Learning religious tolerance

Refer to ‘The Guru gave his all for freedom of faith’; the write-up beautifully captures the eternal message of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s unparalleled sacrifice for safeguarding human dignity, spiritual liberty and the right to practise one’s faith without fear. The author’s contextual narration linking the Guru’s martyrdom with contemporary issues of intolerance and religious freedom makes the article particularly relevant and thought-provoking. At a time when societies across the globe face growing polarisation, such reflections serve as a moral compass.

Parvinder Singh, Chandigarh

Prioritising profit over people

Apropos of ‘AI and capitalism are killing the middle class’; the middle class, once a symbol of stability, education and aspiration, is now struggling to stay afloat in a system that prioritises profit over people. The unsettling reality is that even white-collar jobs, once considered secure, are now threatened by algorithms. The rapid automation of decision-making, from classrooms to hospitals, is gradually replacing human judgment with data-driven intelligence. Education systems too, risk producing machine-compatible minds instead of creative thinkers. True development lies in using AI to augment human potential, not to replace it — ensuring that innovation walks hand in hand with compassion and conscience.

Ashok Singh Guleria, Hamirpur

Changing footprint of terrorism

Refer to ‘Terror alert’; it has become clear that terrorism’s ever-shifting footprint has become a persistent challenge for India’s security agencies. Such incidents threaten public safety and confidence, which are very important for fulfilling India’s ambitious goals. With around 3,000 kg of explosives recovered, conspirators were aiming at a much bigger assault. Besides investigating agencies, the common man must also be cautious and report any kind of untoward or suspicious activity to the police. There shouldn’t be any politics by the government or the Opposition either, which can do more harm than good.

PL Singh, by email

Swift action by security agencies

Refer to ‘Terror alert’; the blast that occurred in a car near the Red Fort Metro Station is being said to be accidental, since the actual target was some crowded place. There may have been an intelligence failure, but the Delhi Police and other security agencies should be commended for acting swiftly and rounding up the suspects within 24 hours. However, the involvement of some doctors in the Delhi car blast case has tarnished the medical profession. Other professions can also come under suspicion if this trend continues.

Wg Cdr CL Sehgal (retd), Jalandhar

Shoddy investigation

Refer to ‘Nithari acquittal’; it is tragic that even after almost two decades, the killer of 16 children has still not faced the gallows. As India’s most abhorred serial killer, Surendra Koli, would walk free after spending 19 years in jail, thanks to a shoddy investigation first by the UP police and later by the CBI. And shockingly, it is not the first time when victims’ families did not get any closure: Aarushi Talwar case is another example. A key lesson from the acquittal of Pandher and Koli is that prosecutors must point out evidence shortfalls at the investigation stage itself. The laxity on the part of the investigation agencies is inexcusable.

Bal Govind, Noida

AIR still entertaining people

Apropos of ‘When radio ruled the roost’; All India Radio was like a rooster who used to melodiously wake up the family and remained a companion for the whole day entertaining, educating, updating and most importantly, evoking nationalism. It still does the same but in today’s fast pace of life, people have no time. The younger generation is more inclined towards pandering to its own interests. However, besides the evergreen Vividh Bharti, news is another part of the public broadcaster which is still very popular amongst people of a certain age group. For those who do not own a transistor, the AIR app in mobile phones is handy. Come what may, the All India Radio with its motto ‘Bahujan hitaya, bahujan sukhaya’ (for the happiness of many, for the welfare of many) will keep reverberating in the hearts of millions of Indians as ‘Akashvani’.

Rajesh Chander Bali, Jalandhar