Force to reckon with
It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warmth that led Donald Trump, the world’s most powerful leader, to accept the invitation to come to India; it was more of a personal visit (‘When POTUS comes calling’, March 1). Trump and his family were overwhelmed by the crowd at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, and at all the other places they went to.
Such an informal visit by the world’s most powerful leader to India will certainly have its impact—not only on Indo-US relations, but also on India’s role as a formidable balancing force in the subcontinent.
Jaideep Mittra,
On email.
It is indisputable that the US president holds the numero uno status among all heads of states. The hype and hoopla associated with Trump’s visit attested to this fact.
When it comes to business interests of the US, Trump’s attitude, compounded with his inconsistent temperament, gives the jitters to the mandarins in South Block. I suppose we have reconciled to the fact that the sensible option, in this case, is to keep our fingers crossed.
Raveendranath A.,
On email.
Trump’s visit, I am sure, will take security, defence, trade and strategic ties between the two countries to an all-together different level. With China getting stronger and mightier by each passing day we need the support of the US.
Indian Americans should not bother about Trump’s immigration policies. It is natural on his part to care more for American citizens and protect their rights. The very fact that so many Indians are going to the US and doing well there, without facing any major issues, should keep us happy. Why does one want to settle in the US, when there is enough scope in India?
T.M. Krishnan,
On email.
Still a long way
The Supreme Court took a great decision by putting women army officers on par with men (‘Parity over patriarchy’, March 1). But, I am not sure if things will change drastically from now onwards. There are already reservations from senior officers, retired and serving, on why women should not be encouraged to take up combat positions in tough terrain.
There is still a long way to go for a woman to become the chief of Army staff, though it is comparatively easier for them to reach the pinnacle in the Air Force and the Navy.
Tigin Thomas,
On email.
The landmark judgment, bringing women Army officers on par with men, will definitely reduce gender disparity and other stereotypes confronting women in the male-dominated Indian society.
It is shocking to know that gender bias, based on physical features, continue to exist, despite the fact that women outperform men in several areas.
Considering the dearth of women officers in the Army, this decision by the Supreme Court will serve as a morale booster for women who aspire to join the armed forces. It will also dispel certain wrong notions about them.
Vijay Singh Adhikari,
On email.
Will they survive?
It feels good to know that cheetahs are being brought back to India. We missed them badly here. They, rightfully, have a place here (‘A homage to heritage’, March 1). With the return of cheetahs, India will most likely become the only country to have almost all wild cats.
It remains to be seen whether cheetahs will survive in India. There are various kinds of threats that they face. The introduction of cheetahs should be a gradual process. I hope they survive in the long run and India becomes their favourite territory in the world.
Gaurav Tyagi,
On email.
Let Christianity thrive
Let China worry about the surge of Christianity in Arunachal Pradesh, for all we care (‘The dragon gets crossed’, March 1). It should not bother us. Every religion should thrive in every state in the country. So many churches are helping the poor in Arunachal Pradesh, and that may be one of the reasons why Christianity is the leading religion in that state. Reports of forced conversions are wrong.
Ruth David,
On email.
People’s man
It was a stunning victory for the AAP in Delhi, particularly Arvind Kejriwal. This was the result of Kejriwal’s hard work, coupled with the meticulous and strategic planning done by the AAP (‘Vroom broom,’ February 23). The interests of a majority of Delhiites have reigned supreme. The AAP has really worked for the people of Delhi in letter and spirit, pushing away the belligerent and arrogant BJP.
Kejriwal is a people’s man, so to say. He deserves kudos for his excellent work in Delhi.
Jitendra G. Kothari,
On email.
The win of the AAP is no surprise, the party deserved it. But the state of Delhi is nothing more than a huge corporation. In the larger context, if the AAP wants to grow beyond Delhi, Kejriwal has to drastically alter his style of “one man show”. He has to build the apparatus of the party with representatives from every state the party has a presence in. It has to build a collective leadership, on the lines of the CPI(M), and formulate policies on numerous important issues concerning states and work on them.
However, I feel Kejriwal has an autocratic streak in him and he thinks that only he can do certain things.
V.H. Subramoney,
On email.