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Politics over Dalit votes in Punjab

This refers to the news report ‘Punjab parties battle for Dalit votes via temple politics’ (October 20). Only time will tell whether or not the Valmiki temple politics benefits the Akali Dal(B)-BJP combine electorally. But one thing that is very clear is that only the construction of temples to commemorate the saints of the Dalits cannot be a template for the welfare schemes meant for them.

Despite the reservations for them in government educational institutions and jobs, they remain backward and impoverished to a large extent because of various reasons. The Valmiki community is among the worst sufferers. Its members continue to live and work in inhumane conditions. They need an uplift in the economic, political and social spheres to make them feel as equal and respectable in society. This will be a real tribute to their gurus and gods.

SACHDI NANDA, Chandigarh

II

This is in reference to the construction of the Valmiki Mandir at Ram Tirath, Amritsar, for which the foundation stone was laid by the Chief Minister. It would have been much better if a world-class hospital or educational institution was established in the service of humanity. When will the time come when our political leadership thinks beyond religion, caste, class and place of worship as vote banks?

HARRY PAL, via email

Fabulous win

On October 16, Jaipur along with the rest of India chanted “Jai Ho, Jai Ho” when Team India pulverised Australia, chasing down a big score of 360 with 6.3 overs to spare. Credit for this magnificent victory goes to the brilliant performance of the trio Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Shikhar scoring 95 runs off 86 balls, Ashwani scoring 141runs off 123 balls and Virat scoring 100 runs off 52 balls set the Sawai Mansingh Stadium ablaze. The city of Jaipur became more pink and turned the Australians red-faced.

The ODI match at Jaipur will be remembered for Virat Kohli becoming the first Indian to become a fast centurion who hammered unbeaten hundred off just 52 balls, studded with eight hits to the boundary and seven over it. Hats off to Team India for its fabulous and historic win. Keep it up Team India!

DILBAG RAI, Chandigarh

Helicopter misuse

The Chief Minister of Punjab should stop the misuse of the official helicopter by his near and dear ones. The rules drafted in the state interest should be obeyed. The people have given them a chance to serve, not to waste public money. Think twice before using helicopters in a small state like Punjab.

JATINDER KALRA, Sangrur

The Google boy

"Childhood is the sleep of reason," said Rousseau. 'Google boy' Kautilya, the little encyclopaedia, is a special child. He is endowed with a special mind. His extraordinary talent has won him nationwide acclaim and has made him the blue-eyed boy of the media.

But, it is feared that Kautilya's childhood may be lost in the maze of his brain's 'data-recalling' din. Kautilya should be treated like a child and may be given every opportunity that a child of his age normally needs to bloom into a 'beautiful flower'. He should not be burdened with unnecessary academic pressure.

When somebody asked Einstein about the speed of light, he told him to consult the book. Einstein told the person that he remembered 'creative things' and not facts and figures. The Google boy should also follow in the footsteps of Einstein and hone his creative skills.

Rajan Kapoor, Nakodar

PU Syndicate's arrogance

Prof B. L. CHAKOO, Amritsar