L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Nuclear deal, a symbol of our pride

The editorial, “Crowning glory” (Oct 13) rightly echoed the pride of the nation after taking a giant leap forward by successfully concluding the Indo-US nuclear deal on October 8. Despite all skepticism, hurdles by the opposition parties and a few non-supporting countries, India has finally succeeded in entering the prestigious group.

India will now be able to carry out nuclear commerce, ending 34 years of isolation, and be able to largely meet its varied energy requirements. It will now be able to light the houses of the poor. 

It is a matter of pride for the whole nation. It has raised our stature in the world as a nation which counts. Now we must consolidate our achievement and work a clear-cut road map as to how we are going to proceed further. Let’s use this deal in raising the quality of life of our poor people and overall standard of living of 1300 million population.

Col R.D. SINGH, Leh (J&K)

II

The editorial rightly praised the UPA and Dr Manmohan Singh for clinching this deal with the US. The Prime Minister and his team of diplomats helped clear all the hurdles in the way right since 2005 and till the actual signing of the deal between Mr Pranab Mukherjee and Ms Condoleezza Rice.

Admittedly, nuclear energy will help the country in development as energy is required in all the sectors — be it industry, agriculture, railways or water supply. Moreover, nuclear power is much more clean than thermal or hydro power.

We all Indians must feel proud that now our country is among the group of nuclear developed countries like the US, the UK, France, etc.

SANJAY CHOPRA, Jagatjit Nagar (Kapurthala)

Make water an election issue The editorial “Water warnings” (Oct 14) comes after another piece “Water for all”, raising issues which impact millions in this country. Safe water for all is a pipe-dream most of us may not realise during our lifetime. The 120th slot in terms of quality of drinking water is a national shame. It puts into paleness all the tall talk of Indian Shining, high growth rate of economy or “we are for the Aam Admi”. The tap water most of the time is muddy especially all through the rainy season. Consumers have no option except to close the eyes and gulp it. This is because the water supply systems either do not have filtration system or are not maintained after the inaugural function. All these things would continue so long as the consumers do not come forward and bring forth the quality of life as election issues. The cost of providing safe drinking water would be fairly less than the cost to the masses on account of water-borne diseases and overall morbidity on account of intake of polluted water. MADAN MOHAN, Palampur

Assault on culture

In his address to the National Integration Council meeting in New Delhi on October 13, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh aptly said that the assault on culture was “worrying”.

The prosperity of a nation, the integrity of its politics, the stability of its society, the development of its economy, the solidarity of its ethnic groups, the flourishing of its culture and the contentment and well being of its people, all hinge upon the maintenance of law and order and on good governance. India is today facing tragic events in various states which is leading the national strategy of our country down the road for its future and destiny.

While the people should strive for overall growth, it is also essential for them to abide by the rule of law and not to indulge in things which will hinder development.

HARPREET SANDHU, Ludhiana

Violence in Orissa

The communal violence in Orissa and Karnataka needs to be condemned by all. Having said this, we should not treat it just as a law and order problem. It should be treated as a problem which has deeper roots in conversions.

What is happening in Orissa and elsewhere is due to rampant conversions of tribals and dalits. It is apprehended by the Hindus that with these conversations, which are perceived unethical and fraudulent, the demographic balance of India will change in the longterm.

The problem with some religions is that these are based on spread-the-faith doctrine. The Hindu religion never propagated conversions. The statements being made repeatedly by some Christian missionaries that tribals are not Hindus are reactionary. The remedy lies in appropriate policy response within the secular framework of India for conversions.

P.N. SHALI, Chandigarh

Nobel for Krugman

We feel happy that Paul Krugman has won the Nobel Prize 2008 for economics. The US economist and Princeton University professor, Krugman is a New York Times columnist and author of several books. A prolific writer, Krugman won the Nobel Prize for his analysis of trade patterns and location of economic activity.

His approach is based on the premise that many goods and services can be produced in less cost in the long run, a concept known as economies of scale. A staunch votary for prudent capital controls for emerging economies, he exposed the cruelty in our market system and advocated against unsound financial institutions operating just because they provided jobs.

His brilliant analysis of trade theory, which determines the effects of free trade and globalisation and driving forces behind worldwide urbanisation won him the coveted prize.

Dr A.R.K. PILLAI, Mumbai