Nurture vibrant young minds in IITs

Refer to ‘Beyond placements: The case for social sciences in IITs’; it raises a question on the kind of environment that should be provided to young students. IIT Bombay’s withdrawal from an international workshop on South Asian Capitalism reminds me of a message from Swami Vivekananda: At the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, Swami Vivekananda used the story of a well-frog and a sea-frog to explain how disagreement arises from narrow-mindedness, where individuals believe their limited experience (the well) is the entirety of reality, rejecting evidence of a larger world (the sea) that contradicts their worldview. Here, IIT is creating an environment of a well for our students. Instead, we should nurture a new generation of vibrant young minds with a passion for bigger learning.

KK Garg, Chandigarh

Show strength of character

The turmoil in Ladakh is a reminder that dissent, if ignored, can quickly spiral into unrest. The loss of lives and property during the recent protests underlines the urgency for the government to engage sincerely with the representatives of Ladakh’s interests. While statehood may not be feasible at present, the government must address the legitimate concerns and provide clarity on the future roadmap. Listening to the voices of dissent and accommodating them within the democratic framework is not a weakness but a strength. Ignoring or branding every protest as politically motivated only widens the trust deficit. The Centre must act with sensitivity and foresight.

Naresh Kumar Nijhawan, Karnal

Centre cornering Ladakhis

Apropos of ‘Ladakh in turmoil’; the Central government must address the real issues. Cancelling the FCRA licence of Wangchuk-led NGO or accusing a political party or foreign agency of involvement will only hurt the cause of the Ladakhis who are voicing their genuine grievances. Instead of cornering the Ladakhis through coercion, the Centre should convince the protesters by spelling out the steps it intends to take. It must concede to some genuine demands that can be accepted immediately.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

Trump’s short-term optics

With reference to ‘Trump at the UN’; the US President prioritises short-term optics over enduring peace. His foreign policy is hollow, self-congratulatory and lacks the nuances required for effective diplomacy. He inflames international tensions, undermines multilateral diplomacy and erodes international empathy and cooperation. Amid a complex geopolitical landscape, India is committed to improve relations with the US and strengthen global partnership. World leaders should promote cooperation among countries for strong action on climate change, peace-building and digital transformation to serve humanity.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

Nobel for divisive tactics?

Refer to ‘Trump at the UN’; peace is not achieved through self-eulogy or lofty rhetoric but through consistent, visible efforts that the world has witnessed and respects. Denying climate change, vilifying migrants and undermining the UN do not advance peace, they deepen division. True leadership confronts global challenges with dialogue, cooperation and inclusivity. Enduring peace requires humility, foresight and meaningful action. Recognition, when it comes, should be the result of merit, not the pursuit of applause.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Pakistan’s bid to shed isolation

US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House on Thursday. Pakistan aims to secure US investment in its oil and gas sector, deepen security cooperation, explore a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia, besides pursuing business interests linked to crypto deals. For India, this underscores Pakistan’s bid to shed isolation and showcase itself as a defender of Muslim nations. India must intensify its diplomatic outreach in Washington, strengthen strategic partnerships with Gulf states, highlight Pakistan’s terror record and proactively counter any potential US military or financial aid to Islamabad.

RS Narula, patiala