Your cover story on Kamala Harris and the US election was interesting; Harris will be giving it a good fight, but Trump has the edge (‘Brown girl in the ring’, August 11). National surveys don’t matter; they are just an indication of the way the electorate thinks. The presidential election on November 5 is still far away and things can change by then.
Harris is drawing more support from black and Asian voters than white voters. A majority of white voters have backed Republican candidates over the years, and that will continue this time. At the moment, the race is close.
Piyush Bajaj,
On email.
Harris can beat Donald Trump if she quickly captures the mood of the American electorate within the brief, 100-day window—a huge challenge, indeed.
K. Chidanand Kumar,
Bengaluru.
Harris is sure to become the first woman president of the US. There is no stopping her. After Joe Biden’s exit, Harris energised the Democratic Party. The society in the US is evolving, and the thinking of the people has changed over the years. Trump’s positions have grown more extreme. He has constantly stoked fears with his statements. I hope he does not become the US president again. The world will not be able to tolerate him.
Arun Amarnath,
On email.
Your cover story on Harris was truly inspiring. It widened my horizons and strengthened my dreams and aspirations. Harris’s desire, dedication, and determination are there for all to see. She is an inspiration to all, especially women. I hope Harris will make history.
Anish N.S.J.,
On email.
Your cover story was more about Harris. Trump is not as bad as many portray him to be. He had blundered on many occasions, but he has got it right as well. Trump delivered on many of his campaign promises, which is why he was close to winning the election in 2020.
Trump is close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He adopted a much tougher stance towards China and Pakistan as compared to his predecessors. Trump will always see India as a trustworthy partner in the economic and security sphere. Under Trump, India will become one of the three most important partners of the US. Harris does not embrace her Indian roots with the same level of pride as former British prime minister Rishi Sunak. If Harris becomes the US president, she will ensure that her government does not get too closely aligned with India as it could impact her image among white voters.
Radha Pandey,
On email.
Heartbreaking
It was heartbreaking to read about the most devastating landslide in the history of Kerala. How I wish it never happened (‘Kerala should have implemented the Gadgil report’, August 11). More than half of Kerala consists of hills, and the state’s topography and the recent climate patterns are the harbingers of an increased risk.
Shivani Chavan,
On email.
I am an avid reader of your magazine. You are focused and analytical, and don’t take sides. The tragedy that unfolded in Wayanad was monumental, serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need to learn lessons and prevent similar tragedies across the country. The Gadgil report remains sidelined due to vested interests, and the consequences are painfully evident.
May I request THE WEEK to do a comprehensive analysis of the ground realities in Wayanad, including a root cause analysis from all perspectives for the benefit of your readers.
Sumit Kar,
Gurugram, Haryana.
The interview with V. Ambili, deputy director general, Geological Survey of India, Kerala, was interesting. I agree with Ambili that in Kerala people often take warnings lightly. While covering the tragedy in Wayanad, a Malayalam news channel reporter said, “We will survive this, too.” Was this haughty talk necessary?
Jayakumar A.V.,
On email.
The widespread death and destruction caused by incessant rains in recent years are the result of a flawed and short-sighted approach to growth and development, characterised by the rampant exploitation of nature with scant regard for the environment.
B. Suresh Kumar,
On email.
Target 2028
India’s new poster girl, Manu Bhaker, has made her mark at the Olympic level (‘Hope Manu’s success opens the floodgates’, August 11). At an age where many young people are deeply engrossed in social media and partying—except for a few who are breaking new ground in uncharted territories—her achievements are truly commendable. Her grit and determination helped her overcome the setbacks of 2020 and achieve a victory that will be celebrated for years to come.
Like Arjun, Bhaker must stay focused on the bird’s eye—her goal should now be to secure that elusive gold in the next Olympics.
Muralidhar Kutty,
On email.
Protect biodiversity
Economic growth can achieve comprehensive development only if unconventional markets are tapped (‘Blueprint for blue economy’, August 11). While oceans facilitate 80 per cent global commodities transportation, and are key to oil and natural gas, it is essential to balance this with the preservation of the rich biodiversity beneath the waves; all this to ensure sustainable economic progression.
The ocean holds immense treasure, not only by supporting life through the absorption of greenhouse gas emissions and the production of oxygen, but also by opening a wide spectrum of economic avenues.
Sachidananda Satpathy,
On email.