Bangladesh remains unmoved

With reference to ‘Playing fast & loose with secularism’ (The Great Game); our government is rightly concerned about the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. It has admonished the Bangladesh government for its inaction over the atrocities being perpetrated against Hindus. But, Bangladesh is unmoved and has dismissed the charges contemptuously, describing it as an internal matter. The police remain mute spectators during these ghastly incidents, refusing to initiate action against the criminals. Vikram Misri’s visit assumes profound significance. Only our unflinching adherence to the concept of secularism will keep our image unsullied. It is our moral and legal duty to condemn such atrocities.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

A communal maelstrom

Refer to ‘Playing fast & loose with secularism’; the India-Bangladesh tensions reveal a distressing disregard for secularism. In Bangladesh, the arrest of a Hindu monk on the charges of sedition, juxtaposed with inflammatory comments from Indian leaders, has stirred a communal maelstrom. Such actions undermine the essence of secularism that should bind the two nations. The reckless invocation of Hindutva politics not only endangers India’s diplomatic stature but also erodes the secular fabric that both countries once championed. It’s imperative that we recognise secularism not as a mere word but as the cornerstone of our collective identity, lest we lose the harmony that defines us.

Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali

Secularism and diplomacy

Apropos of ‘Playing fast & loose with secularism’; the article rightly highlights how Hindutva-driven rhetoric jeopardises India’s secular fabric and foreign relations, especially with Bangladesh. Provocative remarks by leaders like Yogi Adityanath and Amit Shah have strained ties with a vital neighbour. India’s democratic ethos and diplomatic efforts risk being undermined by myopic divisive politics. Secularism, a cornerstone of India’s Constitution, must guide its policies to safeguard regional stability. The government must protect India’s legacy as a democratic leader and secure its strategic interests in South Asia.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Focus on revenue-centric events

Apropos of ‘Just not sport’; the indiscriminate use of two prominent stadia in the national capital for non-sports events undermines the country’s goal to host the Olympic Games. What else could explain the Sports Authority of India’s reply to an RTI query that only 11 of the 131 events held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium were related to sports? This implies that the holding of revenue-centric non-sport events outweighed the real purpose of setting up these stadiums. Unfortunately, the authorities concerned are least bothered by the outburst from sportspersons.

SK Gupta, New Delhi

Aravalli project a beacon of hope

With reference to ‘Reviving Aravallis’; the Aravalli Green Wall Project stands as a beacon of hope against the backdrop of our vanishing natural heritage. These ancient hills, once vibrant with life, now whisper tales of their decline. The urban sprawl has silenced their song, but the Green Wall initiative has provided hope for their revival. By planting indigenous species, nurturing water bodies and enforcing conservation, we aim not just to heal the land but to repair the tapestry of biodiversity. Let this project be our commitment to the future, ensuring that the Aravallis do not fade into memory but flourish for generations to come.

Gurdev Singh, by mail

Involve masses in town planning

Refer to ‘How to decongest the City Beautiful and why’; master plans of cities should be reviewed periodically as per changes in the demographic profile. Unfortunately, town planning research has not been given much importance and all decisions pertaining to city development are mostly political ones. There is very little coordination between urban development authorities and municipal corporations. Many times, the city master plans are made through foreign private consultancy firms that hardly have any experience of local people-oriented policies. The need of the hour is to involve local people and research institutions in city planning so that participation of the masses in local governance can be optimised.

Harvinder Singh Chugh, Jalandhar