Befitting homage to our heroes

Refer to ‘How India foiled Op Gibraltar in 1965’; the covert operation launched by Pakistan in the Kashmir valley in August 1965 was a devilish precursor to the Indo-Pak war which began a month later. Former Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh’s article is a homage to our great warriors like Capt CN Singh, Lt Gen Harbakhsh Singh, Brig Zora Singh and Brig Manmohan Singh who scuttled Op Gibraltar orchestrated during the regime of Pakistani President Ayub Khan. Very few politicians are fond of reading and writing; Capt Amarinder, a 1965 war veteran, is among them. In order to solve people’s problems, our leaders should develop a love for books and the habit of writing.

Raj Bahadur Yadav, Fatehabad

Talks essential to democracy

Apropos of ‘Why governments need smarter protest strategies, not bans’; Baat se baat banegi (only dialogue can lead to a solution), this axiom is true for a vibrant democracy like ours at all levels, be it at home or at the city, state, national or international levels. Talks between nations is the only way to resolve disputes and ensure lasting peace. People must choose their elected representatives wisely, those who have high calibre and integrity. Jawaharlal Nehru had said, ‘Democracy is good. I say it because other systems are worse’. Without, dissent, debate, discussion and healthy effective opposition, democracy is simply a mannequin. When consensus becomes a norm, rarely will there be protests and bans.

Simi Gandhi, Ferozepur

Handshake, a noble gesture

Sports is a means of promoting freedom and friendship. A handshake is a noble gesture which justifies support and commitment to playing a free and fair sport. Winning or losing will neither change boundaries nor our neighbours, so why so much fuss over handshakes? Nida Fazli once wrote, ‘Dushmani lakh sahi, khatam na kije rishta, dil mile na mile, haath milate rahiye’. Let peace prevail so that sovereignty of both nations remain intact.

Jasvinder Singh, Maloudh

Afforestation not easy

Apropos of ‘Steps Punjab should take to tackle floods’; afforestation along riverbanks and adjoining areas is a difficult task as it requires constant effort and involvement. It takes a minimum of five years for a plant to grow and become a tree. During these five years, the plant has to be protected from stray animals and different weather conditions. For this, watchmen-cum-gardeners will have to be employed from nearby villages. This will help generate employment for the local people living nearby. Trees which grow fast and water absorbing varieties like eucalyptus and poplars should be preferred.

Ashok Bahl, Kangra

The digital influence

Apropos of ‘Hard-hitting TV’; Adolescence exposes the harmful influence of social media on teenagers. What sets the web series apart is its vivid portrayal of how easily adolescents internalise harmful narratives and seek validation and a sense of belonging in the digital space. The distorted sense of self has a profound impact on their mental health, relationships and identity. The theme resonated with many viewers who see their own struggles reflected onscreen. The mini-series urges us to prioritise mental health by fostering open dialogue, providing stronger emotional support and imposing stricter online regulations. The future of the well-being of our children hinges on how we navigate the complexities of the digital age and protect them from its dangers.

Sanjeev Kumar Garg, Rampura Phul

Possessions are transient

Refer to ‘The maverick with a dolphin smile’; it was a deeply moving narrative that beautifully portrayed the paradox of resilience — how one who has endured unbearable personal loss can still radiate warmth, optimism and an unshakable smile. The contrast between a stolen smartphone and the quiet acceptance of life’s greater tragedies was conveyed with rare sensitivity. It reminded us that words of wisdom often come from those who transmute grief into grace and sorrow into serenity. In an age where we magnify trivial inconveniences, the writer reaffirmed an eternal truth — possessions are transient, but the human spirit endures.

Sunita Sikri, Yamunanagar