Governors shouldn’t cross the line

Refer to the editorial ‘No, Governor’; it seems like Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi is ignorant about the notion of secularism, which is central to the identity of India. It is the concept of secularism enshrined in the Constitution that allows every citizen to practise a religion of his or her choice. A Governor must be mindful of the constraints of his office. He must not overstep the bounds of his position. It is unfortunate that face-offs between state governments and Governors have become increasingly common. This sets a dangerous precedent, as it will cause the masses to view Governors as a hindrance to the functioning of a state government.

Sudesh Kumar Sharma, Kapurthala

Not at the cost of progress

Apropos of ‘No, Governor’; the editorial rightly calls out TN Governor RN Ravi for undermining the dignity of his office and flouting constitutional principles. His assertion that secularism is a European concept contradicts India’s core values and exposes his political bias. It reflects a troubling trend, especially in Opposition-ruled states like Kerala and West Bengal, where Governors have started to act as political agents of the Centre. Eager to please their political bosses to retain their position, these Governors disregard their constitutional oath. All citizens must oppose steps that are inimical to the country’s secular fabric. The crucial question is: Is the office of Governor still relevant in India, given its propensity to obstruct rather than facilitate development?

Chanchal S Mann, Una

India a country of diversity

TN Governor RN Ravi has once again stoked controversy. His sensational remark that secularism is a European concept is inappropriate. India is a country of diversity. People here have the freedom to practise the religion of their choice — a right enshrined in the Constitution. The editorial is right to note that the politicisation of the gubernatorial office is one Congress inheritance that the saffron party has chosen to indulgently play around with. It has become common for Governors to be at loggerheads with state governments. The Governor must not interfere with the functioning of the government.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Maharaja-bashing unacceptable

The article ‘Clock turns: Mood in J&K as UT votes’ (Spectrum) makes a good attempt at a regional analysis of the players and influences in the J&K Assembly elections. But the writers did not miss the opportunity to indulge in Maharaja-bashing, describing them as ‘wilful and whimsical’. Are they referring to the ‘wilful and whimsical’ Maharaja who introduced the State Subject Laws in order to protect the land belonging to our people? Or the one who introduced numerous social reforms to integrate the backward castes and communities and had hospitals and colleges built? I find the writers’ remark disdainful and offensive; it is part of the bogus narrative on the role of the Dogra Maharajas in the development of J&K.

Vikramaditya Singh (ex-mlc, J&K), by mail

Improve quality of education

Punjab’s decision to send 72 government primary school teachers to the University of Turku in Finland for a three-week international training programme makes no sense. Any right-thinking person acquainted with the intricacies of teaching would disapprove of the step. It is unfortunate that instead of improving the quality of training and evaluation at the training institutes in the state or filling up the vacant posts of teachers at government schools, the authorities are looking for a miracle from overseas. Children from poor sections of society can only afford education at government schools. The focus must be on improving the quality of education here.

RP Chani, Ludhiana

Tackle porn addiction among kids

Refer to ‘Fighting child porn’; the SC ruling on child pornography will help the fight against the sexual exploitation of minors. The apex court has done well to quash the Madras HC’s judgment on the same, rightly describing it as an ‘egregious error’. It is unfortunate that the consumption of pornographic content has become increasingly common. From teenagers to the elderly, people these days find it hard to resist the lure of watching adult content for self-pleasure. Shielding children from predators is not enough. It is time for steps to rein in porn addiction among minors.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

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