Artistic licence matters
Refer to ‘An Emergency in Punjab’ (The Great Game); a ban never serves any purpose. Seeking a ban on a movie or a book just gives it free publicity. If a movie hurts the sentiments of individuals or groups, they have the freedom to avoid it rather than forcing others not to watch it. No movie or book can be an accurate representation of facts and history. Some artistic licence is bound to be conceded. The time has come for us to act as a mature democracy and allow freedom of expression and speech to flourish. Let us cherish this freedom rather than make a mockery of it.
Gurnoor Grewal, Chandigarh
Focus on Kangana’s acting
Apropos of ‘An Emergency in Punjab’; Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ is facing protests from Sikh groups. Punjabis are up in arms over her comments on the farmers’ protests. People are accusing her of distorting facts about Sikhs in the film and highlighting blasphemous content. Kangana is a versatile actor, and the audience must focus on her acting. We must not forget that films are made for the sake of entertainment. The film has received mixed reviews, but it must not be banned and the people must see it to form their own opinion.
Sonali Mukhherjee, Mohali
Accept others’ perspective
With reference to ‘An Emergency in Punjab’; the Kangana starrer has generated a lot of controversy because many people think that the movie portrays Sikhs, especially Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, in a bad light. This movie only aims to portray the Emergency era. We must be ready to accept each other’s perspective. So, we should watch the movie without taking it as a threat to any religion or community.
Ramandeep, Jalandhar
Efficient monitoring system
Refer to ‘Shun corruption’; keeping in view the plight of the underprivileged in society, the CJI has candidly expressed concern that corruption breeds inequality and the disadvantaged are the worst hit. These citizens generally lack confidence, so they are scared of complaining. The grievances of the public should be attended to and addressed promptly to the satisfaction of the complainants. An efficient monitoring system needs to be established to have latest information about the disposal of cases. This is one of the remedies to make the system efficient.
Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar
Top players not spared
With reference to ‘BCCI talks tough’; the BCCI has taken the right decision to tell the cricket players to follow rules and regulations during matches. As the team lost the recent Australia series 1-3, the board was compelled to take harsh decisions and even top players were not spared. The BCCI has told them to avoid taking families along on tours as far as possible so that their performance is not affected. Sportspersons should give due priority to the sport.
Subhash C Taneja, Gurugram
Simplicity in mourning rituals
With reference to the news report ‘Panchayat prohibits jalebis, pakoras at bhog ceremonies’; this move rightly aims at discouraging wasteful expenditure on bhogs, which are primarily held to pray for the peace of the departed soul. This step would go a long way in promoting simplicity in mourning rituals. It would ease financial burden on the bereaved families and lessen the unhealthy competition on such occasions. Even more laudable is the decision to use the fine collected for welfare projects.
NK Gosain, Bathinda
BJP’s hypocrisy
Refer to ‘BJP vows Rs 2,500 aid for women, LPG at Rs 500 in Delhi manifesto’; the Prime Minister’s criticism of freebies offered by Opposition parties falls flat when his own party adopts the same tactics. This glaring hypocrisy highlights the need for politicians to lead by example and abandon unsustainable practices. Perhaps India is the only democracy where such blatant voter appeasement overshadows meaningful policy debates. Parties must focus on sustainable reforms in education, healthcare and employment to ensure real progress.
Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar
