No more civil

It is a sad day that politics in India has dipped to the lowest ebb. Barbs and jibes have become a tool to defame opponents to win elections. Unprecedented exchange of barbs leading to the Delhi elections was unwarranted and unpardonable. In fact a divide has been created within the country which has crept into every home, thus tearing apart close relationships. Moreover, the atmosphere created by our elected representatives in Parliament, is undesirable and does not behove the high status. The need of the hour is self-restraint by one and all, high or low, to keep the social fabric intact and take the country forward in terms of all-round vikas for every section of society, without any bias.

Advertisement

Sardul S Dhawan, Chandigarh

Right to Internet

Refer to the editorial ‘Internet curbs’ (Feb 8); Internet, as the apex court has rightly mentioned, is a fundamental right and the Centre cannot continue with the restrictions beyond a period of time. Internet is no more a luxury, it has become integral part of our lives. The Internet curb has not only hurt locals in the Valley, but also the tourism sector. Airlines, travel agencies and hotels, all have suffered massively in the past six months. The government must take cognisance of this fact and ensure that Internet services are restored and people are allowed to speak up and share their views.

Bal Govind, Noida

Tired of politicians

At a time when voters are being criticised for turnout in fewer numbers, the blame actually rests with politicians and their poor image among the masses. Politicians are selfish and corrupt. Why should we queue up at a booth in biting cold to vote for someone who will reappear only after five years? And while some politicians express their desire for making voting compulsory, can we, in a similar way, ask them to make working towards national development mandatory?

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana

Harsh, but true

The language used by Rahul Gandhi may be harsh against the PM, but the sentiments and facts expressed are not wrong. The language used may be wrong, but the fact remains that youth has been betrayed by the false promises made by Modi of giving them two crore jobs, whereas they have been rendered jobless. They see their dark future in the country and feel that they have been cheated. They may want to give the PM the same punishment as suggested by Rahul for playing with their future.

DK WIG, by mail

Ban ‘vanity’ ads

Reference to ‘Up to five years of jail, Rs 50 lakh fine for skin, hair growth magic cure ads’ (Feb 8); we are aware of the stereotypes created in our society, and these ads are taking advantage of societal perception — due to which spectators are purchasing such products. Mostly actors and sportspersons are promoting these ads. People are naturally drawn to the products. We should boycott such ads that are creating differences in society, and make you believe that you are inferior and do not match the so-called standard of a perfect male/female. This initiative by the government will make people think more clearly.

NIKITA BHATI, RAJASTHAN

Nature heals

The middle ‘Lonely lunch without the little guests’ (Feb 8) is an emotive vignette of the sweet days spent in the lap of nature, which an emotional person is bound to miss when deprived of this simple pleasure. Most people don’t value the precious treasures offered by nature, engrossed as they are in the ruthless pursuit of power and pelf. However, I consider myself fortunate in having unrestricted access to the garden where we can enjoy watching birds, including peacocks. Appreciating the beauty of nature can considerably help in ridding oneself of stress.

Vimal Sethi, Kapurthala

The fun of 5-day Tests

Refer to the editorial ‘Let Tests last five days’ (Jan 16); it should be recalled that in the decade of ’70s-80s, Test matches used to last for six days, including a day reserved for rest for players after three days of play. With more commercialisation of the game, the rest day was stopped and it resulted in non-stop play for five days. Who can forget the expert batting of legends like Gavaskar and GR Vishwanath, and still more slow and patient batting of Anshuman Gaekwad and Ravi Shastri. All this was possible because there used to be ample time to concentrate on their batting. The long, magical bowling spells of the likes of Bedi, Prasanna and Chandrasekhar would keep the audience engrossed till the last ball of the match. The top cricketing authorities should plan how to keep this beauty intact. The first step in this direction will be to prepare the cricketing calendar in a manner that the number of matches to be played among nations should be drastically curtailed.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana