Naveen Patnaik may face competition from the BJP in the 2024 assembly polls, but it is almost certain that he will continue to be in power at least until 2029 (‘Path of the empath’, October 9). Patnaik has transformed Odisha in the last decade like very few chief ministers have done in their states. Odisha has broken all stereotypes and credit should go to Patnaik. Patnaik said he will reduce Odisha’s poverty rate to 10 per cent in four years, which is remarkable. He has shown the way for the rest of the country on why investing in sports is the need of the hour. No other state has invested in sports like Odisha has, and today many call it the sports capital of the country. Any sport, after all, strengthens your body and brings positive energy and discipline to your life. No wonder Patnaik is getting elected again and again. A big salute to this great leader from Odisha.
Prahlad Naidu,
On email.
Your cover story on Patnaik made for pleasant reading. The state is being ably administered by Patnaik, amidst chaotic mismanagement of resources in other states because of subsidies and meaningless welfare schemes.
I like how Patnaik is investing massively in sports, and particularly in hockey. I want to propound an idea: Each state should choose one sport and build high-performance centres and stadiums for that particular sport. Such measures and initiatives will help the country reach the pinnacle in sports. It will also help young men and women build a career in sports.
Kudos to Patnaik.
Ramachandran Tharka,
Hyderabad.
Patnaik, in all likelihood, will emerge as the longest running chief minister in the country. Odisha is in the firm grip of the BJD, and it will continue to rule the state for another 10 years at least. Having said that, it remains a concern as to who will take the party forward after Patnaik. Like the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, the BJD will also be controlled by the BJP in the years to come.
Anjana Krishnan,
On email.
Why the letter?
I was astonished reading the letter by Vinayak Damodaran (‘Letters’, October 9). The manner in which Damodaran has compared Narendra Modi and Amit Shah with Rahul Gandhi was not right. He asked whether Shah and Modi can walk like Rahul through the length and breadth of the country? Damodaran said Modi may not be able to walk as the prime minister, but Shah, who is only six years elder to Rahul, should give it a shot. Isn’t it in bad taste?
Palaniappan Murugappan,
On email.
I could not stop giggling after reading Damodaran’s letter. I did not know that Shah [born in 1964] is only six years elder to Rahul [born in 1970]. Shah is a better politician, for sure, but Rahul is fitter among the two.
Like Damodaran, my respect for Rahul has increased twofold after he embarked on the Kanyakumari-to-Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Pranav Raghunath,
On email.
Inexplicable concept
It is incomprehensible as to why Kshama Bindu married herself. What did she achieve and who is she trying to convince? (‘Knot single’, October 9). To remain single and adopting a child later is appreciated. But, it is not sensible to distort the concept of marriage in the name of sologomy, which is an unsung, inexplicable and an unproven concept.
Sanath Kumar T.S.,
On email.
Problems galore
Qatar is too small a nation to host a football World Cup. There are bound to be problems as the games begin later this year (‘Space no bar’, October 9). I think countries like the UAE, and other Middle Eastern countries will capitalise more from the event. Football is ruled by thuggish fans, and they may not adjust well to the local culture in Qatar. Qatar has overcome challenges on multiple fronts, since winning its bid, and that is laudable. Many believe that the country can cope with a tournament of this magnitude. Let us hope for the best.
Gaurav Kumar,
On email.
Delicate matter
Your cover story on how technology has changed us over the years was interesting (‘How Tech Defines You’, October 2). It is natural that with development comes consequences, which can be positive or negative. With technology, world has become a global village and people are interconnected with each other. At the same time there are several downsides of social media addiction.
Sugumar Jose,
On email.
May sanity prevail
Recently, the RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat, paid a goodwill visit to a madrasa in Delhi. But it has been observed that politicians, instead of focusing on development, welfare and socio-economic schemes for the benefit of the underprivileged, initiate negative approach against minor communities to destabilise the otherwise peace and togetherness of all the communities (‘Harmony in diversity’, September 18).
I would like to appeal to all politicians to stop dwelling on negative thoughts in the interest of peace. Hope sanity prevails everywhere.
Ashok Nihalani,
On email.