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31

After going through the cover story (‘biography’) of Droupadi Murmu in THE WEEK, I feel so proud of her; she is a brave daughter of our great country (‘The matriarch of Mayurbhanj’, July 31). The youngest president of India proved that the word ‘impossible’is found only in the dictionary of fools. She has risen against all odds and has emerged as a tribal warrior and a national heroine.

 

Murmu has always been a woman of substance. She is a living example of women empowerment and enlightenment. Here is a president who believes in simplicity, yet is passionate. Cheerfulness, commitment, resilience, hope, dedication, determination, devotion and humility are some of her other hallmarks. Murmu’s past sacrifices have been rightly rewarded today.

 

Murmu, as president, will continue to work for the betterment of the tribal population in the country. May God bless her in all her endeavours.

 

I profusely thank Philip Mathew, editor, for bringing out such a good cover package on our president.

 

Aatish Prabhu,

On email.

 

Murmu’s elevation as president of India is a remarkable achievement for her tribal community, the Santhals. Even today, a large chunk of the Santhals and other tribes suffer from lack of education and other basic amenities. I hope that Murmu’s presidency will improve the lifestyle of all the tribes in the country.

 

Pilat Narzari,

On email.

 

As a Kodava from Coorg, I share many characteristics of tribals, even though our community is bracketed with the forward class. With the elevation of Murmu as the first citizen of the nation, we, too, are glowing in the primeval tribal pride.

 

C.P. Belliappa,

On email.

 

The ascendency of a tribal woman to the post of president of India is an appreciation of the contribution of Scheduled Tribes in our freedom movement and in the overall nation building process. Tribals are the harbingers of sustainable development, putting environment at centre stage.

 

Devendra Awasthi,

Lucknow.

 

Murmu had shown leadership qualities right from a very young age by quickly finding solutions to problems. I was, in particular, impressed on how a young Murmu made dusters from rags when there was no chalk duster to clean the blackboard in her school. Murmu’s school in memory of her lost husband and their sons is so thoughtful. That is a great way of honouring your loved ones.

 

I am sure Murmu will ensure that no tribal girl in the country remains uneducated.

 

T.V. Jayaprakash,

On email.

 

The august presence of Murmu in the line-up of Indian presidents opens a window of expectation for Indian tribes.

 

Your cover story shared lessons of hope, hard work, patience, commitment and success, connecting with every aspect of Murmu’s life—she faced every problem that came her way with a steely resolve. Even when Murmu lost her husband and sons, she found her own track of life to move on.

 

Hamid Shahan,

Kozhikode, Kerala.

 

Murmu’s election as president shows that India has taken great strides in inclusivity in all spheres. Every Indian hopes that Murmu will function as custodian of the Constitution without fear or favour. If so, she will be a great leader who will be remembered forever.

 

Saikrit Gulati,

On email.

 

Break the silence

It is three years since Ladakh became a Union territory. Since then, the Centre has been liberal with funds for infrastructure development, education and health care in Ladakh (‘Livid in Ladakh’, July 31). It was good that the Centre sanctioned the first medical and paramedical college and a 500-bed hospital for Ladakh. The 18km Zoji La tunnel, connecting Ladakh and Kashmir, would provide major uplift for movement of goods and people.

 

All said and done, the Centre needs to heed to the voice of Ladakhi people and get them included under the sixth schedule [of the Constitution]. The Centre must break its long silence and come out with reasons for the delay in bringing Ladakh under the sixth schedule.

 

R.V. Baskaran,

On email.

 

Art is adaptable

While we change as people, we don’t want our religions to change. It is not about giving our Gods and Goddesses new colours, it is about allowing them to interact with modern society (‘The art of taking offence’, July 24). This evolution is being stopped by people who consider themselves to be orthodox and who gain from religion. They worry that there won’t be anything to hold on to.

 

Art is adaptable, and is indigestible to a rigid intellect. Universality and open-mindedness are urgently needed. Let’s embrace our divergent perspectives.

 

John P. Basile,

Oulgaret, Puducherry.

 

More respect

Viswanathan Anand is a star with so much humility, which is so rare these days (‘World championship chapter is over for me’, July 31). Chess has risen in popularity in India because of Anand. He has groomed so many young players who have made their mark in international competitions. Anand, a living legend, deserves much more respect.

 

Suresh Kurup,

On email.

 

Wrong number

The column PMO Beat (July 31) wrongly stated that Droupadi Murmu would be the 26th occupant of the magnificent mansion on Raisina Hill. Murmu is actually the 21st occupant. We regret the error.

 

Editor