I liked your interview with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay (‘City of dreams’, September 29). Bhutan is a beautiful country and a place that inspires us. Its leadership in the global happiness index is something the entire world can take note of.
I look forward to visiting Gelephu Mindfulness City once it is operational, as I believe there is so much I can learn from the experience. There is no denying that the GMC will serve as an economic gateway for the world to India. It will also help our northeastern states.
Bhutan has always had an optimistic approach to tackling its problems. It takes immense pride in its rich cultural heritage. The deep connect to its roots has played a significant role in contributing to the overall happiness of its citizens. We should not shy away from taking pride in our cultural heritage. That helps us and our country grow.
Tarun Chalia,
On email.
I liked it when Tobgay said that India is not a controlling big brother. India has never sought to control its neighbours and has always believed in peaceful coexistence. It is only when countries engage in wrongdoing that such perceptions arise.
Pakistan, in particular, faces challenges not because India seeks to dominate it, but due to its own actions.
Akanksha Tripathi,
On email.
The relationship between India and Bhutan is undoubtedly a model for friendly and harmonious neighbourly relations. Both nations have consistently treated each other with respect while also prioritising their own interests.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
‘Du’ in Duryodhan
The phrase “Arrogant Duryodhan” caught my attention (‘Powerdrive’, September 29). The Mahabharat, which dates back over 5,000 years, is reinterpreted in fascinating ways in Anand Neelakantan’s novel Ajaya: Roll of the Dice. Neelakantan notes that the prefix “Du” in Duryodhan carries a negative connotation, and no parent would knowingly name their child that.
What is present today will become history tomorrow.
Perhaps, in the future, history might record that we gained true freedom in 2014.
Prakash Joseph,
On email.
Trump, a better choice
It is inaccurate to suggest that most Indian Americans support Kamala Harris (‘United in the states’, September 29). A significant number of Indian Americans also support Donald Trump. Many do not align with Harris because of her liberal views.
Trump is, without a doubt, a better choice for the US, India and the world.
Bindu Ramkumar,
On email.
Hung assembly
The National Conference and the Congress are not likely to form an alliance government in Jammu and Kashmir (‘Two-horse race’, September 22). While the Congress may win more seats than before, the National Conference leaders appear to be struggling. A hung assembly seems probable, which could result in President’s rule (essentially BJP rule).
Prahlad Nagaraj,
On email.
The NC and the Congress are coming together for the upcoming assembly elections, marking the revival of a historical alliance. This could signal the beginning of challenges for the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir. However, they must ensure that the discourse in the region, which has recently seen new waves of terrorism in Jammu and South Kashmir, remains free from communalism.
Sanjay Chopra,
On email.
Cute at 68
Shashi Tharoor enjoys his reputation as India’s master of difficult words (‘Last word’, September 22). However, it is his charm that often works more than his vocabulary. At 68, he looks like he is in his 40s.
It looks like Tharoor will retain his youthful appearance well into his 90s. May God bless you, Tharoor.
Jaya Prasad,
On email.
Harsh reminder
Many blame humanity for the tragic landslides that washed away two villages in Wayanad. The landslides actually happened deep in the forest, about six kilometres from the villages, where the soil had become oversaturated with water (‘Silent screams of Wayanad’, September 15). There are places where human activities, such as quarrying, have severely damaged the environment, but no landslides occurred in these eco-sensitive areas. The destruction was largely confined to the river’s course. Unfortunately, people had built their homes too close to the rivulet. This tragedy, while smaller in scale, is reminiscent of the 2013 Kedarnath deluge. Landslides caused by hill-cutting for roads or deforestation are common in the Himalayan region.
H.S. Gopal,
On email.
Mixed bag
I have been an avid reader of THE WEEK for nearly 40 years, and I greatly appreciate the in-depth coverage of a wide variety of subjects. I also welcome the recent addition of K.C. Verma and Bansuri Swaraj to your list of columnists. However, I believe it is time to bring an end to the tenure of Mani Shankar Aiyar, Shobhaa De and Anuja Chauhan. The columns of both Aiyar and Chauhan seem to revolve around a single-point agenda. And De’s column offers no fresh insight.
On the contrary, I thoroughly enjoy columns by Navtej Sarna, Shashi Tharoor and your own R. Prasannan. Their writing brings variety and offers impartial and thoughtful analysis. I am confident that there are many talented columnists in India capable of providing independent commentary on matters of national importance.
S. Nagarajan,
Bengaluru.