Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Decade of discontent

The article “The decade of our discontent” (Aug. 9) captures one of the biggest ironies we face in the 60th year of independence. While some sections continue to progress and enjoy living standards similar to those of their counterparts in the developed world, others lag far behind.

That there is an increasing acknowledgment of the grim situation is a matter of comfort. But the state’s limited initiatives fade in comparison to what needs to be done. If a minority continues to cash in on the economic boom, the majority will not remain mute spectators for long. The social unrest that will erupt will be difficult to control. It is the responsibility of those in power to ensure that the livelihood of the majority is not snatched away.

Rahul Sharma,
New Delhi

Even if hundreds of articles are written on the agrarian crisis, the situation on the ground is unlikely to change. Those who are in power do not have the time to look at the other side of India because they are preoccupied with other things. They would rather spend crores on our cities to make them suitable for hosting international sporting events. When the government itself fails to ensure inclusive growth, what can one expect from ordinary citizens? They will only be more than happy to show off their fancy mobile numbers and VIP number plates.

K. Aravamudhan,
New Delhi

It is 60 years since we became independent and decided to free India from poverty and inequality. But we are far from achieving what we promised ourselves. Twenty five per cent of our people live below the poverty line, most of them in the villages. It is time for the government to evolve new policies to address poverty and hunger.

S.M. Wasiullah,
Hyderabad

Not many people living in the cities and enjoying the new found wealth of globalisation are aware of the situation in our villages.

Only those who have worked in the remote villages of India can understand the real magnitude of the human tragedy. Where do our priorities lie? We can only weep for this great country.

J. Menon,
Chennai

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