Your coverage of Bangladesh was thorough (‘Shaken, stirred & booted out’, August 18). These developments have implications for India. I sincerely hope for stability in Bangladesh and pray that the minorities in that country are not targeted as they have been in the recent days.
As for Sheikh Hasina, I am not sure whether she was a good or bad leader, but she appeared sincere and played a key role in taking the country forward. However, if she has made any mistakes, she should be held accountable. I wish Muhammad Yunus and his interim government all success.
Vikas Mathur,
On email.
Your coverage of Bangladesh stood out. I would like to see Bangladesh stabilise from here on. Unstable Bangladesh will add to instability in certain parts of India. It has always been in India’s interest to ensure peace and stability in Bangladesh. No matter who rules Bangladesh, India will continue to have strong ties with the country. Already, there is a strong people-to-people connection.
It is wrong on the part of the protesters to vandalise statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He is the father of the nation and played a crucial role in the country’s struggle for independence from Pakistan. People of Bangladesh should not forget that. The students’ protest was definitely hijacked by radical elements in Bangladesh.
R. Sairam,
On email.
Prof Manoj Kumar Jha offered an insightful analysis of how education levels influence student engagement in politics. Jha’s article drew parallels between the situation in Bangladesh and historical precedents, in India and abroad, where student movements have significantly shaped political landscapes.
We have witnessed so many revolutions where students become agents of change. Let us hope that the situation in Bangladesh paves the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the nation.
Abhishek Jayadevan,
On email.
Best avoided
I empathise with Sunny Leone (‘Point blank’, August 18). Leone’s past in the adult film industry should not concern us.
The question whether porn is good or bad is thorny, and it depends on societal norms and the influence it has on people. Leone has been part of Bollywood for a long time now, and we should only judge her based on her career there. Continuously bringing up her past is unnecessary and should be avoided.
Harshvardhan Verma,
On email.
Kudos to you
May our nation continue to inspire many more (‘One hundred years of fortitude’, August 18). India has emerged as the world’s largest democracy despite several challenges. However, the true measure of our progress—whether in employment, health care, economic growth, or peaceful coexistence—lies in the quality of life we create.
Kudos to THE WEEK for bringing together bright minds to explore the prospects and challenges India will face in 2047.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
Delightful diversion
Hats off to K.C. Verma. I have been longing for a column like this in THE WEEK (‘Otherwise cracked’, August 18). Humorously written articles are a delightful diversion for readers like me. I hope to see more such columns in THE WEEK.
Vichu Viswanathan,
On email.
Learn from Bhutan
Bhutan’s approach to promoting happiness is truly commendable (‘Detour’, August 18). The country’s splendid track record stems from its commitment to positive change. Leaders of other nations should visit Bhutan to study why its people live so happily. After all, happiness is what matters most in life, far more than material gains.
Radhika Gautam,
On email.
Even though I like Shobhaa De and her writing, I sometimes feel a tinge of jealousy that she gets to visit so many places and meet so many famous people. Her travels have clearly enriched her writing, giving her a wealth of experience and exposure.
Pranab Kumar,
On email.
Respect women
Men should not be forced to conform to feminist ideals (‘Chic magnet’, August 18). Whether a society is patriarchal or matriarchal, what truly matters is respecting women. I know many individuals who hold patriarchal views but still respect women.
Feminism, like any ideology, should not be taken to an extreme level where it dictates everyone’s life.
Nandagopal Balan,
On email.
Ranbir Kapoor is one of the most talented actors in Bollywood. His personal life—whether he is labelled a casanova or a womaniser—should not concern us. Even Akshay Kumar faced similar labels at one point. I am confident that these actors have never forced themselves on women. Or else they would have had it by now.
Also, it is unfair to brand Kapoor as a cheat. Who decides all that? Leave his personal life out of it, please. We should judge Kapoor solely by his films.
Mayank Thakur,
On email.
All the same
It is easy to say that NITI Aayog is not transforming India; NITI Aayog is basically old wine in a new bottle and it is doing what it can (‘Manifesto’, August 18). If the Planning Commission had existed today things would have been the same.
Central domination was always there. One is not sure if the Planning Commission promoted fair distribution. A Congress-led government at the Centre tended to favour state governments ruled by the party.
All said, the nation can only grow when the states grow. NITI Aayog should not impose itself on states.
A.M. Gopikrishnan,
On email.