NAVRATRI’S MESSAGE: RESPECT WOMEN
What is the point of celebrating festivals like Navratri, dedicated to mother Goddess Durga, if we cannot respect the women of our country? It is ironic that at such a time, the news flow is dominated by the narrative of sexual harassment of women at workplaces. We even have men raping women colleagues. The solution has to be stricter laws and punishment. The 21st century India has to respect its women, who are mortal representations of a goddess and the good within all of us. Shivam Aggarwal,
Ludhiana mum and unmoved, even as people are groaning under the quotidian rise in prices of petrol and diesel. The government’s continuing nonchalance stems from the fact that the astronomical prices are proving to be a windfall for it. The BJP, however, should also understand that people’s disenchantment can upset its applecart in the upcoming assembly elections in five states. People’s silence should not be taken as acquiescence to the unbearable increase in fuel prices.
Tarsem Singh, Mahilpur meaning that we have large disparity among sections of society. Such global reports in areas like Human Capital and Hunger Index need to be taken as a wake-up call. Instead of denial or questioning the methodology of the surveys, bold steps should be taken to invest in education, healthcare and providing opportunities to the poorest of the poor to ensure that all sections of society progress. Efficient governance, provision of adequate funds, long-term resultoriented policies and their implementation are essential.
Usha Verma, Chandigarh used religion as the trump card during elections. This is morally and even legally reprehensible. However, a dispassionate analysis shows that voters, who get swayed by such appeals, are equally culpable for misusing democracy. As long as they can, personally, gain out of voting for a politician, most of them overlook issues like poverty, lack of development or a communal twinge to a political party. Voters must rise above narrow, selfish interests and boycott unscrupulous politicians.
Arun Goyal, Dirba