In poor taste
• Jaithirth Rao’s article ‘Do we need a foreign policy?’ was in sheer bad taste unless its intention was to be humorous. In that case it
wasn’t even sick humour.
— Gurbachan Singh
New Delhi
Wise move
• This refers to your editorial ‘Mayawati’s reform’. The reform is a whiff of fresh air blowing across the Hindi heartland of UP. The CM’s bold decision to introduce English-language education in primary schools will prove to be a watershed. In a world where capital, labour and technology are mobile and migratory, a command over English will enable even kids from UP’s schools to compete everywhere. One remembers the career of B.R. Ambedkar, who, with his top-class foreign education, became a builder of modern India. Mayawati has, by all accounts, made a very wise choice.
— John Alexander
Nagpur
Deal straight
• This refers to the editorial ‘Confused saffron’. Your doubts as to whether Muslim voting intentions can be explained by the single issue of the nuclear deal are justified. The overwhelming majority of Muslims in India live in rural areas, and mostly in dire poverty. Naturally, they are unconcerned about international matters and India’s foreign or energy policies. Besides, many urban Muslims struggle to make ends meet.
Only a handful of Muslim clerics keep changing their political allegiance. So their stand on the deal doesn’t carry weight. Since Muslims in general are completely unaware of the advantages and disadvantages of the nuclear deal, it is best to not drag them into the controversy. As it is, the deal and the popular anxiety about American intervention in Indian affairs don’t concern only Muslims. These are national and not communal issues.
— Shariq Alavi
Lucknow
Charity begins abroad
• It was indeed thoughtful of Barack Obama to offer his condolences at the death of Sam Manekshaw, a legendary...
