Great Indian statesmen
Apropos of ‘Our Constitution an ode to consensus’; our Constituent Assembly had great statesmen as its members. Sardar Patel ensured that if any amendments were made, “they were sought voluntarily by the minorities themselves and not imposed on them by the majority community”. It was due to this approach towards consensus that members of the minority communities agreed to do away with the practice of separate representation for religious minorities. The British government had introduced the provision of reservation for representatives on the basis of religion. Had this practice continued after Independence, it would have played havoc with the social fabric of the country. The members of the Constituent Assembly sorted out this problem with consensus. The present government should take a leaf out of their working and not rush through amendments.
Arun Hastir, Gurdaspur
Unity a hallmark of Constitution
Refer to ‘Our Constitution an ode to consensus’; its very existence and relevance are rooted in the art of compromise and dialogue. In a nation as diverse as India, unity cannot be achieved by erasing differences but by embracing them. The framers of the Constitution recognised this truth and built a framework that celebrates plurality while ensuring cohesion. For India to thrive as a democracy, it must continue to uphold this spirit of consensus, adapting to new challenges while staying true to its foundation.
Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak
UCC template
With reference to ‘Uttarakhand’s UCC’; on the face of it, the Uniform Civil Code is a forward-looking mechanism, which attempts to unify people irrespective of caste, creed or social status. India’s existence hinges on diversity with people practising different religions. The UCC attempts to bring everyone together on the same platform. Experiments tinkering with diversity are fraught with dangers, if the waters are not tested beforehand. A lot depends on the outcome of the implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand for other states to follow suit.
Deepak Taak, Panchkula
US cooperation lacking
Apropos of ‘Trump unfettered’; his decision to severe ties with the WHO is shortsighted. The Covid pandemic revealed the need for international cooperation. Abandoning the global institution will keep the US out of necessary partnerships in future emergencies at the global level. Similarly, pulling out of the Paris Agreement takes away any commitment on the part of the US to address climate change. The world needs leadership, not retreat. Furthermore, his order to pardon US Capitol rioters shows his disregard for accountability. While Trump’s rhetoric appeals to a segment of Americans, his policies leave much to be desired in terms of global cooperation, democratic values and long-term sustainability. Nations, in general, must advocate for a more inclusive and responsible global leadership.
SANJAY CHOPRA, MOHALI
Give teachers their due
The recent approval of the 8th Pay Commission for Central Government employees is a heartening development. However, college teachers in Punjab are still waiting for the implementation of the UGC’s 7th Pay Commission. This is due to the lackadaisical attitude of the Department of Public Instructions (DPI), Punjab. This delay has had a serious impact on the mental and financial wellbeing of teachers working in the state’s colleges. Moreover, this also shows the difference in the work culture of the Central and state governments.
Yogesh Sharma, Kapurthala
Inconclusive efforts
The tug of war between the Centre and the farmers over the MSP issue is not reaching any conclusion. Fasting protester Jagjit Singh Dallewal is making demands that the Centre finds difficult to accept, perhaps due to financial constraints. But the farmer unions are not ready to understand the Centre’s compulsions. People are inconvenienced due to frequent bandhs and rail rokos. The farm leaders must keep the problems faced by the public in mind while negotiating with the Centre.
Bansi Ram, Hoshiarpur
