The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Balancing acts

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Friday, Aug 18, 2006

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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Balancing acts

This refers to the editorial "Independence Day balancing acts" (Aug. 16). Balancing acts are part of democracy, particularly a coalition government. The UPA Government sounds genuine in its commitment and Manmohan Singh is one of the most honest and committed Prime Ministers we have had. We had plenty to cheer on the Independence Day — the largest working democracy with a free and vibrant press, booming economy, and the finest armed forces. It is also a time for reflection. We have to ensure two square meals a day for all and roofs over the head of those who are yet to taste the fruits of freedom and growth. But at the end of the day, I feel proud as an Indian.

Madhu R.D. Singh,
Ambala, Haryana

Dr. Singh rightly pointed to the duality that exists in India today — a situation in which millions of urban white-collar workers are benefiting immensely from the global economy, and millions are left untouched by modernisation. We face two major challenges in the years to come — of helping income grow at a significant pace, and of putting in place a system in which the money thus earned percolates down to those in the lowest strata of society.

Anand Muralidharan,
San Diego, California

One wonders what Dr. Singh meant when he said no one can make India kneel. We have already made George Bush our Foreign Minister. Our foreign policy is not decided by us but by the Bush administration. From voting against Iran in the IAEA to signing a nuclear deal on their terms, we have become an ally of Americans. The next generation will wonder whether this is the same India that was in the forefront of the non-aligned movement.

G. Surendhar,
Tuticorin

Dr. Singh has no doubt made a strong plea to Pakistan to end cross-border terror. But will it heed his earnest appeal? Rhetoric such as `India will not kneel' will not help. Action speaks louder than words. We should not hesitate to emulate Israel.

S.P. Sharma,
Mumbai

Hasn't the definition of independence changed for us? Instead of celebrating the Independence Day, people sit in their homes wondering where the bomb blasts will take place next. The national capital is put on a week-long red alert.

While going to New Delhi from Faridabad (about 25 km) on August 15, I was checked at 10 points. Though the checking was necessary from the security point of view, it took away the excitement of the occasion. As my vehicle was stopped in one check post after another, a sense of apprehension and insecurity overcame me. Nehru's vision of India awakening to life and freedom seems to be slipping away.

Vikram Choudhary,
Faridabad, Haryana

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