Not enough food

It is unfortunate to note India’s ranking in the Global Hunger Index report. All our neighbouring countries like China, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh are better placed than us. The right to food is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution. It is a pity that even after more than seven decades of Independence, we have not been able to provide adequate food to our people. The passing of buck to previous governments won’t help resolve this problem. After over seven years in power, it is high time for the present government to formulate a pragmatic policy to get out of this ignominy.

Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

Crying foul

Reference to ‘Hunger index ignominy’; the low rank made the government cry foul about the methodology of the index. The government is given to highlighting ordinary facts and figures as special ones; it must digest this index, too, with the same spirit. To depict in a bad light the observations of the Food and Agriculture Organisation reflects the poor spirit of our policymakers. Healthy criticism must be welcomed.

Rakesh Sudan, by mail

Combat hunger

The fact that India has slipped to the 101st rank is a matter of serious concern and needs to be addressed urgently (‘Hunger index ignominy’). The calculation done on four indicators — undernourishment, child wasting, child-stunting and child mortality — clearly indicates that hunger has struck India. Every possible effort should be made by the government to make the country hunger-free.

Satish Sharma Majra, Kaithal

Singhu horror

It was shocking to read about the chilling lynching of a man, allegedly by Nihangs, at the Singhu border. His body was found hanging, with the legs broken and a hand chopped off. The incident is a gruesome repeat of the medieval justice system but has no place in present-day modern society.

Abhash Simba, Panchkula

Call off agitation

Refer to ‘Man’s mutilated body found at Singhu border’; the brutal murder has brought a bad name to the farmers’ agitation. There is no place for violence, be it Lakhimpur or Singhu protest site. The stir seems to have been hijacked by some bad elements and is no more under the control of the kisan unions. The Kisan Morcha disowning the killers is not enough. It should call off the agitation since it has taken an ugly turn now. The government and the farmers should meet midway to resolve the issue. Call off the agitation. The farmers should know that they are fast losing the sympathy of the people.

WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR

Qualities of a leader

Apropos of ‘Power trip gone too far’, an insecure and indecisive leader can neither inspire nor lead the masses. Overconfidence, self-indulgence, superiority and a know-it-all attitude suppress the virtues of compassion and empathy that befit a leader. A successful and effective leader is one who maintains a balance between a healthy sense of self and modesty.

Anita Kataria, Patiala

Overdependence on coal

Refer to ‘Power pangs’; the current precarious power situation, triggered by the apparent shortage of coal at thermal power-generating plants across the country, is being lamented citing several reasons. Undoubtedly, it has now become imperative to devise ways, means and methodologies to reduce overdependence on coal for power generation (about 52% of total power generation in India is coal based). Two aspects need to be looked into: First, the reluctance to optimally tap sources of renewable energy has to be shed. Generation of hydro-power, tidal power, solar power, wind power, etc. should be encouraged. Second, mandatory provision of the use of alternative fossil fuel for providing necessary heat energy required for boilers to produce steam in thermal power generating plants has to be considered seriously.

Krishan Kant Sood, Nangal

Why the delay?

Covaxin will eventually be ready to be administered to the children falling under the 2-18 age group after getting the final approval from the DCGI. What is surprising is that Bharat Biotech has not yet been able to get the Emergency Use Authorisation from the WHO. Is the WHO biased against us, or is there some nasty play going on, which India is unaware of? We bear testimony to the fact that Covaxin may not be the world’s best vaccine, but it’s definitely one of the best. India also needs to bolster procedures for vaccinating children as they have started going to school. Don’t delay kids’ vaccination drive.

Anushka Panwar, by mail

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com