Good to know that the Sri Lankan economy is back on track. Sri Lanka needs to move steadily from here. This is how nations should rise from economic collapse—with a president who is a man of action and vision (‘The lion on its feet’, October 5).
Nothing should stop President Anura Kumara Dissanayake from taking his country forward. Sri Lanka must continue to maintain strong and friendly relations with India.
Vyom Gupta,
On email.
It is heartening to see Sri Lanka claw its way back from economic collapse, and I am confident this recovery will lead to lasting prosperity.
From here on, the country needs more investment to ensure sustained growth. The island nation should also work to expand market access with other countries—especially with India.
Divakaran Mohanan,
On email.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country—almost an extension of southern India. Our cultural habits and traditions are somewhat similar. I am glad to see Sri Lanka back on track. When India thrives, Sri Lanka will thrive. And when Sri Lanka prospers, it will help the entire subcontinent.
Vismay Mathur,
On email.
No BJP without Modi
Your letters page carried an interesting mix of emotions in varied proportions (October 5). For your story on Prime Minister Narendra Modi turning 75, readers heaped praise on the prime minister. But, then, they also agreed with Shashi Tharoor on the NDA government refusing to learn its lessons and forcing Hindi on non-Hindi speakers.
It seems without Modi’s charisma and mass appeal, the BJP and its policies would find limited acceptance.
While most people like and admire Modi, the same cannot be said of the BJP. Many of its policies are not popular and draw strong criticism. In today’s circumstances, it is safe to say there is no BJP without Modi.
Jayant Bhandari,
On email.
Wake-up call for EC
The Election Commission needs to regain public trust (‘Umpire under siege’, October 5). It is unfortunate that the country’s poll body finds itself under a cloud of suspicion.
While the EC can, and should, take periodic steps as mandated by the Constitution, these actions must be marked by utmost transparency and integrity. Its checks and balances should ensure genuinely free and fair elections—but one wonders if it is truly happening.
The SIR controversy should serve as a wake-up call for the EC to move into a redemptive mode. It has surfaced at an opportune time, and one can only hope that all controversies surrounding the EC are resolved soon.
Tarun Pal,
On email.
In a vast and diverse country like India, it is impossible to maintain a flawless electoral record, given the many variables at play. That does not mean the EC is immoral.
It appears that Rahul Gandhi is constantly looking for opportunities to malign Indian democracy and to blame the BJP for every issue. He has repeatedly failed in the past while raking up non-issues. It is high time he accepted this reality and refrained from indulging in such irresponsible conduct.
Manoj Das,
On email.
Mr Disrupter
Donald Trump appears to have changed significantly in his second term; a shift that may be attributed to the influence of his advisers (‘Soundbite’, October 5). Another factor behind his conduct could be his declining popularity within the US. All said and done, his policies have disrupted global trade, ultimately at the expense of the US economy itself.
Rajiv Magal,
On email.
Sep 17 babies
People born on the same day are often believed to share similar traits (‘Schizo-nation’, October 5). I am sure Anuja Chauhan thinks much like Narendra Modi.
Also, being Virgo babies, both must be observant, sympathetic and organised. Anuja, from here on, should take a picture with Modi on their birthdays, or at least exchange letters.
I was born on February 24, and I share my birthday with J. Jayalalithaa. I can’t help but feel that I have many things in common with her—similar traits and ways of thinking.
Devika Chandran,
On email.
Though she [Anuja] is only 55 and has authored a few hundred pages of uninspired prose, the fact remains that, at 55, she is not even a straw in the wind compared to her bete noire [Modi]. He, with far humbler background, became the chief minister of one of India’s largest and most progressive states at 51, and from there went on to become prime minister—now serving a third consecutive term.
It must be particularly galling for her that this “Johnny-come-lately” [Modi] now shares easy camaraderie with the global high and mighty, while she barely gets a glimpse of her idol a few times a year. Her angst, therefore, is understandable. So, if indulging in such diatribes offers her some solace, perhaps we should not bear a grudge against her.
Shekhar Naik,
On email.
Welcome trend
Dr Mazda Turel’s columns truly help medically uninitiated readers like me understand the importance of consulting a neurosurgeon in such extraordinary situations.
I have been a reader of THE WEEK ever since its inception. I am delighted to see the magazine hosting a feast of informative columns. It is a welcome trend.
K. Balakrishnan,
On email.