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Shame or pride?

I was disturbed on reading the article "Crime? She's a martyr's widow!" (TSI, Dec 22-28). It should have been a matter of pride for Jharkhand and Bihar too, that there is a Param Vir Chakra awardee, and incidentally the only one to be hailing from that part of the country. Instead, it turned out to be a matter of shame that the widow of such a martyr is forced to lead a despicable and pathetic life. It's disgraceful that Balmadina Ekka has to beg for her treatment and was forced to sell her land for a pittance and tormented by hooligans. It's a clear case of negligence by state and central government. TSI has done a praiseworthy job by highlighting the issue at the national level. Being the wife of an Army officer, I am aware of pride and honour that a "Param Vir Chakra" brings. After seeing the plight of Ekka and her son, how many young men would get motivated to join the armed forces? Instead of expecting the government to do something, can't we as responsible citizens do something for ladies like Balmadina Ekka? For starters, "The Sunday Indian" may set up a fund where people can donate money, clothes etc. to help in such a cause. May I also request TSI to follow up the case in following issues lest it should fade away from the public memory?

Gunjan Shree Sinha

Delhi Need for secular India

Being an Indian Muslim, we need to be bold enough and think a bit seriously that for all our troubles, it's not only Hindutva forces to be blamed but we ourselves are to be blamed too. Why do we always expect others to do good for us? Why we blame the police of discrimination when none of us is deserving to qualify exams like IAS, IPS etc. Why should we blame Indian civil society for doubting us when in every terrorist activity Muslims are involved. Every society is looking to equip their young generation with modern education but we have confined our young generation to madrasas only and then cry that we Muslims are neglected. Let us first realise that we are Indians and join our heads to contribute in nation building. The day will not be far when we will be respected and regarded for our works like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Inshallah!

via mail Some bad men

Indeed, Parliament should be outsourced and educated, intelligent and good human beings should be taken up for the job of running our country. Ask anybody, and no one would disagree that of all the factors holding back India and keeping its people steeped in abject poverty and helplessness, by far the most crippling is that of corrupt politicians who see power as a mean to personal wealth at the expense of the poor. And sadly, corruption in large scale public projects is a daunting obstacle to sustainable development, tearing the social fabric and contributing to civil unrest and conflict. It is a blow to the hopes of millions, one that results in a major loss of public funds needed for education, healthcare and poverty alleviation.

Bhavna Khant

via mail