Shoe hurling: Growing intolerance corroding national fabric

Apropos of ‘Elderly lawyer tries to hurl shoe at CJI Gavai over insult to Sanatan’; the shocking act is a shameful reflection of the growing intolerance corroding our national fabric. When even the educated and supposedly enlightened sections of society resort to such uncivil behaviour, it signals a dangerous moral decay. This mindset stems from blind religious fanaticism, political manipulation and a deliberate assault on reason and constitutional values. India’s strength lies in its tolerance, diversity and respect for differing opinions — not in emotional outbursts and mob-like reactions. Such disgraceful conduct against the head of the judiciary undermines the dignity of law. The nation must wake up to this rising tide of irrationality before it drowns our collective sanity.

BS Kakkar, Jalandhar

Judge’s off-the-cuff remarks

It’s understandable that the remarks made by the Chief Justice while dismissing a plea regarding the reconstruction of a Lord Vishnu idol may have caused anguish, but the lawyer’s aggressive reaction cannot be justified. It is essential to maintain decorum and respect the judiciary, even when disagreeing with judicial verdicts. While judges are expected to make decisions based on the law, it’s essential for them to be to be mindful of their words. Unpleasant remarks made in court can have far-reaching consequences and may be perceived as biased or insensitive.

Ajay Bagga, Hoshiarpur

Do not ruffle religious feathers

Apropos of the shoe hurling episode towards the Chief Justice by a senior advocate of the Supreme Court, it has once again highlighted the psychology of the educated and law-abiding citizens regarding their religious sentiments. Though the episode is shameful, it has raised a question mark on the role of the most senior judicial officer who made unnecessary comments on the religion of a particular person. People in seats of power must acknowledge sensitivity of issues before passing unsolicited comments.

Navneet Seth, Talwandi Sabo

Politicians with scientific temper

Apropos of ‘China owes a lot to its engineers’; what and where is the problem with the Indian system that we don’t figure among the developed nations? The world’s most populous and stable democracy with abundant availability of men, material and natural resources, with efficient leaders like Nehru, APJ Abdul Kalam and Manmohan Singh at the helm in the past, can plan and execute projects well. China has changed the face of the nation at tremendous speed by bringing quality education. We need a political leadership with scientific temper, foresight, nationalism and integrity beyond compare.

BM Singh, Amritsar

Rare glimmer of hope

With reference to ‘Gaza war’; based on President Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan, the ongoing indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have offered a rare glimmer of hope for peace in the war-ravaged territory. Nevertheless, the proposed Hamas’s disarmament and its exclusion from governance, the recognition of Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood, and Israel’s intensified shelling and airstrikes pose a challenge to these negotiations. India has welcomed this bold diplomatic initiative as peace and stability in West Asia would provide significant economic and strategic benefits and protect its foreign policy, energy security and diaspora, and improve the fractured relations with the US.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

Barber, the match-maker

Apropos of ‘The village barber was a class apart’; till about five decades ago, the barber, just like a wanderer, made his presence felt in homes and mohallas. Instant shave and hair- cut, coupled with head massage, were done at your doorstep. Another important role of a barber, especially in villages and small towns used to be that of a ‘matrimonial agent’, for which all families relied on his advice. As he was fully acquainted with the details of most families, he was considered the most reliable match-maker. The opening up of salons have undermined the stature of the old-world barber.

VK Anand, Chandigarh