Statues won’t address the concerns of ordinary Indians

I refer to your report India PM warned to stay away from opening of world’s biggest statue (October 30): the two sculptures and statues under production in India – the Shivaji memorial in the sea near Mumbai and the so-called Statue of Unity in Gujarat – have drawn a large share of India’s wealth, when millions still find it difficult to survive. The local community in Gujarat where the Statue of Unity is being constructed can’t be blamed for their concerns, as farmers across India are struggling to survive. The recent protest rallies by farmers sought government intervention to compensate for fluctuations in the price of produce, which returns less income. Many feel the hard work they put in is in vain.

Government initiatives that marshall vast amounts of taxpayer money must bring a value return. This cannot be achieved through sculptures and memorials, especially when the poor continue their struggle for mere survival. Under whatever circumstances, the concerns of majority community and their plight cannot go unnoticed.

Along with addressing the environmental issues arising from such landmark icons, the government should also realise the need for contented civil society to make India thrive.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat