Euro to foster growth

THIS refers to the article "Why can’t India, Pak go the euro way?" by R.N. Malik (May 15). The birth of the euro is likely to promote regional cooperation which is essential for survival in world trade.

As far as India is concerned, the European Union (EU) is its largest trading partner. About 27 per cent of India’s export go to the EU while India obtains 29 per cent of its imports from the EU. India’s share in the EU trade is less than 1 per cent indicating considerable scope for exports. Europe is going to emerge as the biggest market and India will benefit in terms of larger exports to EU in terms of low cost imports from EU. Euro, a much more stable currency than individual currencies like DM, French Frank or Italian lira would contribute greatly to stable prices and exchange rates and foster growth in India.

S. K. Marwaha
New Delhi

Baisakhi celebrations

This refers to the article "Baisakhi of the Khalsa" by Khushwant Singh (May 8). It was very heartening to observe that there was a splendid show at Anandpur on Baisakhi day. The arrangements made by the local administration for providing food and water were very good. About 30 lakh visitors visited Anandpur and paid their homage at the holy shrine. There was a big pandal where 80,000 persons enjoyed the function.

However, I did not see the need to spend so lavishly on the occasion. In spite of the sizeable donations collected from the pilgrims, crores of rupees were spent by the state exchequer. The function could have been celebrated with simplicity and the money utilised for the development of the state. Schools and hospitals could have been opened for the benefits of the people.

SUBHASH C. TANEJA
Rohtak