India at the forefront of space agriculture

With reference to ‘Aiming for a rich harvest in space’; Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in the space mission marks not just a national milestone but a global leap toward sustainable space exploration. It is heartening to see India at the forefront of pioneering research in space agriculture, an area critical to the future of space missions and potential extra-terrestrial settlements. The collaboration between ISRO, the Department of Biotechnology and NASA reflects the power of international partnerships in advancing science. As space becomes the next frontier for human habitation, food sustainability is a non-negotiable priority. Just as ancient civilisations revolutionised farming on Earth, this mission might well lay the foundation for farming in space.

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Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Sowing seeds of hope on space

Refer to ‘Aiming for a rich harvest in space’; Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to pioneer a groundbreaking experiment — studying the impact of microgravity on food crop seeds. The second Indian to go into space, his work could unlock the secrets of growing nutritious food in space, vital for future long-duration space travel. Imagine lush, floating gardens orbiting the Earth, feeding astronauts on their cosmic journeys, a dream now within reach. This bold step places India at the frontier of space agriculture. It is a proud moment — sowing seeds of hope for humanity’s future.

Vijay Kumar Katial, Panchkula

Social stereotypes a roadblock

Refer to ‘Literacy scorecard’; India’s literacy rate of around 81 per cent should be considered an accomplishment compared to the literacy rate at the time of Independence. However, the Periodic Labour Force Survey data for 2023-24 also shows that persistent disparities are preventing the country from achieving universal literacy. This disparity is particularly apparent in gender bias and the urban-rural divide. Societal stereotypes, lack of public awareness and the economic divide aggravate the problem.

Abhijit Roy, Jamshedpur

Social duty of professionals

Kudos to The Tribune for bringing out the Health page. Dr Amod Gupta, Professor Emeritus, PGI, shed light on glaucoma, which damages the eyes in many forms. He explained in the layman’s language chitta motia (cataract) and kala motia (glaucoma). I wish more doctors like him perform their social duty, as is expected from their profession. Most professionals just want to earn more money by utilising their skills. Most doctors go in for private consultations to fill their pockets. I hope more eminent doctors in their specialised fields contribute towards society. This is the need of the hour.

Chaman Lal, Chandigarh

Big milestone for J&K infra

Apropos of ‘PM to open Kashmir railway link on June 6’; it will be a red-letter day in the history of the Railways when PM Modi will inaugurate two Vande Bharat trains connecting Katra in Jammu to the interiors of Kashmir like Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian and Srinagar. The project is seeing the light of day three decades after it was envisioned. The project was sanctioned in 1994-95 and work began in 1997. It would definitely boost trade and tourism and make access to the ‘paradise on earth’ easier.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

Impeachment motion

Refer to ‘Justice Varma likely to be impeached in next Parliament session’; the HC judge, from whose house cash amounting to crores of rupees was found, has refused to resign. The government is initiating impeachment proceedings after his indictment by a Supreme Court-appointed committee. Since the adoption of the Constitution, the impeachment process has been initiated against only five judges. But no judge could be impeached owing to different reasons. The process is very lengthy and requires political consensus, which is difficult to achieve. Previous cases mostly ended in resignation or retirement.

Vinay Kumar Malhotra, Ambala Cantt