Stop supporting China
The World Health Organization could have done a lot more to contain the virus in the initial stages, when it was spreading in China. Why is it so scared of China? The WHO’s biased attitude towards China is completely unacceptable, and it should stop parroting China’s stands once and for all (‘All ill, no will’, May 10).
There should be an independent, international inquiry on the handling of the Covid-19 crisis by the WHO. Like everyone else, the members of the WHO have to be concerned about China and the reckless manner in which it has handled Covid-19.
T.K. Krishnan,
On email.
We cannot believe everything that Donald Trump says, but there is no denying the fact that the WHO should have intervened at the right time. It should not have trusted all that came from China in the beginning of the year. Yes, the WHO needs a comprehensive makeover, and at the earliest.
China will continue to hide things and will not cooperate with any international body, and that is a dilemma that the world faces. It is time India and other superpowers of the world intervened and cornered China. The government of India’s decision to make prior clearance mandatory for foreign investments from countries like China is a step in the right direction. Tit-for-tat, isn’t it?
Tapesh Nagpal,
On email.
At the time when the WHO has been dragged into an avoidable controversy by supercilious member-countries like the US and China, it is appropriate that your cover story brought out a calibrated story of what’s what and who’s who of the WHO. When the whole world is reeling under an unprecedented health hazard, the blame-game against the world health body is suicidal.
Raveendranath A.,
On email.
Your cover story has, rightly, underlined the lack of autonomy, the skewed funding system of the WHO, and the need for urgent strengthening of the body. Had the WHO informed and sounded an early alarm, the course of the crisis would have been quite different.
Owing to the influence of developed countries and undue political pressure, platforms like the WHO are found wanting in delivering the results expected of them.
Vijay Singh Adhikari,
On email.
I went through your cover story on the WHO in one go. If not for your cover story, a person like me who comes from a tier-two city can never judge the working of such a big name institution. I feel people should continue to ask questions to the WHO.
I must thank your team for bringing clear facts in such a grave situation. I look forward to more such fantastic cover stories.
Bhanwar Purohit,
Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Open to the public
It is good to see higher judiciary in the country turning digital, but security concerns have remained a cause for concern (‘Order online’, May 10). The Supreme Court and the high courts should have online hearing more often, and the judges and lawyers should get used to it.
More virtual courts should be set up in the days to come as that will help in bringing greater professionalism into the proceedings. It is important to open up such hearings for the public as they can keep a track of all important hearings.
Vrinda Gopi,
On email.
Enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading the column by Swara Bhasker where she mentioned about her pets. I could relate to her (‘Bitter chocolate’, May 10). There are so many people that I know who are enjoying the lockdown in the company of their pets. Pets definitely keep you engaged, and you will never feel bored. For some, pets are like their children and they take care of them so much.
So many people, these days, mourn the death of their pet dogs on social media platforms. Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli had informed recently that his pet dog had passed away.
But, it is wrong to show the same emotions for both pets and family members.
Anuja Chandrasekharan,
On email.
A poignant read
Last Word by Barkha Dutt was straightforward (May 10). The truth is there for all to see. Migrant workers were left to fend for themselves, until they decided to rally in different places in the country.
On numerous occasions, these people were treated as second-class citizens, which was unacceptable. The employers, agents and sponsors of these marginalised people reacted as if they did not exit. What a pity!
Venugopal,
Kollam, Kerala.
Just hype
Your story on online classrooms emphasised the need for the technology and its reach, but I feel schools are hyping up virtual classrooms (‘Screen taught’, May 3). Virtual classrooms are okay for high-school and college students, but it does not suit small children, who are known to even bond with their teachers.
A teacher not only guides students in their studies, but also helps shape their character.
K. Aravinda Upadhyaya,
On email.