Covid alert
We should not lower our guard for at least the next three months; the celebrations can wait for a few more months. Let us not fail in ensuring Covid-appropriate behaviour whenever that is necessary (‘A crucial quarter’, October 17).
The virus continues to be highly transmissible, and getting vaccinated does not mean we are fully safe. Covid-19 has taught us a few lessons like washing hands thoroughly and regularly, drinking as many glasses of warm water as possible, sanitising our homes and avoiding crowds—which we should follow for a lifetime.
I agree with Soumya Swaminathan on the moral and ethical argument that large parts of the world have unvaccinated people who are dying while in some places booster doses are being given. Vaccinating everyone is more important than giving booster doses, which will only help vaccine manufacturers.
Radeshyam Tiwari,
On email.
Merck’s new antiviral pill will surely be a game changer. So many are getting affected with Covid-19, still, and this will reduce the risk of hospitalisations and deaths. With this and more, Covid-19 will become like common cold by late 2022.
Also, I agree that the severity of Covid-19 is lower among children. But will it not be better if they, too, are ultimately vaccinated? It is sad that even now there are some vaccine naysayers here and there. They will regret their decision one day.
Gaurav Mittal,
On email.
The mental, emotional and physical strain that a virologist undergoes, as expressed by Dr Pragya D. Yadav of the National Institute of Virology, Pune, gave a vivid picture of ordeals faced by frontline Covid warriors.
The war against the virus continues, while new variants pose an everlasting threat to humanity. Prolonged exposure to the virus is likely to induce immunity in due course of time as we get accustomed to a life with it.
B. Gurumurthy,
On email.
Resign, Ajay Mishra
The facts brought out by Puja Awasthi are a reflection of the haughty attitude of the Yogi Adityanath administration, in general, and Union Minister Ajay Mishra, in particular (‘The blood curse’, October 17). It is contrary to the principles being preached by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The immediate action should have been the resignation of the Union minister, thereby allowing an independent inquiry into the incident. This could have raised Mishra’s stature by many notches. Instead, he supported his son Ashish Mishra. This shows Mishra’s hunger for power.
It is high time the BJP took corrective measures to keep people’s faith.
S.P. Astha,
Delhi.
Role model
I am grateful to Prathima Nandakumar for the article ‘The seed man’ (October 17). I was stunned by Prabhakar Rao’s pursuit of saving seeds. He sought justice for nature by spreading awareness. Rao is a role model for so many farmers.
Akshay Kumar,
Bengaluru.
Brilliant analysis
Nachiket Kelkar has brilliantly analysed how the bad bank will not solve the problem of nonperforming assets (NPAs) (‘Stopgap solution’, October 17). The foundation stone for the bad bank was laid in 1969 with nationalisation of private banks. At that time, perhaps, its implications were not anticipated.
K.S. Medappa,
On email.
Aryan Khan, the bachcha
Shobhaa De has the journalistic liberty to be sympathetic to Aryan Khan, who, believably, was not in possession of any drugs, and the extent of his wrongfulness remains to be established (‘Detour’, October 17). Aryan surely must be involved in a small way. He may get bail soon. Curiously, Aryan’s case is being singled out as one of a bachcha needing lifeline support.
Sanath Kumar T.S.,
On email.
Embracing diversity
Shashi Tharoor’s Last Word (October 17) was enlightening.
Pluralism is at the core of India’s identity. Each and every Indian must allow this truth to sink deep within himself—to respect and love diversity and differences, and to live peacefully in harmony. I am proud to be an Indian who has always embraced diversity, to which Shashi Tharoor laid claim to. Today, I feel sad to be an Indian in an India sold out to hindutva.
P.J. Sam Alexander,
On email.
Objectionable quote
Ranjeet, who played the role of a rapist in many Bollywood movies, said since women are wearing such short clothes there was nothing to pull and that his career has been adversely affected. This is an objectionable comment, and an insult to women (‘Point blank’, October 10). The actor should be booked for his sexist comment and penalised.
THE WEEK shouldn’t have given prominence to Ranjeet who indirectly inspires young men to pull down the clothes of women and indulge in sexual violence!
K.V. Dharmarajan,
On email.
Need well-planned strategy
The GOP (Grand Old Party) of Indian politics is akin to a ship without a rudder, meandering and floundering in the great sea of Indian politics (‘High on Command’, October 3). A permanent Congress president should be appointed at the earliest.
The Congress is in dire straits in most of the states and is beset with so many problems. Punjab saw the unceremonious exit of Captain Amarinder Singh. Groupism is rife in the Congress in Kerala. What the Congress needs is a well-planned strategy to win the forthcoming elections in states that are going to the polls.
Asha Krishnakumar,
On email.