Meaningful freedom

Apropos of ‘A long list of opponents’, democracy has had its ups and downs under every successive government, more so today. We notice that those who speak saner things are punished unnecessarily. This should be undone for the greater interest of making the country vibrant. Whatever we speak and write in public must be tempered with civility and grace. Any national reconstruction and mission requires cooperative endeavour, and before hauling our opponents, we have to take their arguments reasonably and not consider them as enemies. Without meaningful liberty and freedom, democracy will be in chains.

PARTHASARATHY SEN, NEW DELHI

Reeks of authoritarianism

Refer to ‘A long list of opponents’; the slogan of ‘Congress-mukt Bharat’ seems to have degenerated into ‘Opposition-mukt Bharat’. The sedition Act, which ought to be invoked in the rarest of rare cases, is now being invoked at the drop of a hat to stifle dissenting voices. It is unfortunate that people are immediately categorised as anti-national or seditionists and draconian laws like the UAPA are slapped against them. This policy reeks of totalitarianism and despotism. Right to freedom of expression enshrined in our Constitution will lose its meaning and significance if the voice of dissent is misconstrued as sedition. The imposition of Emergency was a one-off aberration, but now our democratic rights are imperilled indefinitely.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Logjam continues

Both the Centre and farmers’ unions are adopting aggressive tactics to browbeat each other, resulting in a logjam over farm issues. If the police act of barricading and fortifying Delhi borders is a repressive measure, the call by farmers’ unions to block highways is also not justified as means of a peaceful agitation. Both sides must show magnanimity in resolving the issue before the nation is plunged into a state of anarchy and civil unrest.

Anil Vinayak, Amritsar

Fiery Tikait

Refer to ‘Time for firefighting’; hyperbolic statements by Tikait could hinder the creation of a peaceful atmosphere for talks, allowing others to interfere in India’s internal matters. Multiple barriers on the agitation sites are to check any repetition of the January 26 violence.

Pawan Rakheja, Gurugram

Scripted news

News channels have taken the role of the mouthpiece of political parties instead of conveying news. Parties have been spending crores of rupees to spread their own propaganda through the media. Contents in this politically driven media are usually twisted according to the needs of their own ideology and thus helps in the propagation of narcissistic politics. Parties are more interested in forming governments for their vested interests rather than serving people. One is advised to remain alert to use his or her wisdom in understanding the various complexities of politics.

Amandeep Bains, Kurukshetra

Sanctity of Spiti

Since the Spiti valley is finally opening the door for tourists after almost a year, tourists as well as the locals are excited at the prospect. Now that the valley is Covid-free, all precautionary measures must be followed since there may be a surge in the number of tourists with the opening of the Atal Tunnel. It is essential to keep the virus attack at bay. Let’s hope the sanctity of the region is maintained and the snow keeps glowing white.

Shivani Bansal, Rampura Phul

Corruption a way of life

The news report ‘Indian jailed in UAE for offering bribe’ is rather interesting in the Indian context, where corruption and bribery have become so rampant that it has become part of our culture now. Nobody is ashamed of either demanding or giving bribes to get work done, more so government servants and general public. It is difficult for the common man to get even the minutest of work done without greasing the palms of officials.

Ramit Bagga, Panchkula

Biden a case study

US President Joe Biden is 78 years old. His first wife and child were killed in a road accident, and a son died of cancer. The second son was discharged from the US navy following cocaine use. Biden also suffered from life-threatening aneurysms and face muscle paralysis. Despite facing unfavourable situations, he became the President of the most powerful country in the world. He is physically and mentally fit to take up this huge responsibility. It is a perfect case study for senior citizens of the world, because at the age of 60, they think that everything is over. What an inspiring and motivational life!

RK Arora, Amritsar

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