No conversations out of fear

With reference to ‘Mile sur mera tumhara? Not really’ (The Great Game); India’s anthem of harmony now rings hollow in the era of Naya India. Prof Francesca Orsini’s expulsion and muted academic voices are stark reminders: we are not just disagreeing less, we are ceasing to converse at all. Ironically, while the BJP orchestrates seamless journeys home for migrants, doors are shut on scholars seeking engagement. Democracy is open to dissent, debate — but both are dwindling. A strong glue may hold broken pieces, but true unity requires a chorus, not a solo. Mile sur mera tumhara? It’s a question echoing in the growing silence.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Academia must speak up

Refer to ‘Mile sur mera tumhara? Not really’; sur may not always coalesce to create symphonies to soothe every ear. In a democracy, discussion, debate and diverse views are channelised into actions that propel the nation forward. This helps in various fields, whether its diplomacy, internal security, the country’s progress, the well-being of citizens, or welcoming foreign visitors. Academia and social scientists must freely express their views that will help form public opinion and contribute to the nation’s policy-making. None of this seems to be happening at present. To make matters worse, the public is fed all kinds of misinformation in the name of news, information, debate and entertainment on social media.

Hira Sharma, by mail

Bad omen for democracy

Apropos of ‘Mile sur mera tumhara? Not really’; these days, the country is becoming a bit intolerant of free speech, debate and intellectual expressions and people are a bit scared to express their views. Besides, the society is fragmented on linguistic, religious and caste lines, which is not a good sign of a vibrant democracy like ours. For the prosperity of any nation, creativity, free expression and cohesiveness of all the sections of society is a must, which need to be maintained at all costs.

Ramesh Singh Khalsa, Nawanshahr

Orsini’s exit India’s loss

With reference to ‘Orsini’s deportation lays bare fragility of academic freedom’; Francesca Orsini being asked to leave, without giving any valid reason, has erected barriers against foreign scholars who have devoted decades to study Indian languages and cultures. Sadly, very few academicians and intellectuals have stood up to protest the global scholar’s expulsion. Her deportation will discourage foreign scholars choosing India as a research field and the principal loser is India. Orsini has made reading and understanding a journey of pleasure rather than a mere accumulation of knowledge.

Harbinder S Dhillon, Una

Commerce minister’s firm stand

Apropos of ‘No deal with gun to head: Goyal on US Russian oil claim’; Commerce minister Piyush Goyal rightly reaffirmed India’s policy on trade deals, while speaking at the Berlin Global Dialogue. He was responding to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s claim that India had begun scaling back Russian oil imports. Goyal has made it clear that trade deals are long-term agreements, based on mutual respect and national interest and India does not sign such deals in a hurry. India is set to become a $30-trillion economy by 2047. Our government is looking at new markets and creating strong demand within the country. All future deals would be negotiated accordingly.

Vijaya Sharma, by mail

Satish Shah’s intelligent comedy

The passing away of comedian Satish Shah marks the end of an era. Few artistes have displayed the versatility, comic timing and effortless charm that Shah brought to every role. From the satirical brilliance of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro to the middle-class warmth of Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and the urbane wit of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, he transcended mediums and generations. His characters reflected society’s quirks with empathy. Shah’s genius lay in making humour a shared emotion — intelligent yet accessible, sharp yet humane. His work reminds us that comedy flows from observation.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali