Both soft and hard

Refer to ‘A soft State versus hard’ (Nov 6); the hard State concept is often used by a regime to regulate law and order. Hard power was exercised by Sardar Patel to integrate the princely states into India. Later, under the ambit of the Constitution, rights were conferred to their denizens so they could live a dignified life, thus, exemplifying soft power. Hard power helps only in the short run. It is the feeling of oneness that helps nurture a nation in the long run. The Naxal movement and the Kashmir muddle can only be remedied permanently by winning the faith of distressed masses. 

Baljeet Dhadwal, by mail

The ‘versus’ virus 

Reference to the article ‘A soft State versus hard’ (Nov 6); blocking of socio-political  and legal channels has several examples, the most recent being the Hashimpura verdict, 31 years after 38 people were killed in cold blood. The ‘versus’ virus has spread, each day fresh dimensions engage to peddle polarisation. What is worse: divide and rule or rule to divide?

Lalit Mohan Sharma, Dharamsala

Delhi air pollution 

Apropos the article ‘Stubble fire not the cause of pollution in Delhi, says experts’ (Nov 4) and ‘Really an IIT grad? Capt taunts Kejriwal’ (Nov 5), Kejriwal has alleged that Delhi’s pollution is due to stubble burning in Punjab, but the Department of Geography (KU) has said it is factually and scientifically erroneous to attribute it to Punjab and Haryana in the beginning of the winter season. Since Delhi is the National Capital and the menace is of enormous proportions, it should be taken up urgently. We should act expeditiously. Delay will lead to increased health perils.

Chander Kant Thakur, Hamirpur

Fix it ASAP 

Today, the NCR is crying for help. Pollution has made conditions very poor and if something substantial is not done, we are inviting death not only to us, but also the coming generation. By 2020, India will have a car market of 50 lakh units per year, making it the fourth largest market in the world. By 2026, the annual units will almost double. Rapid industrialisation will lead to economic growth, but are we really looking for this growth? The growing automobile sector is giving birth to many other problems like deterioration of environment, rising carbon emissions, leading to health hazards; and need for more land for more vehicles. Can’t we try to control the density of vehicles by making our public transport system more convenient and modern? It is an alarming situation and the government must seriously do something about it. Huge taxes should be levied on cars. Permission for a car should be restricted to only those with proper garage and genuine need. 

Aastha Kapur, Solan

Give crackers a break

People are continuing to burst crackers despite being told not to. Crackers are harmful to the environment. At the same time, they are dangerous and can cause burns and injuries. There are a number of small children, elderly people and animals who are affected by noisy crackers. Also, a lot of people burst crackers on roads, which is not safe for vehicles. Why cannot we celebrate Diwali without firecrackers? 

mugarjit Kaur, by mail

Peace not our weakness 

In today’s era when there is a demand for nuclear resistance in the world, India is rightly feeling honoured to have succeeded in making its nuclear submarine ‘INS Arihant’, after America, France, Russia, Britain and China. The Indian Army is now capable of thwarting attacks with nuclear weapons from land, air and sea. The world should understand that India is a peaceful country and peace is not our weakness, but our power.

Shakti Singh, Karnal

Epic, not mythology 

Refer to the middle ‘In step with both science and tradition’ (Nov 5); Mahabharata is an epic not mythology. Puranic literature is neither mythological nor fictional. These are books of actual history. To dismiss events that took place over 300-400 years prior to Christ as mythology is wrong. Places mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata still exist in our country. These places are revered. That Puranas are genuine and relevant is evident from the fact that they retain their potency even after the passage of thousands of years. 

MR Anand, Vrindavan

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