Can’t remain just slogans

Apropos of ‘Little to be vocal about local’ (Nous Indica, July 4), it is worrisome that what our elders in governance have been thinking and planning has not materialised fully on the ground. Slogans like ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat, though well-intended, have remained mostly unimplemented. Progressive thinking has not helped in boosting the economy adequately as per expectations. The slogans have remained popular jumlas. With our relations with China going sour and the focus on reducing dependence on cheap Chinese products, ushering in self-sufficiency under Atmanirbhar Bharat has become all the more essential. The adverse situation demands unleashing of industrial skills and entrepreneurial acumen of one and all Indians to the optimum for gradually reducing our dependence on foreign goods.

KL Noatay, UK

Economically vulnerable

‘Little to be vocal about local’ (Nous Indica) highlights our economic vulnerabilities in these hard times when the nation is grappling with the pandemic. Amid the LAC faceoff with China, we have to spare a thought for our model of economic growth which heavily depends on imports. We cannot have true self-reliance without giving a fillip to our manufacturing sector. Selling or reselling old public sector undertakings or sick factories won’t bring about the desired results. An economy based on imports can crumble any moment because of its shaky foundation.

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

Taking on the system

In ‘Time for a movement against police brutality’, (July 4), the writer has tried to be more politically correct than upfront. He has blamed the increased pressure from civil society for police brutality, whereas it is exactly the opposite of it, which allows the police to indulge in such brutality with impunity. Civil society has been crippled in the country today. There was none from the marketplace or residential areas to go to the police station to enquire about the arrest of Jayaraj and his son. The writer further says that it is not easy for a police leader, even one committed to human rights to fight the system. Why not? Back home at Mohali, the case of the disappearance of Balwant Singh Multani is moving up and down the judicial labyrinth. Morally upright police leaders need to clean the stable even at the cost of their jobs. It is time for the top police leadership to lead from the front.

Lt Col GS Bedi (Retd), Mohali

Not power-surplus

Refer to the July 4 report regarding PSPCL’s record power generation. PSPCL generated 3,018 lakh units of electricity on July 3, the highest-ever in history. I belong to Bengal and have been staying at Kapurthala for the past three years due to my service. Since childhood, I had the perception that Punjab was self-sufficient in electricity. But my experience is just the opposite. There are frequent power cuts in Kapurthala. When mild wind blows or there is very little rain, a power cut is inevitable. Even on the historic day of highest power generation, we experienced frequent cuts.

PK Bhowmik, Kapurthala

Profit, not sewa

The editorial, ‘Misleading brand name’(July 3), is an eye-opener about the sorry state of affairs prevalent in commercial, pro-profit ayurveda venture, Patanjali Trust. The brand name of the medicine, ‘Corona kit’ is misleading to say the least. The name is cleverly crafted to target the semi-literate and illiterate masses. Ramdev, who has amassed millions through Patanjali, should have risen to the occasion during this pandemic and distributed free medicines as sewa rather than trying to feather his own nest.

Amandeep Singh Grover, Toronto

Don’t put off exams

Both NEET and JEE have been postponed for the second time due to Covid. The government should go ahead with the exams without more delays. It is important to keep the aspirants away from stress and prolonged exam fear. Exams should be conducted with all precautions as Covid has to be seen as part of life now, and life has to keep on moving.

Amit Singla, Sangrur

Caution only way

The editorial ‘Life unlocked’ (July 3) is a genuine piece of advice to every stratum of society to adhere to the guidelines or be ready to face the consequences similar to that of the US. The government should roll back its order allowing buses to run with full capacity. It should also ban rallies and protests at public places being organised by various political parties. The fight against the pandemic must be undertaken by all.

Anil Vinayak, Amritsar

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