Thread of unity

Refer to the bulldozing of Jahangirpuri encroachments; is it not a sin when we consider ourselves a welfare state? Law of the land must prevail even for demolishing encroachments. Why do authorities sleep over encroachments for years and take knee-jerk action at the instance of politicians? Ends of natural justice must be met. Parties need to be heard before arriving at any decision. Though we take pride in our unity in diversity, we don’t hesitate to snap this fine thread of unity at the very first opportunity.  Be it Hindu or Sikh or Christian or Muslim, or be it a high caste or low, India belongs to all. Nobody has any right to intimidate and threaten the other. Let us learn to live together with mutual respect. A poet has rightly said: Insaan hokar bhi ye hum kya kar baithe/ Kahin mandir to kahin masjid bana baithe/ Humse to parindon ki jaat bhali/Kabhi mandir to kabhi masjid ja baithe.

KR Bharti, Shimla

Communal divide 

Refer to ‘Communal provocation’; secularism means to respect all religions and give space to all citizens to practice their faith. In the light of the recent events and incidents, it is hypocritical for us to call India secular. The Jahangirpuri violence on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, the mob attack on a Hanuman temple in Karnataka, clashes over food in many states during Ram Navami, the Karnataka HC hijab verdict, the communal divide keeps finding its way and getting magnified. People are in a constant battle to substantiate their religious superiority. The need to ask the forces to act pre-emptively to maintain communal peace in itself calls for introspection. Where do we, as citizens, draw the line?

Deepshikha Soni, Zirakpur

Silence deafening

Amid a spate of communal clashes across India, the violence that enveloped Jahangirpuri is horrifying. The ‘othering’ of Muslims is no more discreet, but is being promoted in public and shared through social media. The Centre’s silence on communal tensions might be emboldening certain elements to take such anti-democratic steps. It is necessary that trouble is nipped in the bud.   

SS Paul, Nadia

Traditional medicine

Refer to the first centre of traditional medicine in India; it will be great for the healthcare of people. The Covid pandemic has increased health consciousness. Ayurveda is based on natural science and hence all remedies are close to nature. A major benefit of ayurveda is that the herbs and plants used in it do not have side-effects that mimic allopathic medicine. 

Rajbir Singh, Shahkot

News mattered once

In good golden days after Independence, only value-based news formed part of AIR. Only actual happenings, and no speculations were reported. News on sports, if any, was given at the end. Films were considered to be outcast. After the Indian cricket team’s victory over the mighty Australian team in 1959, due to Jasu Patel’s splendid bowling, the Indian team to face the visiting Pakistani cricket team in 1960 was to be announced. But only the name of the captain, Nari Contractor, was announced. Such information produced citizens with high moral values. What a change now! The wedding of film stars and cricketers have become headlines of news channels. Details of geet-sangeet, mehndi, ring ceremony, etc., are relayed. All this artificial life is bound to influence the minds of youngsters. 

Gurdev Singh, Mohali

Food delivery ASAP 

The proposed 10-minute food delivery service is uncalled for, as it not only puts the life of a delivery person in danger, but also raises question on the quality of food (‘Taking quick service too far’). Further, waiting time in restaurants builds an appetite. Such type of food delivery promotional practices should be avoided. The government department concerned should also weigh the pros and cons before allowing such initiatives. 

NARENDRA K SINGHAL, PANCHKULA

Covid cases 

Once again, Covid cases are increasing in some urban areas and it must be taken seriously (‘Rise in Covid-19 cases no cause for concern’). We should not become complacent and stop behaving irresponsibly as far as Covid-appropriate behaviour is concerned. On no account should masks be shunned. They protect us not only from the Covid virus, but also from certain other airborne infections and allergies. Children wearing masks are much less prone to upper and lower respiratory tract infections as well as allergic rhinitis. Large gatherings should also be avoided, and the importance of use of sanitisers should not be undermined. 

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

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