M A I L B A G

India gets the right person as PM

I fully endorse H.K. Dua’s views in his front-page editorial, “The nation is in safe hands” (May 20). Yes, the country has found the right person to head the nation as Prime Minister. Dr Manmohan Singh is known for his honesty, integrity and character. It is expected that India will definitely shine under his leadership.

Whatever might be the reasons behind the second thoughts of Mrs Sonia Gandhi not to become Prime Minister, it has saved the nation of disturbance and the loss it would have suffered due to bitter polarisation.

R.S. HAMDARD, Hamirpur (HP)

II

Dr Manmohan Singh is a seasoned politician and economist. His qualifications, achievements and numerous assignments that he has handled with sincerity and dedication speak volumes for his distinguished career as a politician and an economist spanning decades. It is on the lines of these achievements that the people expect unprecedented reforms in public and private sector under his Prime Ministership. The common man expects concrete solutions to his numerous problems.

DEEPKARAN SINGH, Chandigarh

III

I agree with H.K. Dua that the change of government was accomplished through two momentous events. One, the historic and unprecedented act of self-abnegation by Mrs Sonia Gandhi for Prime Ministership and two, the appointment of a highly respected economist-turned-politician, Dr Manmohan Singh, as the new Prime Minister. It’s after considerably a long time that the country’s politics is now set on a new and honourable course. Both events bode well for the healthy growth of democracy in future.

As for challenges which Dr Singh and his government face it is hoped they would learn from the mistakes of the NDA government. They must remain focussed on their common minimum programme and work genuinely for the betterment of the downtrodden. It is largely these segments who have voted them to power and hence need to be helped now.

Besides, the Congress proposes to realise the vision of Rajiv Gandhi that 21st century is the Indian century. This is, no doubt, a mammoth task. Nonetheless, given the political will, the sagacity and determination of Dr Manmohan Singh’s government, it will succeed.

Brig GOVIND SINGH KHIMTA (retd), Shimla

IV

By declining the post of Prime Minister, which would have been hers by virtue of being the leader of the United Progressive Alliance, Mrs Sonia Gandhi has shown that Italians are still the best and the principled people in the world.

AJAY VIKRANT, Sundernagar

V

Dr Manmohan Singh is an institution. Being a pioneer of economic reforms, he will make the foundation of the nation strong. Dr Singh’s choice has made Mrs Sonia Gandhi’s opponents speechless.

NACHHATTAR SINGH, Odhan (Sirsa)

VI

In 1991-96, Dr Manmohan Singh saved the country when it was at the brink of bankruptcy. Mr H.K. Dua’s words are true: “The nation is in safe hands”. The people have high hopes on him and every one hopes he would live up to their expectations.

BANSI RAM, Chakhajipur (Hoshiarpur)

VII

There is no doubt that the self-abnegation of Prime Ministership by Mrs Sonia Gandhi in favour of Dr Manmohan Singh has been the most telling and significant event for the country. It would prove to be the fore-runner of real democracy in the country.

Dr Manmohan Singh is, certainly, a paragon of democratic virtue. He will make India’s democracy more resilient and pragmatic.

HANS RAJ JAIN, Moga

VIII

Dr Manmohan Singh is Mr Clean and we have seen him as the pioneer of economic reforms when he was the Union Finance Minister in Mr P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government.

We hope that, being a visionary, Dr Singh would help resolve the long standing issues of Punjab. Moreover, Dr Singh would be instrumental in the development of the whole country so that India becomes “India Shining”.

PREET MOHINDER SINGH, Talwandi Bhai

IX

Dr Manmohan Singh is an honest politician, brilliant economist and is pro-poor. He says that economic reforms will continue with a human touch. Only future will tell whether he would be able to do what he wants. Dr Singh needs the fullest cooperation of all those who have helped him become the Prime Minister. Only then one can expect good results.

ANIL SHARMA, Ludhiana

Outside the syllabus

Some questions of English literature, Journalism Module III (BA Third Year) examination of Punjabi University, Patiala, were outside the syllabus. The university authorities should do justice by awarding 20 grace marks to each student.

RUPINDER, Patiala