Hungry for dignity

The plight of poor bidi workers, women and children in Pranab Mukherjee's constituency Jangipur (" Sigh Rollers", June 30) was sad. While the government should take immediate steps to revive the dwindling economy, the focus should be on the grassroots. I would like to suggest few points. First, there is a general need of toilets for ladies in public places, and for girls in schools. Second, the government should ensure reasonable prices of daal and atta, so that no one sleeps hungry. Third, there should be availability of generic medicine (now that Aamir Khan has made us wiser, please act upon it). Every Indian should at least feel like a human being and not be born to starvation and indignity.


Colonel R D Singh, Ambala Cantt

What's in a name?

This is with respect to the article "Uttar Pradesh gets new idols", about how the new regime is replacing memorials and schemes named after dalit icons by Mayawati with those named after 'samajwadi' leaders. I believe the people of UP have moved beyond caste-based politics. Having been neglected by the authorities so far, they want only one thing - development. If chief minister Akhilesh Yadav wants to be re-elected after completing his five year term, only development-based schemes can help. He must be sincere in implementing his promises of good governance. Otherwise, he and his party will have to share the fate of Mayawati.


Himanshu Agarwal, via email

Girl, interrupted

The article "New Balls Please" on Sania Mirza was interesting. She has been unwittingly caught in the crossfire between India's male tennis stars. The article suggests that she was made a scapegoat because she is a woman. Unfortunately, male chauvinism is there in every aspect of life even as it has become fashionable to pay lip service to female equality. It is difficult to find even one field in India where male chauvinism doesn't exist, more so in sports. Mirza has a right to protest. Leander Paes cannot hold the country to ransom. AITA has the power to dismiss him. These players should act more mature and place the country's honour before themselves.


Kalpana Kante, via email