Refer to ‘Our Republic’s soul lives in we, the people’; the article aptly reminds us that a republic is measured by the lived reality of its citizens. While India has rightly prioritised national security, the constitutional assurances like dignity, equality and fraternity are far from reassuring. However, given India’s economic progress, the glaring gap between the rich and the poor remains worrisome. Moreover, rising majoritarianism, the othering of minorities and vigilante violence have further fragmented society. When inclusion erodes, the idea of “We, the People” is diminished. The State must honour its constitutional promise, reduce inequality, protect dignity and strengthen fraternity in letter and spirit.
Chanchal S Mann, Una
Punjab’s youth wants jobs
With reference to ‘Punjab’s promise and its paradoxes’; for a long time, Punjab’s politics has remained trapped in farm-centric assurances, subsidies and Centre–state confrontations. While agriculture remains vital, it can no longer absorb the aspirations of Punjab’s growing youth population. The young seek stable jobs, fair wages and dignified living conditions. What frustrates them most is the gap between promises made and promises fulfilled. Repeated assurances followed by policy inertia have deepened disillusionment. Skill development and entrepreneurship aligned with market needs must replace short-term populist measures. Punjab’s leadership will have to place employment at the centre of governance.
Harish Monga, Ferozepur
Posthumous awards lack impact
The recent announcement to posthumously confer the Padma Vibhushan on the legendary actor Dharmendra is a well-deserved recognition, yet it brings a lingering sense of ‘too little, too late’. While posthumous awards honour a legacy, they lack the profound impact of acknowledging greatness while the recipient is still alive, except in war or other acts of bravery, to witness the nation’s gratitude. When the state delays such honours, the gesture feels more like a footnote. We must celebrate our icons while they can still glow in the spotlight they so rightfully earned.
Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar
When leaders ignored SYL row
Apropos of ‘Khattar hopeful of SYL breakthrough ahead of Punjab-Haryana CMs’ meet’; perhaps, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal will not allow Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to arrive at a conclusion. Only Devi Lal and Parkash Singh Badal had the heft to solve this contentious issue during their tenures as CMs of Haryana and Punjab, respectively. However, they chose to ignore it, despite strong bonhomie at a personal level. This topic arises only during Assembly elections just to browbeat the electorate.
Upendra Sharma, by mail
Freebies vs govt schemes
Recently, the Supreme Court made the distinction between welfare spending and freebies. However, in 2013, the apex court had said that making promises in election manifestos was not to be considered a corrupt practice. The SC’s oral pronouncement appears to criticise freebies implicitly by citing a better use of the State’s largesse. It declares the State’s obligation to honour the Constitution by formulating developmental schemes in place of freebies. Freebies can be seen as a waste of resources, not just hurdles in the way of free and fair elections. The distinction between wasting public funds in order to come to power and using these funds for development of the less privileged lays bare the difference between grabbing power and the actual responsibility of governance.
Yash Pal Ralhan, Jalandhar
Bindra took cricket to heights
Former BCCI president late IS Bindra’s association with cricket started in 1975. He played instrumental roles in the breaking of Doordarshan’s monopoly in the broadcast of cricket matches and the organising of the 1987 World Cup in India. If today we see a lot of money in cricket, the credit goes to Bindra. Mohali will remain indebted to him for getting an international stadium in the region.
Bal Govind, Noida
