A blessing too

Covid-19 may be rampaging through the world, victimising people at will, yet this curse is bringing in its wake countless blessings. Social distancing, for instance, has brought friends and families together. What Swachh Bharat Abhiyan couldn’t achieve, the invisible virus is accomplishing nicely. Sanitisation of public transport and public places is being done thoroughly. Vulnerability has brought not only people of different castes, creed, regions and religions together, but also warring nations, to fight commonly against it. The biggest service this virus has done is to popularise the Indian way of greeting — namaste — and encouraging vegetarianism. Above all, it is teaching us to be a warrior and not worrier. All this gives credence to Shakespeare’s belief — ‘Sweet are the uses of adversity’.

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Deepak Kaushik, Radaur

Janata Curfew

Refer to ‘PM appeals for Janata Curfew on Mar 22’; amid a lot of fake messages, growing fear and paranoia in society, PM’s address to the nation was a welcome move and much needed to calm anxious nerves, especially since it addressed all sections of society. In such time of crisis, it is not only the state machinery, but also people who need to be supportive and work for the larger cause, while adhering to medical guidelines. Hence, this self-imposed curfew is a viable option. Considering how our country progresses over the next few days, in terms of positive corona cases, this curfew may be tried again for a longer period of time. We all need to understand that in such desperate times, we need to be ready for some sacrifices and inconvenience, so that we may emerge stronger and safe from it.

Bal Govind, Noida

PM’s appeal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on the pandemic Covid-19, is a sane, sober and sensible word of precaution and a code of prevention to overcome a threat to human lives (‘PM appeals for Janata Curfew on March 22’, March 20). These are the words of a concerned leader who is prepared — and is not panicking — and who knows that the key to tackle this menace is in the hands of each one of us. The PM’s address will not only boost the morale of the medics and paramedics, but also will buck up the man in the street.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

Economic relief

The world is embroiled in a severe health crisis. This inevitably shall affect economic activity drastically at the global level. The Canadian PM has announced an economic package, whereas PM Narendra Modi has suggested percolation of money from the affluent to the poor. Without a shadow of doubt, the Indian Government should ensure financial support to the business environment.

MUNISH MODGIL, BATALA

Dispersal must

Refer to ‘PIL seeks immediate eviction of Shaheen Bagh protesters’ (March 20); in view of the Covid threat, it is not only the responsibility of the government, but also the citizens of the country to take precautions and

be safe. By ignoring this hazard, the anti-CAA protesters at Shaheen Bagh are endangering their own lives and others too. They should be made to understand the consequences and removed from there at the earliest.

Tanishka Bahl, Dehradun

Hate-mongers & posts

Reference to the news report ‘Delhi House panel asks Whats- App, FB to help identify hate-mongers’ (March 20); it is certainly an appreciable move to seek help from social media to nab thousands of people who post highly provocative and inflammatory posts, igniting hate between religious communities, leading to riots. Apart from hate posts on social media, there should be a check on public speeches of leaders of political parties and religious outfits, IT media cells of parties, handouts and videos. All those guilty should be brought to book and dealt with sternly.

ROOP SINGH NEGI, Solan

Knowledgeable judges

In reference to former CJI Ranjan Gogoi’s Rajya Sabha nomination and an independent judiciary; no doubt, all judges have immense knowledge that can be helpful in making efficacious policies. Their knowledge should be harnessed for the growth and welfare of the country, but there should be a cooling-off period after their retirement, so that people’s trust in the independence of the judiciary can be maintained.

Prabhjot Singh, Ludhiana

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