Apt selection
Manu Bhaker was the perfect choice for THE WEEK’s Woman of the Year. She had a phenomenal year and is poised to continue the run (‘Manu’s script’, December 1). The fact that Manu is just getting started makes her journey even more exciting. What sets Manu apart is her humility—a rare quality among sportspersons today.
Manu’s selection as THE WEEK’s Woman of the Year will undoubtedly inspire her to achieve greater heights. All the best, dear Manu.
Radhika Saxena,
On email.
It was a sheer delight to read the cover story on Manu. Her priorities were spot on, and her dedication to hard work is truly commendable. She even devised her own breathing technique to enhance stability and consistency while shooting. Manu’s radiant smile and humility are her greatest assets, which will undoubtedly carry her far and serve as an inspiration to so many out there.
R.D. Singh,
On email.
The interview with Manu was truly inspiring. Her confidence, determination, and ability to overcome challenges serve as a remarkable example for aspiring athletes. Behind every successful sportsperson is a dedicated and skilled coach, and Manu had the great Jaspal Rana along with her. Achieving greatness without proper training and mentorship is nearly impossible. Rana has played a pivotal role in her journey.
R.V. Baskaran,
On email.
Manu has been rightly chosen as THE WEEK’s Woman of the Year. At 22, she has already achieved remarkable success in her shooting career, with more glory to come. We can look forward to her continuing success in the years to come.
Amarthiya K.,
On email.
Manu’s exceptional qualities have propelled her to fame. Her ability to overcome setbacks, mental toughness, unwavering dedication, and the decision to trust her coach have all contributed to her success.
What is truly remarkable is the unwavering support of her family, who not only provided her with resources and encouragement but also instilled in her a strong sense of righteousness.
It is Manu’s tenacity and remarkable ability to bounce back that drove her to achieve new heights.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
Delhi’s problems
Despite boasting state-of-the-art architecture and serving as the seat of power, Delhi continues to grapple with its perennial woes—pollution in winter, water scarcity in summer, and flooding during monsoons (‘Right angle’, December 1). These issues subject Delhiites to hardships year after year. The Yamuna, once a serene and cherished river, is laden with foamy waves, with its water surface barely visible.
Let us not forget that Delhi is not just any metro city, it is also our national capital. So, it needs the best civic amenities and concerted efforts to achieve a sustainable urban environment.
Sachidananda Satpathy,
On email.
War that has failed
I deeply sympathise with the Ukrainian citizens who are enduring severe hardships (‘One thousand days of resistance’, December 1). The responsibility for the plight rests largely on Volodymyr Zelensky. The war, till date, has brought immense suffering to the people of Ukraine, while also causing significant strain on the European economy.
The war has claimed the lives of over half a million on both sides. The attempt by the US to weaken Russia through sanctions has largely failed. Sadly, Ukraine today is on the brink of becoming a devastated nation.
H.S. Gopal,
On email.
PM should visit Manipur
What is happening in Manipur is really sad and worrying; the onus is on the Central government to take the affairs in the state more seriously (‘Murders most foul’, December 1).
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the prime minister visiting Manipur. His presence could lift the spirits of the people and, perhaps, even pave the way for resolving the conflict.
Nikhil Sharma,
On email.
Kudos to Yumnam Joykumar Singh, former deputy CM and DGP, Manipur, for boldly calling Chief Minister N. Biren Singh a dictator. Living in Imphal, it takes courage to make such a statement. Singh has been a colossal failure as chief minister.
Never before has a conflict between two prominent communities in a state dragged on for so long; in fact, it could have been resolved a year ago. Unfortunately, political parties seem more interested in securing vote banks.
Prabha Kumar,
On email.
We need senior players
You said in your report that ageing superstars and recent whitewash by New Zealand at home have cast a shadow on the hopes of the Indian team in Australia, but Australia was comprehensively defeated by India in Perth (‘Hat-trick or has-beens?’, December 1).
There is nothing wrong with senior players like Rohit Sharma, R. Ashwin, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. These seasoned cricketers have several more years of top-level cricket ahead of them.
Himanshu Grover,
On email.
Don’t target men unfairly
It is a fact that extreme rhetoric and ranting can deepen societal divisions. In that case then extreme feminism should never be encouraged (‘Schizo-nation’, December 1). Targeting men unfairly, or always blaming them, is not at all fair. Such an approach will create bitterness, fortify stereotypes and affect mutual understanding. True equality is about considering one and all with fairness, irrespective of their gender.
Pramod Nair,
On email.