Madhav’s comeback

With reference to the editorial ‘Ram Madhav returns’, the development comes at a time when the BJP is navigating a transformed political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, thanks to the abrogation of Article 370 and the delimitation exercise that has altered electoral dynamics. Madhav, once the architect of the BJP-PDP alliance, has now entered a more complex arena, where his ability to deal with new challenges will be crucial. His recent call for humility in politics hints at an evolving BJP strategy, potentially softening its image. As J&K prepares for Assembly polls after a long hiatus, the newly inducted BJP election incharge could play a pivotal role in shaping a campaign that moves beyond divisive rhetoric, offering hope for a region long embroiled in turmoil. But the moot question is: Can Madhav’s pragmatism help bridge the deep divide in J&K’s politics?

Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali

India not safe for women

Apropos of ‘Unsafe women’; it is unfortunate that women in India hesitate to even go out at night because they fear for their safety. Rape cases make headlines every day, striking fear in their minds. Isn’t it ironic that women don’t feel safe in a country that reveres goddesses like Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, among others? Only a collective effort can make a difference. From the powers that be to common folks, we all bear responsibility.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

Bid to cover up rape a disgrace

With reference to the news report ‘CBI sees cover-up bid, says crime spot altered’; if the probe agency’s allegation about an attempt to hush up the matter is true, it is a disgrace. It raises a lot of questions. Whom are the people in power trying to shield? And why? The nation, which has still not recovered from the shock of the Kolkata horror, is keen on seeing the culprits brought to justice. The matter must be probed thoroughly so that no one who tried to cover up the heinous act is spared.

Jagdish Chander, Jalandhar

Polio scare in India

A fresh case of polio has been detected in Meghalaya, even though India was declared polio-free a decade ago. The resurgence of this debilitating disease in the country is alarming. It is a stark reminder of the need for sustained efforts to eradicate polio. The onus is on the government authorities and health officials concerned to take immediate measures to contain the spread of the disease and ensure that all children are vaccinated against the disease. Besides, steps should be taken to spread awareness about the importance of inoculation in the fight against polio. Moreover, it is essential to strengthen our surveillance and monitoring systems to detect and respond to the detection of polio cases promptly.

Karan Kumar, Jalandhar

Switch to IPVs to combat disease

A two-year-old in Meghalaya has become the first case of polio in the country since 2011. It is a matter of grave concern, as India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation in 2014. The return of the highly contagious infectious disease that can even cause fatal paralysis must be taken seriously. Children in developed countries like Canada and the US are administered inactivated polio vaccines (IPVs). India, however, relies on the use of both IPVs and oral polio vaccines to combat the threat of the disease. The fresh case in Meghalaya highlights the urgent need for India to ditch oral vaccines and switch completely to IPVs.

Bhumika, by mail

Ensure specialised care for geriatrics

We age every minute, but what is the cut-off age to be considered old? Many definitions have been propounded. In our country, the retirement age varies from 58 to 60 years. In some sectors, the age of superannuation has been pushed up to 65 years. A WHO classification of age groups is: 0-17 (underage), 18-65 (young), 66-79 (middle-aged) and 80-plus (the aged). It is important to develop consensus on who is a ‘geriatric’. Despite elderly people accounting for a sizeable portion of the population, there are hardly any specialised clinicians for their care or exclusive departments to attend to their needs. When geriatrics face medical problems, they are treated by clinicians who handle general patients. The masses are unaware that this age group requires specialised care, which is available at only select institutions. It is time to take remedial measures in this regard.

Roma Uppal, by mail

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