Unsafe in America

With reference to the editorial ‘Attacks on Indians’; the deaths of half-a-dozen Indian students since the beginning of this year are a matter of concern. The law enforcement authorities must look into the motives behind the recent attacks on Indian-Americans. Were the attacks motivated by racial hatred, or did the victims just happen to be Indians? Further, the fact that the Indian student intake in the US surged by 35 per cent in the 2022-23 academic year begs the question: why are so many Indians going to the US for higher studies? Besides, India is in no position to blame the US administration for failing to tackle hate crime if we cannot even check the targeting of minority communities here at home.

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Anthony Henriques, Mumbai

Ensure safety of Indian immigrants

Apropos of ‘Attacks on Indians’; the spate of deaths in the US starkly highlights the vulnerability of Indian-Americans living abroad. As investigations into the recent incidents continue, it is crucial to examine the root causes and systemic issues that contribute to the targeting of Indians overseas. The incidents also underscore the need for increasing awareness about attacks prompted by racial hatred. The Joe Biden administration must keep in mind the immense contribution made by Indian immigrants to the US economy. It would do well to ensure the safety of all members of the Indian community and not just separatists like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Boost for Himachal farmers

Refer to the editorial ‘Himachal Budget’; increasing the MSP of cow milk from Rs 38 to Rs 45 per litre and buffalo milk from Rs 47 to Rs 55 per litre will give a boost to animal husbandry and supplement the income of the farmer. Similarly, announcing an MSP of Rs 40 and Rs 30 per kg for wheat and maize, respectively, will enhance natural farming and raise the income of the farmer at the same time. While handholding a farmer through income-generating schemes is welcome, giving free foodgrains under Central or state schemes would be an insult to the growers.

KR Bharti, Shimla

Bring down cost of living

Apropos of the article ‘Reducing costs can help ensure higher quality of life for all’; while offering freebies to people is never a good idea, the author is right to argue that bringing down the cost of living could improve the quality of life for everyone. Those who fall in the low-income bracket barely earn enough to eke out a living. The need of the hour is to augment the income to an extent where people can not only fulfil their basic needs but also have a semblance of dignified living. The inequalities among different strata (income groups) of people are sadly a fact of life. The government must take measures to ensure that even the poor can easily access facilities like healthcare and education.

Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal

Bharat Ratna contender

It is commendable that the government recently conferred the highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, on agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan, who had played a pivotal role in the Green Revolution. However, it is a matter of disappointment that the government has not announced the same honour for Verghese Kurien, who is remembered as the ‘Father of the White Revolution’ in India. As a dairy engineer and social entrepreneur who led the initiatives that contributed to an extensive growth in milk production, Kurien is just as worthy of the honour. The apathy of the government in this regard, despite repeated requests from various quarters, is glaring.

Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai

Big relief for flyers

With reference to the news report ‘Deliver bags within 30 mins of landing, airlines directed’; the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security’s direction to carriers to ensure that passengers get their baggage within 30 minutes of landing at airports is welcome. They often have to wait for a long time at airports to collect their bags. A timely, hassle-free delivery of the baggage will help decongest the belts. This will especially be a big relief to passengers at international airports. Hopefully, the airlines will ensure compliance with the directive issued by the aviation security regulator.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

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