The stories of Indians taking perilous routes to the US are shocking and deeply disturbing (‘Miles of misery’, March 2). Such incidents should never have happened. The blame lies squarely on the shady agents operating across the country, exploiting desperate individuals. These agents should be identified, exposed, and held accountable.
The pursuit of a life abroad, especially through illegal means, is not just an escape from one’s homeland but a betrayal of one’s roots. Those who take this path commit an unforgivable act, one that even their ancestors would condemn.
Sriparna Das,
On email.
Bringing undocumented immigrants back to India in such a manner was a disgraceful act. In recent times, no western power has humiliated us in this manner. Narendra Modi should have firmly conveyed to Donald Trump that such actions are unacceptable.
While deporting undocumented immigrants is within America’s rights, the process should have been handled with dignity. The Central government’s failure to communicate this effectively to the US is a serious lapse.
Nikhil Sharma,
On email.
There is nothing wrong in Trump treating illegal immigration as invasion. Having said that, there was no need to send them back in chains. We should not turn a blind eye to the growing phenomenon of some Indians in certain parts of the world tarnishing the nation’s reputation. A select few have brought immense disrepute to our beloved country. All this makes it even more imperative for us to engage in serious introspection, and see how we can end the menace.
Vinay Kumar,
On email.
The plight of undocumented Indian immigrants who had to come back from the US made me sad. Doesn’t India offer everything to these people? They just need to be patient. Why this rush to go to certain countries? Everyone seems eager to make quick money in no time. Desperation, in all its forms, has been woven into the fabric of life.
Now that they are back, I hope they find a better, more fulfilling life here. And, perhaps, in a few years, they will come to regret their choices.
Anurag Kothari,
On email.
Intelligent Lewinsky
It was good to see Monica Lewinsky featured again in an Indian publication (‘Point blank’, March 2). She is a courageous person who endured a great deal. Both Bill Clinton and she share responsibility for what happened back then, and it was unfair to place the entire blame on her.
Lewinsky is an intelligent woman and there are so many ways she can contribute to society, even at 51. Age, after all, is just a number.
Tarun Ghosla,
On email.
Lewinsky was in her early 20s when the scandal broke, and it ended up causing her more damage than Clinton. While Clinton moved on with his political and public life, her name remained tied to the controversy in public memory.
It is time for both Clinton and Lewinsky to forgive, let go, and move forward, because life should be lived without bitterness.
Mayank Trivedi,
On email.
Such a relief
I was surprised to learn that a country like Syria, despite its turmoil, has stand-up comedians (‘Return of the jester’, March 2). In times of uncertainty, humour provides much-needed relief. A burst of laughter can be comforting even in grief.
I am sure comedians in other war-torn countries also use humour as both an escape and a form of resistance. Like Charlie Chaplin, who hid his tears behind his performances, these stand-up comedians, too, might be carrying unseen sorrow. Such is the journey called life.
Reena Kurup,
On email.
Thrilling column
Dr Mazda Turel’s column is engaging and readable (‘Scalpen’, March 2). His frank and expressive style holds the reader’s attention. It is refreshing to see him wield his pen as smoothly as his surgical knife. This column promises to be a thrilling one.
R.D. Singh,
On email.
Engaging read
I liked K.C. Verma’s column (‘The cruellest season’, March 2). The wedding season might well be considered the seventh season, following the routine ones, bringing with it the inevitable side effects of smog, poor air quality, congestion and water-logging.
The unique experience begins the moment the wedding invitation arrives, setting off a social obligation that extends until the journey back home. No matter the challenges of fulfilling the duty, the anticipation, preparations, and gatherings lend a charm of their own. Each wedding visit becomes a distinct memory. The wedding’s event management becomes the focal point of discussion—whether by design or default.
A lighthearted take on such a social function makes for an engaging read.
Sachidananda Satpathy,
On email.
Modi fears Trump?
Narendra Modi’s supporters often boast about his 56-inch chest, but his silence when Indians were humiliated, chained, and deported, shows that he was not courageous enough. As R. Prasannan’s column (‘PowerDrive’ February 23) highlights, there is a stark contrast between the decisive response of Manmohan Singh’s government in 2013, and the meek inaction of Modi’s government in 2025.
Today, India is far more powerful than it was in 2013, yet the government’s failure to even issue a strong protest against the barbaric treatment of our citizens suggests that the Modi administration is deeply fearful of Donald Trump.
George Mathai,
On email.