Softening power
The article on architect Rahul Mehrotra (January 19) is a fascinating journey through the life of an artist whose profession does not particularly demand sensitivity but he chooses to make it an integral part of his work. This resonates in environmental friendly constructions, prevention of 'impatient capitalism' from destroying beauty or taking into consideration even the comfort of elephants when working on a PWD project. We live in a country whose leaders are only known for their big talk. So it's very refreshing to know that there are some like Mehrotra, who said building is about 'softening the threshold between rich and poor', who implement their beliefs through their work.
Payal Mohta, via email

The adult picture
Trying to bring in changes in the Juvenile Justice Act due to a one-off incident of barbarism by a boy aged less than 18, in the Delhi gang-rape case, may not be a very wise decision indeed as the author of 'Hey People, Leave Those Kids Alone' points out (Comment, January 12). It is the same knee-jerk reaction which saw most of us baying for the blood of the perpetrators of that heinous crime without giving it much thought. In fact, it is society's moral duty to wean away our young ones, if they go astray, by giving them an opportunity to reform. Making them share space with hardened criminals in an adult prison would mean shutting out all other options for them.
M Pant, via email

Tough being tough
Chidanand Rajghatta's 'Words versus actions' (January 19) is an interesting article which hits the nail on the head but offers no solution to an "international migraine", Pakistan. Though harsh to say it's true that there are no worthwhile Indian ministers to counter the pleadings of people like Pakistan's foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar when she said that "I am happy we are not responding in kind either by word or by action to India's war-mongering statements". Like many Indians, I too am unable to understand why India cannot talk tough in the manner of Israel and the US, two countries that never talk of wishy-washy peace when national safety is involved.
BK Chatterjee, via email