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

Remarks against Sheila Dikshit regrettable

To the news report “NZ sorry for TV host’s slur on Dikshit” (Oct 8), I would like to add that Paul Henry, a breakfast TV host, should be condemned for his racial remarks, casting a slur on Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit when he deliberately mispronounced her name to make it sound like an expletive. He left little doubt about his racist motive when he went on to add that the expletive was particularly well-suited to describe her because she is an Indian.

It is a matter of regret that these remarks were insensitive, inappropriate and vulgar too. It is really shameful that such views were aired by a representative of a mainstream media organisation of a country which boasts of being a multi-ethnic democracy. Paul Henry thus has proven his impudence by his racial behaviour as he had made such remarks earlier too against New Zealand Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, who is of Indian origin.

When the Ministry of External Affairs denounced the racist remarks by the commentator in question and protested, the High Commissioner of New Zealand in New Delhi paid just lip service by conveying his deep regret for the hurt caused by the racial abuse. But New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully has added insult to injury by saying that he was powerless to act against a television anchor.

There is no denying the fact that it has long been apparent that a hint of racism marks the attitude of some nations of the Commonwealth. That it has broken out in an ugly form on a New Zealand television show is, therefore, not so much of a surprise.

DILBAG RAI, Chandigarh

SAHIL GARG, Chandigarh

Ailing medicare

Pushpa M Bhargava’s article “Whither medical and health care” (Oct 9) has rightly expressed that till late seventies general physicians did a yeoman’s service. But such noble doctors are rarely found in today’s India where everything has been commercialised.

Health and education are no exception. The problem is not only with the referral system of specialists but prescription of medicines too. Doctors in the government hospitals normally prescribe only those companies’ medicines, which offer them hefty commissions in cash and kind. These days, hospitals have become prescription centres and hardly any free medicine is provided to the poor patients.

PRIYADARSHI AJEYA, Kangra

Net gain

Devashish Chakraborty’s article “Net- friendship” (Oct 12) shows only one side of the coin. Everything has its pros and cons and it depends on what you choose. Social websites like Facebook and Orkut, etc has many uses too. Besides helping one to communicate with one’s friends. it can be used for keeping in touch with one’s near and dear as well.

KSHITIJ GUPTA, Narwana

Laws for women

Aditi Tandon’s investigative report, “Dark underbelly of Games”(Oct 10) was an eye-opener. It once more proved that there are two different India’s, one that is fast becoming a superpower and the other that is still stuck in the Middle Ages and poverty. 

Politicians often talk about women’s rights yet no action is taken. Stringent laws must ensure the safety and security of the fair sex, especially minor girls.

S SIDHU, Canada

This is not cricket The editorial “Royals, Kings XI out: IPL has an ugly underbelly” (Oct 12) has rightly observed that the way IPL matches are conducted and its finances mismanaged, we can’t call it a gentleman’s game. Some matches are even said to be fixed. Under the prevailing circumstances cricket will lose its reputation. Neither the sponsors play a fair game nor is their business clean. The BCCI should overhaul the whole system leaving no scope for any foul dealing to sustain people’s interest in these matches. S C VAID, Greater Noida