Fingers crossed
There is no denying that the economy is in bad shape, but the road to recovery will not be as long as it is being predicted. I agree with R.C. Bhargava, chairman, Maruti Suzuki, that slowdowns are cyclical, and businesses are used to it. So, why worry, and create a panic situation?
The finance ministry, under the leadership of Nirmala Sitharaman, has already started taking some corrective measures, which I am sure will work well for the economy in the days to come (‘Green shoots of hope’, September 8).
The next two months will be crucial for Indian economy, and we should keep our fingers crossed.
Sivadasan P.V.,
On email.
Taking a close look at the economic slowdown, your cover story has taken an empathic view of the rescue acts of the government. The shadows of worldwide recessive tendencies are very much discernible in India, although the situation is, hopefully, not that alarming. As expected, the Narendra Modi government has put up a brave face hoping to sail through the choppy waters.
I feel the advice from Manmohan Singh “to engage with thinking minds, shunning vendetta politics” is worth adopting.
Raveendranath A.,
On email.
The state of the economy is not as bad as you have put it out to be. We will tide over the crisis, as this slowdown is temporary in nature. Sitharaman’s stimulus package will definitely help boost the economy. We just need to wait for a few days.
Devender Tokas,
On email.
Able politician
There cannot be better tribute to Arun Jaitley than the one by Nalin Kohli (‘Mentor and more’, September 8). It is true that the likes of Jaitley are few. Real leaders are those who guide their juniors at every step of their career, and lucky are the ones like Kohli who imbibed the valuable knowledge imparted.
Jaitley carried out his responsibilities in a manner befitting the dignity of Parliament, and also weathered the criticism against him or the BJP, upholding the goodwill of all concerned, including his political opponents.
Jaitley carried the vast knowledge and wisdom he possessed very lightly. The nation has lost an able politician.
Narendran Vettiyattil,
On email.
Not only Kohli, but many others who came in contact with Jaitley benefited from his hand of cooperation and insightful articulation. Despite being a rightwing ideologue, Jaitley had friends and admirers across the political spectrum. He never lost his temper while articulating or rebutting any point.
He responded to complex issues with great conviction and clarity. His knowledge and understanding over a wide range of subjects was unparalleled. Jaitley was an outstanding lawyer, master politician, marvellous orator, excellent parliamentarian, and above all, a kind-hearted human being.
Ravi Prakash Singh,
On email.
It was unfortunate that THE WEEK did not run a cover story on Jaitley. He was a multifaceted personality. A great strategist in politics, a notable lawyer and an eminent administrator with a human touch.
Sugumaran A.,
On email.
Great going, girl
P.V. Sindhu deserves rich tributes and accolades, and it was befitting on the part of THE WEEK to have brought out a detailed story on what helped Sindhu script a historic win in the final of the World Badminton Championship in Basel, Switzerland (‘Grind to gold’, September 8).
Sindhu’s dominance in all the matches she played, particularly the final, provided extraordinary excitement to millions of her countrymen. She was tested only in the quarter-final match against Tai Tzu-ying.
K.K. Cherian,
Bengaluru.
It is a great time to be a supernova in women’s sports and I am sure Sindhu must be enjoying every bit of her success, which has come to her after a great deal of effort, strategic planning and support of the family and her coaches. As her eyes are set on the Olympic gold, let us all wish and pray that she gets it. All the best to you, Sindhu.
S.R. Gadicherla,
Bengaluru.
I also miss Rajiv
Mani Shankar Aiyar’s reminiscence of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi must have revived anguish in the soul of every reader. After Rajiv passed away, the country lost a visionary leader who, if he were alive today, would have taken the country to great heights in all parameters (‘Manifesto’, September 1).
Rajiv was not only a mass leader, but also the darling of the masses. He was even loved by people of other countries, especially young people, which I was able to feel, realise and witness as an expatriate official during those golden days.
We miss you Rajiv, particularly at this time when the Congress is in a quandary and the nation is embroiled in communal flare-ups and religious fanaticism that threaten our secular fabric and democratic values.
Tharcius S. Fernando,
On email.
Negative coverage
Your Independence Day cover story was a sheer display of abysmal ignorance and concentrated pessimism (‘Smile or cry? My beloved country!’, August 25). Like that proverbial prisoner who in the night looked through the prison bars, missed the shining stars, and only saw the darkness of night, your reporters have failed to see tremendous progress made by India in all spheres over the last seven decades.
It was indeed a pity that you came out with such a distorted report, highlighting only negativity.
Parur S. Ganesan,
Mumbai.