Wait and watch, Kamala is here
It is a matter of pride for us that Kamala Harris, vice president of the US, is of Indian origin. I am sure she will do everything possible to unite a deeply-divided US (‘The wonder that is Kamala’, January 24).
Kamala has become the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in the US government. It is quite strange that a supposedly progressive and developed country like the US has never elected a woman as president or vice president.
I agree that Kamala is influenced by Barack Obama’s political philosophy. Like Obama’s, Kamala’s will also be an eventful tenure. A go-getter, she will take away the limelight from Joe Biden sooner rather than later. This is just the beginning. It is going to be Kamala all the way!
Suraj Bhushan,
On email.
Your cover story made for an inspiring read. Hats off to Biden for having picked Kamala as his running mate.
Apart from Kamala, Biden’s team will also have some more down-to-earth and seasoned Indian Americans like Sabrina Singh, Mala Adiga, Vanita Gupta, Garima Verma and Reema Shah.
The magnanimity and prudence shown by Biden speaks volumes of his dynamic personality. I wish him all success.
Sunil Chopra,
Ludhiana, Punjab.
Kamala is a woman of substance who is going to make a big impact as the vice president of the US. She has achieved so much at a young age. Now I want Kamala to come to India at the earliest. We should be giving her a grand reception here. Proud of you, Kamala.
Gaurav Mathur,
On email.
The BJP government at the Centre will miss Donald Trump. Narendra Modi knew well that no matter what his government did, he had the rock-solid support of the Trump administration.
Biden and Kamala have not yet commented about India. It is well known that Kamala has reservations against the BJP government in India. But, she may not take the risk of upsetting Modi.
Vinayak Nandagopalan,
On email.
Changed for better
Omar Abdullah is quite honest when he said that he is not able to motivate himself these days (‘Point blank’, January 24). He should realise that Jammu and Kashmir has changed for better, after the abrogation of Article 370. There is less militancy and more progress in the state.
Pranav Gautam,
On email.
Here to stay
Online mode of learning will stay in 2021, even if schools and colleges reopen (‘Pandemic paradigm’, January 10). Admission process, across colleges, should be made online, as it saves a lot of time. All institutions will have to upgrade their systems on a regular basis from now on. The focus on online education should continue for some more years.
K.V. Rakesh,
Chennai.
Cause for concern
The Centre’s gesture in allaying fears through a series of talks has failed to convince the spirited agitators who are bent upon the outright repeal of the farm laws (‘Dread and defiance’, January 10).
Intervention by the judiciary is also being stalled due to non-cooperation. The interim suspension of the enactment by the court has come as a temporary reprieve. Punjab is in flux.
B. Gurumurthy,
On emai.
Thank you,
THE WEEK
Kudos to THE WEEK for having ventured into the mystic world of Zen Buddhism in China (‘Where India meets China’, January 17). Exploring the unknown aspects surrounding the Shaolin Temple is not an easy mission.
Your cover story is sure to trigger more research into the subject. It is strange that most Indians know very little about their own Bodhidharma, as compared with the ardent followers of the great monk.
It is also perplexing that the country (China), which passionately fosters this unique faith, is, of late, adopting a bellicose attitude towards India.
K.V. Chandrasekharan,
Bengaluru.
After going through your cover story, I take pride in Bodhidharma’s Indian roots.
Now, may I request the Indian government, through your esteemed magazine, to kindly help in tracing the exact birthplace of Bodhidharma, so that we can find more about him. Once these details are made public, every Indian will visit the Shaolin Temple.
Surinder Sharma,
On email.
Kalaripayat is an old martial art mentioned in the Sangam period. I feel Bodhidharma must have taught kalaripayat to the Chinese, along with siddha or ayurveda medicines.
Kalaripayat was initially practised bare-handed, and later suitable weapons were added.
R.V. Giri,
On email.
Your cover story from the Shaolin Temple was inspiring. All of us should be proud that the monks there accept Bodhidharma as the creator of kung fu.
It is clear that kalaripayat, when blended with Zen Buddhism, got transformed into kung fu.
O.C. Cherian
On email.