The war between Ukraine and Russia has dragged on for far too long, with no clear signs of an end (‘Ukrainians are writing the chronicles of our times with their blood, we are shaping history’, December 14). World leaders should firmly tell Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the war.
A prolonged conflict serves no purpose whatsoever.
The situation has reached a point where even a peace treaty seems to interest no one. Ukraine has borne the brunt of the devastation. This is a crime against humanity in its worst form.
Pankaj Verma,
On email.
Since Viktor Yushchenko is a Ukrainian nationalist, I do not wish to comment on his personal views. However, history cannot be written to suit individual convenience.
Ukraine did not exist as an independent state until the USSR created the Ukrainian SSR after World War II. Effectively, it was Russia that helped create a state called Ukraine. The port of Sevastopol in Crimea was developed by Russia in 1783 as a base for its Black Sea naval fleet. Russia was invaded by France in 1812, Britain in 1854, and Germany in 1941. During both the Crimean War of 1854 and World War II, European powers coveted the Sevastopol naval base. Russia endured immense hardship during these invasions. Russia, on the other hand, never invaded these countries. These are historical facts.
After the dissolution of the USSR, Russia did not lay claim to any Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. At the end of the Cold War, the US assured [then Soviet Union president] Mikhail Gorbachev that NATO would not expand “one inch” beyond Germany. It was only after the Orange Revolution and later the Maidan Uprising that Russia became alarmed, particularly when Yushchenko and his allies proposed allowing NATO access to the Sevastopol port in exchange for Ukraine’s membership in the European Union and NATO. Several European leaders opposed Ukraine’s immediate NATO entry, but their objections were ignored. Russia, subsequently, reclaimed Crimea in 2014.
There has been a systematic attempt by Ukrainian authorities to erase centuries-old Russian influence, including the Russian language, and the Russian Orthodox Church. France, the UK and Germany are not motivated by affection for Ukraine. They are using Ukraine as a proxy against Russia. Donald Trump exposed their intention to make the US bear the financial burden of the war.
Yet, Yushchenko now claims Ukraine is fighting to protect Paris and London from Russia. Yushchenko is a politician, not a saint.
Goldin R. Bennet,
On email.
Topic of interest
I had not noticed Sania Mirza’s quote in Point Blank when I first read the issue dated November 30. I went back to it after reading the letters from readers that followed (‘Letters’, December 14).
Pregnancy after 40 is a topic of interest to many; yet it remains poorly understood. In India, there is widespread belief that it is all over after one reaches 35. In western countries, that is not the case.
Rohit Bhat,
On email.
Why the urgency?
The government appears inclined towards proposals such as renaming New Delhi—moves that seem driven more by emotive appeal than by a coherent development agenda (‘Last word’, December 14). Renaming cities is one thing; renaming the national capital is quite another.
History and mythology aside, there is neither urgency nor necessity for such a change. The priority should be to fix Delhi’s chronic problems rather than focus on symbolism. As Shakespeare famously wrote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by another name would smell as sweet.”
Sachidananda Satpathy,
On email.
Oh! What’s in a name?
One with centuries of fame…
Long known to the world as Delhi.
Would it, by another name, be less foggy?
Renaming it is a mindless game…
As politicians trade blame.
Smog and pollution now choke the city…
That once was vibrant, graceful and pretty.
Alas, our capital stands in shame.
S.S. Ramesh,
On email.
Highly informative
Your cover story on India’s best B-schools was highly informative for students planning a future in business and management (‘New world, new challenges’, December 7). Today, many leaders in India are choosing various programmes through distance and continuing education.
It would be worth publishing a dedicated issue focusing on the distance learning system in India.
Bikash Ranjan Kara,
On email.
Doctor with humour
I have always believed that a medical doctor with a sense of humour and a strong command of English was a rare combination—until I began reading the Scalpen (December 7).
Vimla Menon,
On email.
Brand Modi helping BJP
The outcome of elections in Bihar was largely expected (‘Patriarch’s powerplay’, November 30). I feel there is no stopping the BJP as long as Narendra Modi is the prime minister. On average, the saffron party, at any given time, wins eight of 10 assembly elections, and, naturally, this momentum carries into the Lok Sabha polls as well.
As long as Modi retains his larger-than-life image—which he is likely to maintain for as long as he is active—it will be very difficult for any party to defeat the BJP.
Even in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where the BJP has traditionally had limited influence, the party is expanding its presence in a significant way.
Yashpal Kumar,
On email.
The Congress needs stronger and younger leaders. Forming groups and the excessive deference to the top leadership must come to an end. Young leaders at the grassroots level should be given a free hand, and leaders around 80 should gracefully retire.
K.K. Chacko,
On email.
Truly unfortunate
To the utter disappointment of elected governments [in states], the controversial pocket veto exercised by nominated governors remains unchecked (‘Powerdrive’, December 7). The Centre is using this tool to rein in opposition-ruled states, undermining the federal principles enshrined in the Constitution. The fate of resolutions passed by assemblies awaiting governor’s assent is truly unfortunate, and the continuing uncertainty bodes ill for our democracy.
C. Chandrasekaran Bharathi,
On email.
Teachings to cherish
During my years of service in Bengaluru, I was fortunate that I had the blessed opportunity to witness the radiant presence of Sathya Sai Baba in person at the Whitefield ashram (‘The divine who moved human hearts’, November 30).
Though not deeply religious by nature, I could not help but admire and cherish his simple and universal message—love to live, live to love, and love all, serve all.
He provided free education and free health care, besides implementing numerous visionary projects for the welfare of humanity. This stands as the greatest miracle in today’s self-centred world.
Manjunath,
On email.
Putin likes us
Vladimir Putin has a strong regard for India and is likely to remain supportive of Indian interests (‘‘Ten’acious ties’, December 14). India’s decision not to buckle under US pressure to immediately end oil imports from Russia has been well received in Moscow.
While India may eventually have to scale down oil imports from Russia, it chose not to do so abruptly and only after sanctions on Russian companies—a stance that suited Russia. For all this, Putin will continue to admire and appreciate India.
Viswanathan Kurup,
On email.
Find a solution
The conflict between D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah should not have been allowed to drag on for so long, as it damages the image of the Congress (‘Powerdrive’, December 14).
It is high time Siddaramaiah made way for Shivakumar, who is a more popular leader and administrator. If a resolution is not found soon, it would not be surprising if Shivakumar were to move to the BJP.
Nakul Babu,
On email.