Your cover story on how the policies of the new administration in the US could complicate the lives of Indians was timely and informative (‘American nightmare’, February 9).
I believe India’s US strategy, under Narendra Modi and S. Jaishankar, will be pragmatic, ensuring a win-win situation for both sides. Modi’s meeting with President Trump will bring greater clarity on this front.
That said, it is deeply distressing for us to see our countrymen being brought back in chains, on military aircraft. While we welcome their return, the manner in which it is being carried out is unacceptable.
Radha Khurana,
On email.
Trump is causing tremors worldwide. His plans include taking over the Gaza Strip, the Panama Canal, and even Canada, and he has started deporting illegal immigrants and has withdrawn from the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement. Who knows what will follow.
But Trump must first address America’s internal challenges and restore institutional integrity and stability.
R.D. Singh,
On email.
Why the desperation to chase the American dream? One can dream big and achieve success right here in India. The responsibility is on the Indian government to crack down on agents who deceive people with false promises and send them abroad with fake documents. It is disheartening to see many of these Indians returning, their dreams shattered. Because of a few miscreants, the entire country’s reputation suffers.
Taman Gupta,
On email.
Immigrating to certain countries presents economic opportunities and the potential for upward mobility, but it comes with challenges. For those without firsthand experience, it is difficult to fully grasp the uncertainty woven into the western immigration system. It is further intensified by shifting political landscapes, as liberal and conservative administrations take turns in power, each introducing their own set of changes.
Mohan K.,
On email.
Indians must stop chasing the American dream, especially with India now being the world’s fastest-growing economy. Instead, they should be open to working anywhere in India or other parts of the world while embracing a simpler, more contented way of life.
K.V. Jayaram,
On email.
The sight of people returning to India with their children’s faces covered, dreams shattered, was deeply disturbing.
I hope and pray that these children, who have endured the humiliation of this return, will one day visit these countries legally after studying hard and achieving great success here. And when they do that, they should take their parents along, with pride and dignity.
Vyom Prakash,
On email.
Trump is doing what he believes is right for the US. While he can be criticised, there is a limit—after all he was elected to serve American interests. All said, he is certainly not at odds with India.
Instead of viewing Trump as an obstacle, we should focus on finding common ground and working together.
The US relies on India in many ways and cannot afford to jeopardise its relationship with us. Our ties with the US go beyond the actions of a few wrongdoers or those who entered the US through fraudulent means and faced the consequences.
Ramanathan R.R.,
On email.
Finding happiness
Indians often remain preoccupied with their respective religions, sometimes losing sight of the greater importance of humanity.
Bansuri Swaraj has highlighted various attributes associated with her name ‘Bansuri’ (flute), but she may not have fully realised the profound message it carries (‘Right angle’, February 9). To me, a flute symbolises strength, courage, resilience and joy. Despite having multiple holes (wounds), it continues to create beautiful music. It teaches humanity an invaluable lesson: to find happiness even in the face of adversity.
Sehar Tahir,
On email.
Resolve it
What is going on in Karnataka is totally unacceptable (‘Give or take’, February 9). The responsibility falls on the Congress high command to resolve the feud between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
The people of Karnataka elected the Congress for good governance and effective administration, not for constant infighting. All said, I am sure Shivakumar will not join hands with the BJP, but Siddaramaiah may.
If this is how it goes, the Congress will not come back to power in the state in 2028.
Priya Chandrasekharan,
On email.
Follow them
It seems a wise decision on the part of Gautam Adani to limit the wedding expenses of his son Jeet Adani. This approach is worth emulating (‘Schizo-nation’, February 9). In contrast, the extravagant spending of the Ambanis sent the wrong message.
Mukesh Ambani could take a cue from philanthropists like Bill Gates and focus on giving back to society. Philanthropy is also a strategic way to deal with complex issues that governments alone cannot solve. In fact, it helps the planet and society as a whole.
Suman Saxena,
On email.
Depth to English
Shashi Tharoor’s command of the English language is truly impressive (‘Last word’, February 9). His vocabulary is vast, and is capable of inventing new words. While ‘wheth’ and ‘atmami’ are appealing, ‘omnivistatude’ is a tongue-twister.
Words like ‘vellichor’ and ‘lagom’ help us describe complex emotions and feelings in a more nuanced way. These words can add depth and richness to the English language.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.