Rahul on poverty

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi says that poverty is a state of mind. He seems to forget that there are only two classes in the world, the haves and haves-not. To be poor is no vice, but an inconvenience, a disadvantage and a downside that freezes “the genial current of the soul”. Aristotle maintains that “poverty is the parent of revolution and crime”. “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich,” said John F Kennedy in 1961.

DEEPAK TANDON, Panchkula

Udham Singh

Every year government machinery gathers at Shaheed Udham Singh's native house at Sunam in Sangrur district to observe his martyrdom day. But hardly any initiative is taken towards the development and maintenance of his house adorned with pictures, manuscripts and other articles of value.

The archeological department needs to upgrade the historical museum of the martyr. It's a matter of concern that the monuments of national value, that too of great freedom fighters like Shaheed Udham Singh, and several other historical documents have been totally neglected by the archaeological authorities (in Sunam). This shows our lack of respect for our freedom fighters and national heroes.

HARPREET SANDHU, Ludhiana

Omar's statement

The incidents of violence that occurred at Kishtwar were not a protest but a pre-planned act against one community. It was shocking to read Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s statement that “it's not a big thing to protest against India. It has occurred many times before”. If such incidents had taken place many times before, it is very shameful for which he must be castigated by the Congress. The Centre should intervene and take strong action against the perpetrators.

DHEERAJ ARORA, Panipat

Jalandhar traffic

With the condition of roads deteriorating due to rain, there is an urgent need to fill potholes and ensure the commuters’ safety. It is unfortunate that the repeated requests of the Jalandhar traffic police to the Municipal Corporation authorities to this effect have drawn a blank, making them to arrange the filling of potholes on their own. It shows the traffic police's concern for the safety of commuters. On the other hand, it appears that commuters’ safety does not figure on the MC's priority list. This initiative of the Jalandhar traffic police deserves to be appreciated.

RAVINDER SINGH, Jalandhar

Pak doublespeak

Pakistan's anti-India resolution passed by its national assembly is a stupid effort to outsmart India. On the one hand, it shows a desire to continue the peace process with India; on the other, it supports Kashmiri militants. It keeps its terror training camps flourishing on its soil despite assurances to the contrary. India on its part has been following a lukewarm approach to this belligerent country even after fully understanding its audacity. It is time India came out explicitly and firmly that no more talks unless all terror camps were wound up and Hafiz Saeed was booked.

S C LUTHRA, Chandigarh

Peacetime casualties

The INS Sindhurakshak tragedy has shocked ex-servicemen. When soldiers/sailors/airmen die during a war, the parents feel proud of their wards' martyrdom. But such peacetime causalities are very painful for one and all. During my 39 years of service in the Indian Navy, I never saw such a  big tragedy.