There could be no two opinions on the pressing need to help small farmers caught in the debt trap. Incidents of suicide by such farmers did not start just the other day. For four years, the government remained indifferent and has now announced a Rs 60,000 crore waiver with an eye to the general election. It is certainly a very bad precedent. Loan-waivers will now onwards become yet another vote-catching device for parties in power apart of course from encouraging borrowers to evade repayment.

The dumps are real

• This refers to ‘Well-being in a bottle’ by Farah Baria. It trivialises depression by saying that it can be beneficial and can spark creativity as well.

Who doesn’t feel sad in this world? Life does have its ups and downs. But it is important to note that clinical depression is a serious medical condition. In a country where most people are not even aware that depression has a bio-chemical basis (scientifically proven, contrary to what the writer says) that can be treated with medication and are reluctant to approach psychiatrists, whom the author refers to as shrinks, this article can do much damage. Untreated depression, over time, can spiral into chronic psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which lead to thousands of suicide cases every year.

Piqued into batting

• Sunday was India’s day! It was truly a ‘Double Sundae’. That was a good show by Team India in both Under-19 World Cup as well as the first final one-day against Australia. Under Dave Whatmore’s coaching India won their second under-19 world cup. No doubt, our boys have a great future. Hopefully, the money (Rs 15 lakh to each player for winning) and the sudden fame will not distract them from the game itself.

After many years, Sachin Tendulkar has played the anchor role, scoring an unbeaten 117, giving India a resounding victory against the mighty Aussies. Perhaps, it was Dhoni’s criticism of some senior players that piqued him into acting with his bat.

Telengana ping-pong

• The Telengana state issue and the resignation of TRS MPs remind me of a 1972 incident at the AP State Tennis Championship when Narasimha Rao was the CM. At the Century Club in Waltair, one young player was rather vocal about how his tennis ranking in the state would move to Number 1 if Telengana (then a live subject of debate) became a separate entity. That holds for politicians aspiring to become chief ministers too! Incidentally, there were not many young players in that tournament, which led the chief guest, Admiral N. Krishnan D.S.C., to remark, “Now, looking around me at the average age of the audience and players, I am not surprised how this Club has acquired its name.”