Your Anniversary Special Double Issue was very special (December 29). Every December, I look forward to the double issue. They offer such a wealth of reading material.
I am truly amazed at how THE WEEK identifies such unique stories. As always, I am impressed.
Radha Pandey,
On email.
The Indus Valley Civilisation has always fascinated me (‘Clash of the civilisation’, December 29). Historical evidence says that the Aryans were outsiders who moved towards the Indian subcontinent due to problems that arose in their original place.
All said, as long as a nationalist government, dominated by north Indian perspectives, remains in power at the Centre, it is highly unlikely that this narrative will be examined or accepted.
S.R. Sairam,
On email.
‘Clash of the Civilisation’ was a delightful read for history enthusiasts, offering deep insights into our glorious past. Our ancestors laid the foundation of a great civilisation, and their legacy is a source of pride.
P.S. Mehta,
On email.
Your story on the India-Africa connect was really interesting (‘Saints, spirits and sacred stones’, December 29).
It is sad that most Indians remain ignorant of their fellow citizens of African descent. India has always had a deep, emotional connect with the African subcontinent, and that should continue.
Vyom Prakash,
On email.
In Kerala, the term ‘kappiri’ is unrelated to ‘kafir’ and is used solely to refer to people of African descent.
K.J. Chacko,
On email.
What was that statement?
I read the report by Craig Pearson on transcendental meditation (‘A proven pathway to peace’, December 29).
I appreciate Pearson’s efforts, commitment, beliefs and philosophical explanations. Yet, when I read—‘A single wealthy philanthropist or family could create permanent peace for the world family, peace for generations into the future. Could any legacy be more significant than this? Would history honour and celebrate anything more than this?’—I was taken aback.
In the name of peace for all human beings, can this be accepted?
E.P. Menon,
On email.
Be like Manmohan Singh
Your article on political cartooning in India was well-researched and well-written (‘Fortoon tellers’, December 29). R.K. Laxman, Abu Abraham, O.V. Vijayan and their ilk were truly humorous, and the politicians whom they made fun of received them well.
Those like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi could take a good joke, even if it was on them. Dr Manmohan Singh rarely smiled, but he liked to be lampooned by cartoonists. Leaders like Singh are a rare breed.
Randeep Tripathi,
On email.
I strongly believe that the freedom of cartoonists is essential for our future. Why should any authority restrict cartoonists from expressing themselves? These days, it is not just politicians, everyone gets offended easily. The tolerance level of society has drastically declined. Forget cartoons, people do not even appreciate a good joke anymore.
Prahlad Dev,
On email.
Credit to pharmacists
The role of pharmacists is often overlooked (‘Doctors’ wish-list’, December 15). In many developed countries, as well as in many developing countries, pharmacists serve as the first point of contact for patients. They assess the patient’s health concerns and evaluate whether prescribed medications are effectively addressing the patient’s needs and achieving the desired outcomes. Pharmacists also review the appropriateness and effectiveness of medications.
It is high time that the government recognises the critical role pharmacists play in health care delivery and implements necessary reforms to integrate them more effectively into the system.
Premnath Shenoy,
On email.
Yunus has failed
Bangladesh, in the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s rule, has plunged into disarray and chaos (‘The survivor’, December 22). Muhammad Yunus, a supposed saviour of the protesters, appears to lack a long-term vision for stabilising the economy. Yunus has definitely struggled to assert effective leadership. And that is evident.
Although Yunus is a respected economist, he seems ill-equipped to navigate the intricate nuances of politics in Bangladesh, and in addressing deep-rooted communal tension. Why aren’t any concrete steps being taken to douse the flames? This is a sad situation.
R.V. Baskaran,
On email.
There appears to be a coordinated strategy by fundamentalist groups in Bangladesh, allegedly in collusion with Pakistan’s ISI, to target Hindus. While international communities consistently highlight the atrocities in Gaza, they remain silent spectators to the genocide in Bangladesh. The government of India must raise the matter in the United Nations.
The entire nation should stand united with the Narendra Modi government in its efforts to address the humanitarian crisis effectively.
Surinder Sharma,
On email.
RK fixation in Iran
Raj Kapoor’s popularity extended far beyond the socialist world; he was also a hit in Iran (‘Raj Kapoor’s socialism was Nehruvian’, December 22). His films, dubbed into Persian, stuck a deep chord with Iranians during a period of significant social and political change.
Growing up in Iran in the 1960s, I must have seen Shree 420 a dozen times. In fact, I used to sing ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ to the bewilderment of family gatherings.
Nader Fekri,
On email.