Fast-changing geopolitics

Refer to ‘Trump-Putin-Modi summit is doable’ (The Great Game); the article delineates the fast-changing global geopolitical scenario in an incisive manner. Unexpected developments have belied expectations of keen watchers of global politics. There is no love lost between Europe and the US. NATO countries have been left to fend for themselves. America always considered Russia as an antagonist; however, this perception has dramatically changed now. Russia no longer poses any threat to America. This volte-face has rattled the whole world. In Trump’s calculations, only China has the strength and wherewithal to take on the Americans. Zelenskyy has been told in plain words that he can carry on the conflict without expecting any financial and military aid from America. Standing by Ukraine, Europe knows it very well that Kyiv cannot sustain the conflict for too long.

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Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Every day is Women’s Day

Apropos of ‘Women’s Day rhetoric vs everyday reality’; Indian women have to work twice as hard to make themselves seen and heard. It is, therefore, a mark of their remarkable resolve and determination that women are leading in many fields today. Political parties are reaching out to them with promises and schemes. There is an increasing representation of women in every sphere. They exhibit innate resilience and achieve success despite hurdles, with or without the support of men. Their irrepressible force has ensured that every day can be called Women’s Day.

Mona Singh, by mail

Women’s freedom a sham

With reference to ‘Why women sarpanches are still not empowered’; it is a satire on women’s empowerment. Their proxy representation is seen not only in Haryana but in other states too, like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Despite women’s reservation in panchayats, they only become puppets after winning and hand over the power to their male relatives. Old traditions are still ingrained in society, so women’s independence is merely a sham. They can’t raise their voices for their betterment and benefits because the real power does not lie in their hands.

Saroj Banyal, Hamirpur

Train female sarpanches

Apropos of ‘Why women sarpanches are still not empowered’; women representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions should be made proficient in performing their official duties to enable them to work independently and effectively. They should be given formal training in administration so that they overcome their diffidence. Women sarpanches remain at sea about the intricacies of Panchayati Raj, enabling their male kin to step in. We need to shed our ingrained patriarchal mindset and effect societal changes to enable women to make their presence felt.

Vimal Sethi, Kapurthala

Make roads better

Refer to ‘Making roads safer’; holding civil engineers and consultants accountable for faulty detailed project reports is a commendable move. Safety measures should be the top priority for engineers while drafting plans for new roads and any laxity in this regard should be taken seriously. Awareness camps must be held regularly. Fully metalled roads should be designed along with signboards and reflectors which are helpful at night. Ambulances should be available 24x7 at the black spots. HD CCTV cameras should be installed along highways. Police personnel should be alert and quick in responding to victims’ call for help.

Himanshu Goyal, Kaithal

Precaution on roads necessary

With reference to ‘Making roads safer’; the Road Transport & Highways Minister has pinpointed faulty road design by engineers and consultants as a key reason for accidents. If the Punjab government’s Sadak Surakhya Force is worth emulating, it should be adopted by other states. Besides, we also need to teach our children about responsible driving. They should not indulge in overspeeding and also avoid drunken driving. If we are able to influence our younger generation, more than half the job will be done.

Bal Govind, Noida