National Anthem not a bargaining chip

With reference to ‘Our anthem embodies the idea of India’; the BJP’s push to prioritise Vande Mataram over the National Anthem reeks of political opportunism. Making it compulsory in schools, where students struggle to recite basic poems, is being tone-deaf to their abilities and disrespectful to the nation’s martyrs. If the BJP’s top leaders can sing Vande Mataram flawlessly without reading, maybe then they would qualify to dictate their wishes. This move appears to be a blatant attempt to whip up jingoism and distract the public from pressing issues. The National Anthem represents the nation’s unity and sovereignty; it shouldn’t be a bargaining chip in electoral politics.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Kharar

Sanskritised Vande Mataram

Apart from the constitutional status of the National Anthem and the National Song, the fact remains that Vande Mataram has been written in highly Sanskritised Bengali. Jana Gana Mana aces both tests as a National Anthem — it is inspirational and has words that are understood by the masses. Vande Mataram is routinely garroted and slaughtered when it is sung by our netas, including those from the BJP. If singing just two stanzas is a struggle, imagine what will happen when six of those have to be rendered en masse.

Lalit Mohan, Gurugram

Misusing AI for political gains

Refer to ‘Sarma’s speeches’; the concerns over the AI-generated video of Himanta Biswa Sarma shooting point blank at a photograph of two Muslims go beyond partisan politics. If political messaging uses imagery that can be read as targeting religious communities, it risks eroding the constitutional promise of equality and social harmony. The episode highlights the need for greater responsibility in public communication by those holding high offices. In a diverse democracy, symbolism and rhetoric carry real consequences, shaping public behaviour and social trust.

SS Paul, Nadia (WB)

Will AI provide jobs?

Refer to ‘AI for all: PM positions India as tech hub, kicks off global summit’; this vision must deliver job opportunities to the 27 % youth in the 15-29 age group amongst the 1.4 billion citizens of our country. What we need is AI skills for our vast workforce, affordable multilingual tools to counter high model costs and robust GPU infrastructure beyond tier II/ III cities. Prioritise precision farming, AI-driven diagnostics to address doctor shortages and ethical data frameworks against bias. Tackle water stress, pollution, congestion and disasters directly. Through ‘Create in India’ startups, public-private partnerships and inclusive R&D, India can set global benchmarks.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Pak team played under pressure

Refer to ‘Cricket mismatch’; the T20 cricket match between India and Pakistan was one- sided by all means. The Pakistan team is not as bad as they performed, but it could not just stand up to the firewall created by the Indian cricketers, with BCCI giving them the best training, coaches and the best remuneration. The players appeared to be under performance stress as their Pakistani fans expect them to win against India. Playing a natural game and enjoying it is the best way to give good performances, victory or defeat depends on many other factors.

SS Bhathal, Calgary (Canada)

Dissent not anti-national

The recent developments in Parliament, especially the attempt to silence the Leader of the Opposition, raise serious concerns about the health of our democracy. Disagreements and sharp criticism are natural in a parliamentary system, but branding dissent as “anti-national” or disqualifying elected representatives weakens democratic values. The Opposition’s voice is not an obstacle; it is an essential pillar that ensures accountability and balance. When debates are cut short and questioning is discouraged, it reduces Parliament to a mere formality. Democracy grows through dialogue, not suppression.

Parul Rana, Zirakpur