Power without Authority

People of India have unequivocal, indisputable and supreme power only once in five years, when it is time to vote and elect their representatives (“You Are the Power”, August 19). But with the elections over, the same people are rendered powerless till it is time for next elections. The truth is, people have the power to vote and elect their representatives but have no power to oppose them, cross- examine them, admonish them and question their performance. Hence this power of citizens is in reality very limited. Also, the 67th year of independence brings cheer only to those who occupy important, powerful positions or belong to the upper strata of the society. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter mean nothing to those who struggle for one square meal a day. M. Y. SHARIFF, Chennai The front page logo of Independence Day special issue should have read “you are powerless” instead of “you are the power” because the truth is, the citizens of this country are powerless before corrupt politicians who pretend to be the guardians of our Constitution but leave no stone unturned to loot the country in every conceivable way. YUVRAJ MATHUR, Chandigarh Your Independence Day special issue was a novel, creative and refreshing take on the paramount importance of social media. Leafing through the articles posted by celebrities as well as the ordinary citizens made me realise the importance of social media in an emerging country like India. I am proud and lucky to belong to a generation which has access to these powerful tools which can go a long way towards deciding and shaping the future of the nation. TERRIL THOMAS, Bahrain