With extremism and violence rampant, people in Syria live in constant fear (‘A little piece of hell’, February 16). War always brings misery, and women and children bear the brunt. Syria is a nation in ruins.
India must reach out and help the people of Syria. If the international community cannot end the war, it must at least extend humanitarian assistance to those in need.
Shweta Chaudhary,
On email.
Narendra Modi should intervene to resolve the conflicts in Syria and Gaza. So far, no leader from the Global South has made a significant diplomatic push in the region.
Modi now has an opportunity to change that.
Renuka Mathur,
On email.
Your cover story brought back memories of our visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York. The place is deeply symbolic, with waterfalls that seem to weep endlessly for the innocent lives lost.
Seeing the names of the faceless victims etched into the black marble was overwhelming—we could not hold back our emotions.
Vijayaraghavam Soundararajan,
On email.
THE WEEK has a remarkable ability to reach conflict zones and deliver in-depth reporting.
Syria continues to endure immense tragedy, with no respite in sight. In many parts of the Middle East, life remains a relentless struggle. One can only hope for an end to the suffering in these war-torn regions.
Surabhi Guha,
On email.
THE WEEK should not have interviewed a 9/11 conspirator. The 9/11 attacks were one of the most horrific tragedies in the world.
While THE WEEK is known for its bold journalism, giving space to someone like Mohammed Haydar Zammar, who played a key role in recruiting the hijackers, was unnecessary. We should never forget or forgive those responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
Anand Nair,
On email.
Stark inequality
Private firms continue to reap the benefits of economic growth through generous tax concessions and massive loan waivers, enjoying a privileged position in the system (‘Powerdrive’, February 16). There is stark inequality in the country, with the richest 1 per cent owning 40 per cent of the national wealth. Despite their vast asset, they often pay lower taxes than the general public, thanks to policies that favour the wealthy.
C. Chandrasekaran Bharathi,
On email.
Rolling boil
The GBS outbreak is alarming, and identifying its root cause is crucial (‘Water worry’, February 16). Contaminated water remains a widespread problem. The best approach is to boil water until it reaches rolling boil.
Radhika Saxena,
On email.
Demand for EVs
The electric vehicle revolution in India is gaining momentum, driven by better products, falling prices, and an expanding charging infrastructure. Once a niche market, electric vehicles are now attracting a growing number of consumers because of advancements in technology and affordability (‘Charging ahead’, February 16).
Indian manufacturers are offering a diverse range of electric vehicles, from compact city cars to larger SUVs, with impressive performance and efficiency.
Innovation in battery technology has significantly increased vehicle range, thereby making electric vehicles more practical for everyday use. I feel that rising consumer awareness of environmental issues has further fuelled demand.
Vandana Chopra,
On email.
Sari—unofficial uniform
The sari remains the most popular attire for women on formal occasions, be it festivals, weddings or official gatherings (‘Chic magnet’, February 16). Worn across India, from Assam to West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh to Odisha, and Maharashtra to Rajasthan, each region boasts its own unique patterns, textures and vibrant colours that define its cultural identity.
Beyond cultural and artistic representation, the sari has been a symbol of dignity and identity for many female freedom fighters and prominent personalities across various fields, often serving as an unofficial uniform.
The diversity in shades, textures, and weaving techniques enriches this garment’s cultural significance, making it a treasure and enduring part of India.
Sachidananda Satpathy,
On email.
Diehard fan
I never knew that Shobhaa De was a such a diehard fan of Nirmala Sitharaman; De praised her left, right and centre (‘Detour’, February 16). I recall that De had earlier written about Nirmala’s husband Parakala Prabhakar.
It seems De has reached a point in her life where she believes there is no point in criticising anyone. We all reach that stage at some point in life.
Suraj Gopinath,
On email.
Well-researched articles
I would like to thank THE WEEK for publishing two excellent articles in the issue dated February 2 (‘Awe, Kashmir’ and ‘Founding mothers of the Constitution’).
The insights into the construction of the railway line in Jammu and Kashmir were truly enlightening. Similarly, the cover story on the extraordinary women who played a crucial role in drafting the Constitution was both informative and inspiring.
I humbly request you to continue publishing such enlightening and well-researched articles in future editions as well.
G.L. Karkal,
Pune, Maharashtra.
One-sided columnist
I don’t understand why some readers want Mani Shankar Aiyar to return as a columnist. His perspective was one-sided, and his articles were filled with anti-Modi sentiments.
Jayakumar A.V.,
On email.