Former Governor, Jammu & Kashmir
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Never was so much owed by so many to so few. — Winston Churchill
Letters to the Editor View More 
India should balance relations with the US and China, prioritizing self-respect. Disasters in Himachal are often due to human activities, not just cloudbursts. Zero-GST on premiums lacks clarity, potentially benefiting insurers, not consumers. Effective anti-corruption efforts require unbiased enforcement of existing laws and a positive attitude towards political opponents.
Parliament's monsoon session was largely unproductive. Regulation of online money gaming should acknowledge human behavior. Urgent national awareness on the misuse of antibiotics is needed. India and China should strengthen cooperation. The passing of Jaswinder Bhalla is a loss to Punjabi culture.
UTs require greater autonomy for better governance, but central control hinders this. A controversial bill raises concerns of misuse and targeting the opposition. Toll taxes burden commuters despite road tax payments. The exclusion of Futures & Options trading from the Online Gaming Bill, despite similar risks, is questioned. Prompt payment of remaining arrears to Punjab pensioners above 85 is urged.
Stray dogs require vaccination, sterilization, and relocation; adoption is encouraged. Punjab's agriculture needs modernized techniques, streamlined loans, and support for commercial crops. Haryana's community service should include counselling and skill development. Accountability bills risk becoming political tools. The Sukhna Lake floodgate opening time should be adjusted.
Apropos of ‘Collapse of nuclear grammar’; the Pakistan Army Chief has been threatening to use nuclear weapons against India. The world has not forgotten the holocaust caused by the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. It is the...
GST reforms simplify indirect taxation and need technological upgrades to counter fraud. Electoral integrity is crucial, with the ECI and political parties needing to ensure fairness. Rahul Gandhi must substantiate voter list manipulation claims. The BJP's VP pick aims for electoral gains, while Putin gains strength despite Trump's efforts. The SAD is declining due to internal issues and trust erosion.
Apropos of ‘Struggle for the freedom from fear’; India’s tryst with freedom was never meant to end with the lowering of the Union Jack. Our founding leaders saw Independence as the beginning of a deeper journey — towards a society...
As we celebrate Independence Day today, we would have failed in our mission of achieving complete victory over poverty if we cannot make our millions self-sufficient. Offering freebies is no solution for getting rid of poverty. This fight can be...
This day that year View More 
VJ Patel was elected President of the Legislative Assembly, defeating Rangachari by two votes. Patel's win was due to Swarajist and Independent support, while Rangachari was backed by official and Liberal members. The author expresses disappointment that a unanimous non-official choice failed.
Indian leaders understand the challenges of self-government as well as the British. They want the British to actively solve problems, not use them as an excuse for inaction. Mistrust stems from a lack of genuine British effort. If the British demonstrate sincerity, India will cooperate and address its internal divisions.
The Viceroy's speech to the Legislature focused on his England trip. Anticipated policy changes were absent, disappointing many. The speech reiterated existing goals of cooperation and responsible government, failing to introduce new information.
The Legislative Assembly's rejection of the Age of Consent Bill was a negative reflection. Social reform requires caution, but not inertia. Sir Hari Singh Gour will reintroduce the improved Children's Protection Bill, designed to safeguard children.
Abdul Haye's statement regarding the Panipat incident offers a detailed, yet biased, perspective. It improves upon initial reports but uses fallacious reasoning. The core debate centers on the Jat crowd's purpose, with Haye questioning the Hindus' claim of innocent pilgrims.
The recent House of Commons debate on Indian estimates was considered remarkable. Anglo-Indian journals praised the speeches, but focused on irrelevant criticisms of the non-cooperation movement, particularly MacDonald's unsustainable claim that it hindered the Labour Party.
Gandhi supports India's cotton mill industry and favors protectionist tariffs. He doesn't advocate for excise duty abolition because he focuses on actions individuals can take. He believes the industry doesn't need additional support from him.