Your cover story on the Dalai Lama reaffirmed my conviction about the illegitimacy of China’s claim over Tibet and its persistent attempts to nominate a successor to the Dalai Lama (‘Rule of the matriarchs’, July 13).
As someone who has followed China’s involvement in Tibet and the Tibetan exodus since 1959, I have researched the historical roots of Tibet as an independent nation.
If any country can rightfully claim historical ties with Tibet, it is India, not China. India, which was never an imperialist power, did not seek political domination in modern times. Yet, its influence in Tibet dates back to around 600CE, when it played a significant role in shaping the region’s political and cultural fabric.
India’s legacy in Tibet is one of cultural and spiritual kinship—not conquest.
K.S. Ramamurthy,
On email.
Your cover story highlighted how the Dalai Lama was shaped by his mother and sister. Their powers were not imposed [on the Dalai Lama], but they emerged naturally, and what’s more, they were accepted and respected by the Dalai Lama.
Jayakumar Daniel,
On email.
Your cover story on the Dalai Lama was enlightening. It offers rare and intimate insights into his early years, and the role played by his mother and sister in shaping his deeply devotional life.
In a world torn by conflict and hatred, the Dalai Lama stands as a beacon of hope for the Tibetan people.
Biju C. Mathew,
On email.
The Dalai Lama has dedicated his life to the greater good of humanity, which explains his enduring global appeal. India should not be swayed by China’s objections and must extend unwavering support to him.
Pranav Kothari,
On email.
We must keep China in check through our unwavering support for the Dalai Lama. If Beijing continues to make audacious claims over Arunachal Pradesh and arbitrarily renames Indian territory, we must respond firmly and without hesitation.
It is a matter of shame that China supplied weapons and technological support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. If that is the game they want to play, they should be ready to face the consequences.
India should strengthen its support for the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan cause.
Nikhil Sharma,
On email.
It is scary
Jayant Kapur had the courage to point out that someone with significant influence outside the judiciary appears to be keeping track of judges’ vulnerabilities in order to exploit them (‘Letters’, July 13). I wonder who that person is. This is scary.
The Central government—or any influential individual within it—has no right to engage in such practices. Judges, for their part, must remain steadfastly independent, regardless of any external pressure.
Binoy Balagopal,
On email.
Bring ISI under civilian control
Just as in India, the senior most officer from the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) should ideally head the ISI (‘No spooking the spymasters’, July 13). Whenever military establishments have taken control of foreign intelligence agencies, it has often led to chaos.
It is always preferable for spy agencies to function under civilian, police or bureaucratic supervision.
In Pakistan’s case, the military has been at the heart of much that has gone wrong in that country. The sooner the Pakistani society and its institutions find ways to rein in the army’s overreach, the better it will be for the country’s stability and future.
Rajendra Tripathi,
On email.
The dominance of the ISI and the Pakistani army in that country’s security ecosystem is a matter of serious concern. Over the years, the bureaucracy, judiciary and police in Pakistan have been systematically weakened, leaving them largely powerless.
The army wants it that way, and it has reached a stage where even politicians and judges in Pakistan are scared of senior army officers.
Mayank Saxena,
On email.
Beautiful feature
Your article featuring one of Rajasthan’s ecological havens—Jorbeer—was captivating and informative (‘Raptors’ fort’, July 13).
The article beautifully unpacked the region’s ecological richness. Kudos to Photo Editor Sanjay Ahlawat for his visually stunning feature. Also, the conservation efforts by Jitendra Solanki are deeply inspiring and truly deserving of greater recognition.
Vivek Acharya,
On email.