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Taking a stand

Undermining of the Prime Minister notwithstanding, Rahul Gandhi's trashing of the hasty ordinance to undo the Supreme Court ruling against convicted lawmakers has come as a saving grace for the UPA and the Congress ("Rahul reads out the writing on the wall" by Raj Chengappa; Ground Zero, Sept 29). Concerned about public criticism of government functioning, and the possible ignominy of the Congress defeat in 2014, the young Congress heir-apparent has asserted his credentials and checkmated the BJP in its political manoeuvering.

Harmohit Singh, Hoshiarpur

II

It's difficult to imagine the circumstances that prompted Manmohan Singh to acquiesce to craft an ordinance for such a maleficent purpose. The nation was debating the draconian ordinance, when Rahul Gandhi's outbursts hit the headlines. The method and timing were not right. He did not 'read out the writing on the wall'. He blasted the wall.

LR Sharma, Sundernagar

No easy solution

'Progressive' people make a lot of noise when religious or cultural symbols are proscribed in the West, for these represent sacrosanct beliefs and traditions of people ("Till 'honour' do them part" by Geetanjali Gayatri, Sunday Tribune, Sept 29). When Jats demand the right to follow their age-old tradition of not marrying in their own 'gotra' or village they are scorned. When they don't question other communities' concept of marriage among blood relatives, why should messiahs of modernity offer prescriptions of advancement and emancipation? Necessary change in the Hindu Marriage Act is the only solution.

Dr Rajneesh Ahlawat, Sirsa

II

'Honour' killings are an international phenomena. At least a dozen honour killings occurred between 2004 and 2005 in the UK. According to a 2006 BBC poll report, one in 10 of the 500 young Asians polled, condoned the murder of someone who dishonoured the family. In Brazil, such killings were legal until 1991 and in Colombia until 1980. In Pakistan, these killings are called 'karo kari'. Every year, at least 900 killings take place in Punjab, Haryana and UP. As digital India copes with medieval India, a standalone law is a must. A multi-pronged approach through education, community programmes with NGOs, and impartial role of the police and panchayats is needed.

Dr Nilima Dogra, email

For all seasons

Reference to the article “Love in the autumn years” (Spectrum, September 29), every man, young or old, needs a companion. As age catches up, more than physical desires, we need someone to meet our emotional needs and be a constant companion. Love can blossom even in this phase of our lives. Wilting leaves can get a new lease of life though committing oneself may require self-contemplation and acceptance from loved ones. Love knows no time. There is hope even in the autumn of our lives.

Anjali Sharma, email