It is really sad to know that Russia’s attack on Ukraine has triggered a refugee crisis in Europe; it could have been avoided. Though it was NATO’s expansion plans that angered Vladimir Putin, he could have warned Ukraine, and thereby NATO states, through other means and not by attacking Kyiv (‘The dogs of war’, March 13). War only causes misery and is never a solution.
India should continue to be part of the peace process. Initially, I got the feeling that our closeness to Russia had upset Ukraine, but it seems Ukraine is satisfied with India’s role in providing relief and urging Russia to end the war. There is nothing more India can do in these circumstances.
Suresh Kumar Govardhan,
Bengaluru.
By abstaining from voting for a resolution condemning Russia in United Nations Security Council, India has already played its role in deepening its historical ties with Russia. However, taking note of its ethical standing and high reputation, the world expects the Indian leadership to help resolve the crisis. The arduous evacuation of around 20,000 Indian students from conflict zone without much complications has strengthened the feeling that India can play the role of an efficient arbiter between Russia and Ukraine.
Devendra Awasthi,
Lucknow.
Russia thought it will be a cakewalk in Ukraine, which did not happen as the war is now in its third week. It is time for Ukraine and Russia to come to the negotiation table and solve the issues for mutual benefit, save the world from another world war and ensure peace and tranquillity in the region.
M.Y. Shariff,
On email.
Wasting public money
It was hilarious to read the Party Snacks item on Mamata Banerjee (March 13) having to convene a cabinet meeting to set right the typographical error of an earlier cabinet meeting’s resolution that requested the governor to convene the assembly at 2am, instead of 2pm on March 7.
I wonder how much was spent on the fresh cabinet meeting to correct the error. It is a classic example of wasting public time and money. This also reflects on the efficiency of Banerjee and her staff.
P.L. Jothindra,
On email.
Unsung women freedom fighters
Kudos to THE WEEK for bringing out the Women’s Day Special (March 13). These women who fought for independence ignited the lamp of hope of a new India and that showed the path to future generations which glowed on global platforms. Women in India today are thankful to those unsung women for all the liberties that they have.
Ranju Gulati,
On email.
THE WEEK was one of the few news publications that carried a special feature on women’s day. And the topic—Midnight’s Daughters to Daughters of Dawn—was aptly chosen. Sadly, the likes of Aruna Asaf Ali, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Lakshmi Sahgal are not as known and discussed as some of the male freedom fighters.
Your package has hitherto unknown information about these women freedom fighters who made India what it is today.
Pramod K.V.,
On email.
Rare career path
All these days I thought the idiom ‘frog in the well’ is sacrosanct, but Sonali Garg has proved it wrong by chasing the animal with determination, risking her own life (‘Frogs forever’, March 13).
And on top of it, she acquired the consent of near and dear ones and blessings from her orthodox grandparents for choosing a career relating to frogs, which is a rarest of rare discipline.
P.M. Gopalan,
Mumbai.
Support Russians, too
Swara Bhasker has poignantly discussed how an average Russian abhors war (‘Bitter chocolate’, March 13) She touchingly delves into how Russians were subjected to unspeakable hunger and starvation after World War 2. Warmongers can shout and celebrate from a distance.
While people are amused at the number of sanctions Russia is facing, it should not be forgotten that the spoils of the sanctions would be borne and suffered by the innocent Russians. They deserve as much compassion as the aggrieved Ukrainians do.
Sanath Kumar T.S.,
On email.
Winter Olympics in Ladakh
I was astonished to read about ice sculptures; I never knew we could make sculptures with ice (‘Song of ice and snow’, March 13). It feels good to know that Ladakh is being promoted in a big way. The place has so much tourism potential. Ladakh can also organise the Winter Olympic Games one day.
Tapesh Nagpal,
On email.
China next
The west has failed Ukraine; who knows, it could fail Taiwan, too (‘Last Word’, March 13). But China, if it attacks Taiwan, will not get the support that Russia is getting today. Post pandemic, the world hates China. Having said that, China does not bother about any of that and will continue to call the shots and rule the global roost.
Saurav Maharaj,
On email.
Support Anuja Chauhan
Politicians, instead of taking up the matter with appropriate authorities, brainwash and push children to shield themselves. This is cheap politics. It is a fact that people of all religions and castes not only live happily together, but also celebrate all festivals together. It is politicians who create fights and differences.
Ashok Nihalani,
On email.