Culture of anger

The climate of intolerance prevalent in many parts of the country is, I feel, the result of many factors. We have multiplied our States but reduced our values. We appear to embrace hate too often. We try to make a living but not a life. We celebrate success in the number of bandhs, strikes and agitations and not on what the outcome is. We aim for bifurcations in quantity, demand more independence and propagate our prejudices. We propose many plans and schemes and introduce an element of politics in almost every field. This being the situation, I wonder how these issues will ever be sorted out. With a calm head, good vision and dedication, we can work towards solving our problems in full cooperation with our neighbouring States and different groups (Tamil Nadu editions, “[Chennai] City awash with black balloons, flags”, April 13).

A.J. Rangarajan,

Chennai