Denigrating Mahatma

I am appalled by the campaign launched for the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s statues in the UK by misguided and ill-informed few. The statues had been erected on public demand to recognise Gandhi’s immense contribution to the free world. I shudder to think what our world would have been today without Gandhi’s struggle for racial equality. To call him a racist is out of order, when he dedicated his life fighting racism, imperial rule and shaped the world as we see it today. He was not only an Indian leader but also a universal icon who inspired people across the globe with his ideals. The civil rights movement under Dr Martin Luther King was the result of Gandhi’s inspiration. The struggle against apartheid by Nelson Mandela is another example. Apart from British monarchs, no other person in history has had stamps issued to honour him as many times as Gandhi. Over 50 countries have issued postage stamps to honour him. Those who attempt to denigrate his memory are doing the same for humanity itself, and this cannot be allowed to happen.

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Lord Rami Ranger CBE, by mail

Boycott possible?

Apropos of ‘Jingoism is not the answer’ (June 22), the Galwan clash has fuelled popular jingoism among the people to boycott Chinese products. But among all this hurly-burly of devious stratagem, the question that arises is whether India is really ready to initiate a trade war with China, when its own manufacturing ability is limited? Are we ready to take the hardest pinch, as prices will increase for a host of items, ranging from mobile phones, smart TVs to cars? Are we ready to make India ‘atmanirbhar’ at the cost of our luxuries? During the Non-Cooperation Movement, Indians spurned foreign goods and burnt foreign clothes, but eventually had to go back to them due to lack of alternative Indian merchandise.

Shruti Garg, Shimla

Tough times

Refer to ‘For bread and butter’; India is among the countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Almost one-third of the total population has lost jobs. All sectors have declined sharply. Before this, malnutrition was rampant, especially among children, but now hunger is becoming widespread too. Millions of workers are at a risk of falling deeper into poverty. It is tough on teachers too. Cutting salaries or removing teachers will have a negative impact on student learning. It will also impact the education of millions of students.

BhavyA Chhabra, Ambala Cantt

The Galwan crisis

The most worrying factor for India is the Galwan valley intrusion, as China’s claim to the river valley can be disastrous for India. Chinese troops may use the strategic location advantage for themselves and can cause heavy harm to the Indian side. Thus there is a need to settle the issue diplomatically and strive to free the valley by any means. India must keep in mind the razor-edge editorial of the Global Times, ‘China does not want war but is also not fearful of conflict.’ At the same time, India must expedite the remaining development work in the border region at a terrific pace.

Mushtaq Ahmad Butt, Kulgam

Lightning strikes

It is unfortunate that over one hundred people died when struck by lightning in North and Northeast India. During monsoon, lightning strikes are common. People need to be made aware about this aspect and to adopt safety measures, so that loss of life can be prevented. We should not rush for shelter below trees, where lightning strike is severe. If caught in an open area, one should sit crouching down with feet together and head tucked in over the knees. Shelter in a building is the safest. Such tips should be passed on to all by the local administration, especially in rural, isolated and remote areas.

SUBHASH VAID, NEW DELHI

Bogus claim

Apropos of the editorial ‘Patanjali’s dubious claim’ (June 26), the tearing hurry in which the leading ayurvedic company launched its drug, proclaiming it as a remedy for Covid-19, even without the government’s permission, is too serious an issue to be taken lightly. Riding on the crest of its popularity and cashing in on the public’s growing trust in the curative power of herbs, Patanjali sidelined the requirement for certification and started promoting it. This unethical business practice speaks volumes about the firm’s insatiable lust for pelf and popularity. Mounting litigation against Patanjali reflects people’s growing intolerance to its misleading claims and malpractices.

Deepak Kaushik, Radaur

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