It is disheartening to know that untouchability, in one form or the other, still exists in our country (‘Lives, buried’, April 20). Shame on those who perpetuate it. Caste has long been the greatest taint on an otherwise profound and inclusive religion like Hinduism. It is high time we rose above it.
We are all equal—no power on earth has the right to divide us based on caste, colour, creed, or gender. Any form of discrimination—especially that amounts to untouchability—must be taken seriously and dealt with firmly.
Madan Gopal,
On email.
I had always believed that untouchability was a thing of the past in India. In some of the cases you have reported, it is unclear whether the conflicts arose due to caste factors or were the result of personal issues. I am sure THE WEEK has investigated this thoroughly. Nevertheless, this remains a serious issue that raises important questions.
Anjali Gupta,
On email.
For the past 20 years, I have seen the same heartbreaking image—people from marginalised communities removing human excreta by hand. This practice strips people of their basic human dignity. Only a concerted effort—combining strong legal enforcement with innovative technological solutions—can dismantle this entrenched injustice once and for all.
Devyani Saxena,
On email.
Corrective steps
The waqf boards in states grew significantly because of appeasement politics (‘Sacred games’, April 20). Today, the waqf boards operate almost as an independent body with considerable power—at times appearing more powerful than even the government of India or the Supreme Court, which is concerning.
I am glad the Union government has taken corrective steps and passed a law to address this imbalance. Any opposition to this move seems to be driven purely by political motives.
Vikas Bhatia,
On email.
Why are only Muslims being targeted? Why should all supposedly beneficial reforms be directed at just one community? What about Hindus and Christians?
Will the BJP government at the Centre have the courage to implement similar reforms in Hindu institutions or boards?
The fact remains that we are rapidly moving towards becoming a Hindu nation. In many ways, this mirrors the trajectory Pakistan once took. This is very sad—and certainly not the right path.
Vrinda Gopi,
On email.
Strike a balance
Donald Trump’s whims have made headlines since he assumed charge this January (‘The ladder in the chaos’, April 20). His fixation with asserting control over Gaza, eyeing Greenland, and even audaciously suggesting Canada as the 51st US state, alongside the imposition of steep tariffs, reflect a veiled exhibition of dominance.
The US has always stood as a superpower, a vibrant democracy and a global leader. Striking a balance between ambition and tradition might just be the course correction the country needs.
Sachidananda Satpathy,
On email.
Shed the ego
Your story highlighted the opposition’s lack of a coherent strategy to counter the NDA’s failed governance in the polls (‘Stumbling bloc needs a strong hand’, April 13). In any election, it is the arithmetic of alliances that often determines the outcome—a lesson the opposition is yet to fully grasp.
Now, more than ever, the opposition needs to shed its ego and individuality to forge a strong, united front. A formidable alliance could very well deliver a serious jolt to the ruling party.
C. Chandrasekaran
Bharathi,
On email.
Insightful and well-researched
The special report on tribal women in Kerala securing driving licences was both insightful and well-researched (‘Licence to dream’, April 13). It vividly captured life within the tribal community—their traditions, daily struggles and unique challenges.
The story offered a deep understanding of how something as simple as a driving licence serves as a powerful metaphor for breaking societal norms and embracing change—it symbolises a quiet revolution in their lives.
M.K. Abhishek,
On email.
CPI(M): politically insignificant
The CPI(M) is steadily fading into the pages of history (‘Muddling through Madurai’, April 20). The party no longer commands public interest. By 2026, it is likely to be politically insignificant even in Kerala, its last remaining stronghold. In that context, who gets elected as its general secretary is of little consequence.
Many of those who still cling to the CPI(M)’s ideology belong to a self-styled intellectual elite who continue to pontificate about poverty and deprivation while living far removed from both.
Aparajitha Basu,
On email.
M.A. Baby should have been appointed the Kerala state secretary of the CPI(M). He has the vision and the ability to bring much-needed change to the party’s functioning in the state. If he has the courage, Baby must rein in the current Kerala leadership, address internal issues, and ensure that loyal cadres are not alienated by the actions of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family.
The CPI(M)’s central leadership should avoid over-reliance on the Kerala unit. Baby must also take the lead in expanding the party’s influence beyond Kerala.
Gopinath Vellur,
On email.