In awe of their sporting prowess

Apropos of the editorial ‘Paralympics champs’; there is no doubt that differently abled athletes are just as talented as other players. It is high time that the government and the masses recognised their sporting prowess and extended them much-needed support. The para-athletes who defied all the odds to bring laurels to the nation deserve kudos. Their impressive showing at the Paris Paralympics speaks to their indomitable spirit. They are worthy of just as much admiration and recognition as other players. Acknowledging their talent will propel them to continue training hard and keep the Indian flag flying high in the global arena of sports.

Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal

Give para-athletes their due

With reference to the editorial ‘Paralympics champs’; differently abled athletes from India have created history at the Paralympic Games. By clinching over 25 medals for the country so far, these players have proved their mettle. Our specially abled athletes have bagged far more medals than their famous compatriots did at the Olympics earlier this year. It is incumbent on the government to make an all-out effort to promote sports for athletes with special needs. This would not only boost their morale but also give their life a purpose.

Harsh Sharma, Jalandhar

They have proved their mettle

Refer to ‘Paralympics champs’; the story of every single para-athlete is one of grit, resilience and perseverance. Dharambir, Harvinder Singh, Nitesh Kumar, Sumit Antil and Avani Lekhara have all shown the world what a person with willpower can achieve, no matter the odds. It is unfortunate that even though they have done their country proud, they won’t get feted like athletes like Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra do. Even though they have earned the country more medals than our Olympics champions could manage, they are sadly being given short shrift.

Bal Govind, Noida

Don’t fall for politicians’ words

With reference to the article ‘Crumbling statues and falling standards’; the writer has rightly observed that politicians make tall promises before elections and rush to get development works finished to win over voters. But beneath the veneer of public service lies their lack of sincerity. Thanks to corruption and favouritism, government projects land in the hands of undeserving contractors. That is the reason behind the poor quality of construction work in so many projects. Besides, the selective outrage among politicians each time there is a fresh case of rape is telling. While many politicians have capitalised on the Kolkata rape-murder to corner the West Bengal Government, they remain tight-lipped about the frequent paroles and furloughs to Ram Rahim. Our leaders lack the sincerity and political will needed to tackle these problems.

Purshotam Kumar, Kurukshetra

Don’t blame it on the wolves

A series of recent wolf attacks in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district have the residents on edge. While a massive search operation is on to catch the man-eating canines that have so far evaded capture, there is no let-up in the terror. The spate of attacks brings to the fore the rise in human-animal conflict in the country. It is imperative to understand that culling the wolves out of sheer panic would be a blow to wildlife conservation efforts. Let us not forget that we have invaded their habitat. Unchecked deforestation and urbanisation have destroyed their home. Besides, several wildlife experts have suggested that human attacks on their cubs might have prompted the wild canines to seek revenge. So, we have ourselves to blame for the Bahraich horror.

Jakir Hussain, Kanpur

Humans must stop crying wolf

It is unfortunate that wolf attacks have claimed at least 10 lives in Bahraich. This episode should serve as a reminder of the need to check man-animal conflict. Notably, the menace is not limited to wild animals. Every day, fresh cases of dog-bite are also reported. And the failure of successive governments and municipal authorities to tackle the problem should prompt us all to reflect on our failure to coexist peacefully with animals. We are the ones who destroyed their habitat. And now we are having the killer wolves chased and captured under ‘Operation Bhediya’ to ensure our own safety. Let us stop punishing animals for our mistakes.

Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur

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