III

Mr Barack Obama’s inaugural address was in keeping with the troubled times. It was easy to see why America’s new “wonder man” is a hit across the globe. But, caution is in order. Earlier too, the promise of a better tomorrow has been scuttled. There is no doubt that the world believes — Obama can. It remains to be seen, if he will.

K S JAYATHEERTHA, Bangalore

Real India

The movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has portrayed the real India. Few filmmakers in the past have had the courage to show that we are still nowhere close to eradicating poverty. Actually, what Danny Boyle has showcased was perhaps last seen about three decades back, in say a Shyam Benegal or a Govind Nihalani movie.

Over the years we have deluded ourselves that we have done wonders and moved on to a new ‘shining’ India. With the new wealth created through our IT sector, we thought that we had arrived. However, if we really have to change things within India, we should stop looking at America as a big brother. We must focus on services and products that are made and used in India.

MANOJ R KUMAR, New Delhi

Failed city

In the editorial “Quiet flows dirt” (Jan 17) you have aptly called upon the voters of Ludhiana to use the weapon of votes to usher in a clean-up operation.

Today, Ludhiana is plagued by numerous problems like traffic, pollution, unplanned growth, encroachments, bad roads, etc. In fact, if Pakistan is a failed state, Ludhiana is a failed city, a state brought about by successive governments, commissioners of corporation, mayors, MPs, MLAs and councillors. The politicians of all hues, cutting across party lines couldn’t care less.

It seems that the city will never have any visionary, which will take it forward. Successive governments have always treated Ludhiana like a revenue yielding cow. The money raised from here is spent on other cities like SAS Nagar.

GURWINDER SINGH, Ludhiana

Heroic landing

The smooth and safe landing of the US Airways Airbus A320, with both engines dysfunctional, in freezing Hudson river by the US pilot was undoubtedly a courageous and an incredible act.

The miracle landing by pilot Chesley B Sullenberger, with no fatalities whatsoever, deserves applause. This amazing heroic deed needs to be recorded in the Guinness World Records.