‘Grace marks needed’ (Perspective, May 27) brings to mind the plight of the common man. Economic reforms are overdue, and steps need to be taken to create infrastructure necessary for the growth of the economy, to be followed by corruption-free developmental governance. Government claims should be a reflection of reality, and policies such that they serve the interests of the people.

Let nature be

Kishwar Desai in "Enlightened in Bhutan!" (Fifty Fifty, May 27) graphically brought out her experience of the Bhutanese landscape at Thimphu and Paro as well as the Bhutan Literary Festival, where cinema and literature were brought together on one platform, a la Jaipur Literary Festival. The Bhutanese policy of not tampering with nature or culture has been rightly appreciated, and needs to be followed in India too.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Mooning away

‘Honeymoon getaways’ (Spectrum, May 27) was a useful guide to newlyweds. For honeymoon, couples should choose places that don't require too much of moving around, otherwise most of the time is wasted in travel, and they do not get time to be together. It would be useful to have information on budget hotels too.

Mahesh Kapasi, New Delhi

The determined one

Of the three new nominations to the Rajya Sabha - Sachin Tendulkar, Rekha and Anu Aga - the last one was the most deserving (Profile, 'No tragedy too big', May 20). Regular practice of Vipassana has endowed Anu's personality with determination and generosity. I am sure she would undertake her parliamentary responsibility with the same flair as her other engagements.

D.S. Kang, Bahadurpur (Hoshiarpur)

Green Kashmir

The report "No compromise on environment for boosting tourism: Omar" (May 27) was a commendable expression of concern for the environment and forests by the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister. There are many species of animals and birds in the state that are threatened. Special efforts are required to save these. Contamination of the Jhelum and Tawi rivers is also a major issue. Polluted river waters passing through forests is not good for the environment. The Dal lake, a prime tourist attraction, is being ruined by encroachments and neglect. It needs to be restored to its past glory.

S.C. Vaid, Greater Noida

Middle-class distress

Apropos "In Punjab, three farmers kill selves every two days" (The Sunday Tribune, May 27), while our food growers are already compelled to commit suicide, the day is not far when even middle-class people would resort to similar escape, given the uncontrolled inflation. What is worse, when a person in such circumstances ends his life, his family members have to face even more trouble in the form of questions from the police investigating the matter.