II

Indeed, Swaran Singh was an able statesman, one of the best that India has produced in the post-Independence era. He was an  epitome of poise.

He is most remembered for his debating skills. The best thing about Swaran Singh was that though he never lost a point to his adversary, nor would he ever lose his cool.

SANJEEV GAUR, Amritsar

Be firm with Pak

In his front-page editorial, “Call off the peace dialogue – to begin with” (Dec 23), H K Dua has rightly asserted that India would have to fight its battle against terrorism without further loss of time.

Pakistan has totally failed to respond to all our peace talks only because it has trans-border terrorism high on its agenda. If it really is a victim of terror, as Pakistan President Asif Zardari says, then why doesn’t he dismantle all terror machines in his land?

Instead, he chooses to gloss over the fact that the non-state actors are the products of the terror training centres located in the territory of Pakistan. Above all, his adamant denial of Kasab being a Pakistani national lends credence to the general public perception that Pakistan is the foster-father of terrorism.

It is high time our neighbour is taught a lesson once and for all so that our time-tested principle of peaceful co-existence does not turn out to be our Achilles’ heel.

VIRENDRA GOSAIN, Batala

II

India is repeatedly traumatised because of terrorism exported from Pakistan. Actually, hostile neighbours, who have never felt comfortable with our progress and our flourishing democracy, surround us. Terrorists have managed to strike at will, be it in Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bangalore Hyderabad and now Mumbai. This latest carnage has made people restless and the anger of the people is visible in the streets.

It is crystal clear that terrorist groups are thriving with Pakistan’s patronage even though Pakistan says that all these jihadis are “non-state actors”. India is trying to mobilise world opinion. Meanwhile, the cricket tour to Pakistan has been called off because terrorism and the spirit of cricket do not blend.

During this period of crisis, we have listened to politicians of all political parties, but none of them has been reassuring. Perhaps our politicians know only how to rule and enjoy the perks of power. The people are feeling disillusioned and their patience is getting exhausted.

DR L K MANUJA, Nahan

III

Mr Dua’s editorial reflects the voice of India. We should avoid the “wait and watch policy”. Remember charity begins at home, so we cannot expect help from others. Enough is enough. Now, we must take action.

DR S P SINGH, Kapurthala

IV

I tend to fully agree with the pragmatic call to discontinue the peace dialogue. It is high time the democratically elected leaders read the writing on the wall and reigned in the villains spreading terror in our country.

COMMANDANT R S GURUNG,

(retd) Kangra

Women of mettle

Women are rarely seen in the top echelons of the corporate world, more so in the predominantly male banking industry. In this light, the achievement of Ms Chanda Kochhar, who commenced her association with the ICICI bank as a management trainee, merits even more praise.

She continues the legacy of Ms Ranjana Kumar, the woman who singularly inspired the entire workforce of the Indian Bank, and successfully led it to its turnaround.

Indeed women of such substance will be an inspiration not only for women, but also men desirous of putting India on the global business map.

PREETAM KUMAR, New Delhi