Propaganda value

Propaganda value

The whole world has seen that India has been unable to control the march of the migrant workers and the action against particular sects creates doubts. PM Modi’s order for switching off lights at 9 pm on April 5 and lighting a candle or diya for nine minutes is all propaganda. Why should people take to such vague acts in this life and death situation. The Prime Minister should think about the welfare of such people and releasing the funds to the states. Enough is enough now, forget the baseless speeches.

Opinder Kaur Sekhon, Chandigarh

About non-essential lights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged all Indians to switch off lights on Sunday evening and light a candle or diya in their doorways or balconies to mark the fight against coronavirus and show solidarity. Significantly, the event Earth Hour, a worldwide movement organised by the WWF, is held annually to encourage individuals, communities and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights, for an hour, on a specific day towards the end of March, as a symbol of commitment to the planet. The Earth Hour this year was scheduled for March 28.

SS Paul, Chakdaha, Nadia

Show of collective will

The PM, in his statement, urged people across the country to light candles, lamps or the mobile flashlights to raise the power of 130 crore Indians, and to drive home the message that during the Covid-19 lockdown, no one is alone. He has also urged everyone not to gather on roads to maintain social distancing. There is no harm in giving it a try as an expression of our collective will in this fight.

Sahin, Mumbai

Stop foodgrain wastage

The editorial, ‘Food security at stake’ (April 3) brings to the fore the criminal gaps in the management of food stocks. The conditions point out clearly the indifference to the real costs in the production of foodgrains in Punjab. Any leadership that values each grain of cereals would not have allowed the huge wastage in Punjab as pointed out by the CAG. Politicians are not highlighting issues which involve an essential commodity like food and its wastage for a non-sustainable reason like lack of storage capacity. The PDS system has to be revamped to make it foolproof. Accountability for wastage has to be strictly fixed.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Communal turn for corona

It is saddening to know that coronavirus is acquiring a communal tinge. It’s always about being right and wrong and being an Indian. If someone does something wrong, it’s right to punish them no matter what religion, caste or region they belong to. It’s time to fight against Covid-19 together. Spitting on doctors and others was wrong but they should not be left alone or seen as victims. One should understand the right and wrong about the situation instead of starting a blame game.

Neetika Singh, Chandigarh

Welcome paradigm shift

This is with reference to the article ‘Awaiting a paradigm shift’ (April 3). I agree that life will experience a change post coronavirus period. It will not revert to the previous routine. Habits which have been taken for granted would have changed fully or partially. People will walk on foot to fetch items of need without using vehicles. Herbs like basil and ginger may acquire permanency in their morning cup of tea. The month-long lockdown has taught everybody to be frugal and there will be negligible wastage of food items. Frequent handwashing will now be the norm even with the children. Breathing exercises have also become a way of life. Children will consume less junk food. These changes are all welcome.

Kiran Sharma, SunderNagar

Show doctors regard

What happened with doctors in Indore and the anganwadi workers in Bengaluru is shameful and disgusting. Both incidents are disturbing and have evoked widespread anger. Far from expressing gratitude, the doctors and Anganwadi workers were attacked. This group should know that they are doing great disservice to society in times of crisis. At this juncture, the doctors are risking their lives for the sake of their people. They deserve respect and honour and these incidents tar the country’s reputation.

Khyati Kataria, Panchkula

Safety kit for workers

Many people are doing their duty well during this epidemic. But there are some who are doing their job well but their safety is not being taken care of. Vegetable sellers and sanitation workers are offering their services, house to house. These people come in contact with others but do not have safety kits. Keeping their safety in mind, the administration should provide masks and gloves to them and ensure their protection from infection.

Bhupender S Ranga, Panipat