Politicians fuelling language row

With reference to ‘Give language room to co-exist, flourish’; unity in diversity has been a tried and tested way of life in Indian democracy. An interplay of different languages and cultures has always been present in the kaleidoscopic character of our society. Alas, politicians are trying to give it a different colour to achieve political dominance. Trying to bring in homogeneity will induce fission in society rather than fusion. A particular language can not be thrust upon other communities or ethnic groups. It would be a big mistake to believe that we can bring in uniformity by imposing a common language.

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HMS Nagra, Faridabad

Sacrilege law not needed

Apropos of ‘Sacrilege law a misguided political gamble’; legislation like the one tabled in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha to prevent offences against holy scriptures has no place in a democratic country governed by a secular Constitution, which clearly envisages separation of religion from government. A combination of religion and politics is a lethal weapon which is already being used to engineer social divisions. Rather than preventing sacrilege, the law may be misused more frequently against democratic dissenters. Existing laws are sufficient if implemented sincerely in an unbiased manner. Such blasphemy laws are grossly misused in theocratic Islamic states.

Rakesh Gupta, Patiala

AI only a supporting tool

Apropos of AI cannot enable a student to ‘see a world in a grain of rice’; artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can aid learning and improve access to information, but it must not be regarded as a substitute for classroom education. Learning is not just about acquiring facts, it’s about transformation, empathy, curiosity, imagination and emotional connection. These essential qualities can only be nurtured through human interaction and meaningful dialogue in the presence of teachers. As we integrate AI into education, we must ensure that it remains a supporting tool and does not become the master of our minds. We should not allow efficiency to replace engagement and convenience to overshadow wisdom. Let us use AI wisely, without surrendering to it.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

Pushed to the brink

A young Odisha student ended her life after being pushed to the brink, having raised repeated complaints of sexual harassment against her college professor. The absolute insensitivity and inaction of the system made her take the extreme step. Not a leaf moved, she approached those in power — from the college principal to the education minister and even the Chief Minister’s office. This gross negligence raises serious questions: How can such grim allegations be ignored at any level? What message does this send to other victims who may be suffering silently? Has our system become so indifferent that even a plea from a vulnerable student fails to move it? Those complicit in suppressing or ignoring her complaints must be held accountable. Justice delayed in such matters is not just justice denied, but lives destroyed.

Harsharanjit Singh, Mohali

Death of a system

Apropos of ‘Death of a girl’, the college student’s suicide lays bare the systemic death of a system. We must feel ashamed as a nation for not being able to provide justice to a 20-year-old who desperately went from pillar to post before taking the extreme step. Given the apathy at all levels, she is neither the first one nor will she be the last to meet such a tragic end. Those who did not acknowledge her pleas for help must be held accountable and brought to book. And the culprit should be given exemplary punishment.

Deepak Kaushik, Kurukshetra

Poll revision necessary

Opposition to the verification of voter lists in Bihar is illogical and irrational. In West Bengal, many Bangladeshis have managed to get their names included in voter lists. Politicians get names of illegal voters added to the lists for the sake of votes. Voting rights and unauthorised stay of such migrants are potentially dangerous for the security and economy of our country. We are already facing the damaging effects of overpopulation. With illegal migrants entering in multitudes, it will increase our woes. Non-citizens help undeserving candidates win elections, thus creating problems for the citizens.

Karnail Singh, Kharar