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Anna, be flexibile

Arindam Chaudhuri has rightly pointed out that the civil society movement needs to be more flexible and respect the Indian democracy (TSI, August 22-28). While there is no denying the fact that we all must fight against corruption, holding democratic insti-tutions to ransom is not wise. A combination of media blitzkrieg by team Anna and a  show of political naivety by the government have resulted in frenzied support for Jan Lokpal, without an effort to understand the actual content of the bill and its implications in future. If implemented the Jan Lokpal will in effect be an institution parallel to all forms of our democratic set-ups, without any accountability but having extra-judicial powers. It would be fair on part of team Anna to be more flexible and help Parliament imple-ment an effective bill uphol-ding democratic principles. We have the right to protest, but not the right to impose.
Venkatesh Kikkeri
Bangalore

All for brotherhood

The collection of articles titled ‘Real heroes’ in the Independence Day Special (TSI, August 15-21) was a befitting tribute to the unsung social crusaders. It was inspiring to learn about these selfless people across the country, from Kamrup to Kozhikode, who are making a difference in people’s lives around them. Away from limelight and without any desire for materialistic gains, these unknown heroes are contributing immensely towards the betterment of their community in diverse fields such as education for the underprivileged, provi-ding shelter for destitute girls and safeguarding the envi-ronment. Even personal setbacks couldn’t deter their resolve. Such articles highlighting their yeoman services to the mankind, would not only encourage them further in their mission but will also inspire others to follow suit. Our country really needs such real life heroes who can work tirelessly to improve the lives of people around them.
Saswati Dutta
24 Parganas North,WB

Convenient deaths

The cover story ‘Graft getting murkier’ (TSI, August 22-28) on the sudden and mysterious deaths of important witnesses in cases involving bigwigs made for a scary reading. There is room to believe that whenever VIPs find themselves enmeshed in scandals, they ensure that they get out of it by hook or by crook. One easy way for that, it seems, is to eliminate those who could stand up in court and nail them. In almost all the cases discussed in the story, perfectly healthy men have either suddenly died of a heart attack or forced to take their own lives. This has been the trend for quite a long time now. Even in the Nagarwala case, in which a businessman Nagarwala had drawn a substantial amount of money from a bank reportedly at the behest of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi,  suddenly died. It is incumbent on police to safeguard the lives of prominent witnesses.
Vijayalakshmi A
Bangalore