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Influential Pelosi

Your interview with Nancy Pelosi was interesting; she is indeed a fighter (‘America ready to elect Kamala Harris because she is the best’, August 25). Pelosi has a deep understanding of the legislative process, and is a formidable political figure. Even at 84, Pelosi continues to play a very important role in the US politics, which is astonishing.

 

I wish Pelosi had become the US president at some point. Her legacy lies in her influential role in the Congress. She will go to any extent to make Kamala Harris the US president.

 

Kavya Gautam,

On email.

 

Pelosi is a wise woman, and the most effective politician America has seen in recent times. She should ideally have been the US president. As the first woman to serve as speaker of the house of representatives, she broke barriers and that paved the way for future generations of women in politics.

 

Shivam Dubey,

On email.

 

Pelosi’s rapport with Donald Trump has been highly contentious. I remember Pelosi tearing up a copy of Trump’s speech in front of him. Also, Trump had this nasty habit of pestering Pelosi. I feel Pelosi is supporting Harris more out of her disdain for Trump than out of any genuine affection for Harris.

 

Anup Padmanabhan,

On email.

 

Pelosi’s success as a leader is evident from her ability to maintain the unity of the Democratic Party during times of conflict. With her acumen she has secured legislative victories, even in a highly polarised political environment. Her legacy—as a powerful and determined speaker of the house—will be remembered for a long time to come.

 

Radha Gupta,

On email.

 

Take note of them

’The five-year plan’ (August 25) has to be taken note of by the powers that be. What happens in 2029 in India will significantly impact what happens in 2047.

 

Sadhguru made a valid point when he said that temples in India are run by government clerks and need to be freed from government control. If churches and mosques are not managed by the government, why should temples be an exception?

 

Devika Chandran,

On email.

 

Shambhavi Choudhary’s view that sex education in schools foster gender sensitivity is noteworthy. There should be no stigma around spreading awareness about sex. Crimes against women can be prevented through better awareness and comprehensive sex education.

 

Tapesh Saxena,

On email.

 

Your anticipation of creating a developed and secured India by 2029 was inspiring. It has developed positive thoughts from the fields of religion, health, judiciary, space and sports.

 

I expect more such insights that will be beneficial for all, especially young people.

 

Alex John,

Advocate, 

Kerala High Court.

 

It was interesting to read the opinions of experts from various fields, including Sadhguru, on the five-year plan. India’s ranking of 107 out of 121 countries on the Global Hunger Index is highly disappointing. Malnourishment, child stunting and the mortality of children continue to undermine progress in food security. Much more needs to be done to combat malnourishment and improve access to nutritious food. Improving health care by encouraging private hospitals to establish medium-size hospitals and health care centres in rural areas, along with strengthening sports infrastructure across states, require focused attention.  

 

R.V. Baskaran,

On email.

 

Not more than 80

The Congress may hope to be the single largest party after the assembly elections in Maharashtra, but achieving this is easier said than done (‘Knives are out’, August 25). The grand old party is weak in several seats in the state, and Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray still hold significant clout.

 

Pawar and Thackeray won’t give the Congress more than 80 seats to contest.

 

Mayank Manuaj,

On email.

 

The Congress is not in a position to exert significant influence in Maharashtra. The Lok Sabha results will have little impact on the assembly elections, and the political dynamics are likely to change in the coming days.

 

Vikas Asthana,

On email.

 

Tradition and technology

Cultural legacy is the most delicate link to our enriched past (‘Right angle’, August 25). Our revered scriptures, rich historical legacy, and our courageous yet non-violent struggle for freedom from the British serve as a perennial source of inspiration, providing the backdrop for storytelling we have all cherished. From early times, storytelling has been passed down from one generation to the next, leaving an indelible imprint on our memories. The heritage is often preserved through stage performances.

 

Equally important is the preservation of this treasure trove using technology, ensuring it remains a source of enlightenment and guidance for future generations.

 

Sachidananda Satpathy,

On email.

 

Need more

Shashi Tharoor’s Last Word (August 25) was an eye-opener; he used facts and figures to expose the Central government’s pro-corporate and anti-people policies.

 

I hope THE WEEK will occasionally publish such articles or columns to help readers understand the true nature of the right-wing government, which has not changed despite securing fewer seats than what their campaign claims suggested.

 

C.K. Saseendran,

On email.