There are innumerable posts everyday, some supporting the government and some against it. Is this the time to fight over such issues? You can't blame one person for lives lost in such a big pandemic. In the same way, you can't give credit to one person for controlling the pandemic. If the second wave came, it was the collective fault of the government and the people of the country. And if the first wave could be controlled, again, it was the collective effort of both. It is our own life and we can't depend on the government, be it of any country, to save us from something as dangerous as what we are going through. Hundreds of doctors and front-line workers are losing their lives for us. Staying home for one year and wearing a mask isn't a big thing. And to all those who had amazing trips in the past six months, that was the time to stay home, and set an example for those who didn't understand much about the deadly pandemic.

Garima Verma, Mohali

Medical heroes

Refer to ‘Young brigade in big fight’ (Spectrum); doctors are front-line warriors, for not only treating critically ill patients, but also handling India’s fragile healthcare system and government’s apathy. They are real-life heroes, but this tag does not protect them from psychological trauma and mental discomfort that they undergo daily. Junior doctors who have been thrown into a crisis-like situation have matured fast. As Covid cases surge, its sink or swim situation for this young brigade. Despite sadness and devastation all around in hospitals, the feeling of satisfaction that a doctor gets by saving one or two patients must be so rewarding. And perhaps this keeps them going.

Anita Kataria, Patiala

Not new to controversy

Ramdev has turned into a business tycoon, selling all kinds of products in the name of health, ayurveda, religionism or nationalism. He was embroiled in a similar controversy in 2015 over ‘putrajeevak beej’, which he withdrew following severe criticism in the media. Now, when India is battling Covid-related health exigencies, his anti-allopathy remarks are opportunistic and violative of the Epidemic Diseases Act. If people reporting medical oxygen shortage can be booked, why not Ramdev?

Abhimanyu Malik, Jind

Book Ramdev

Ramdev’s remarks against allopathy, saying that lakhs of patients have died due to these medicines, is highly objectionable. The statement disrespects the corona warriors and hurts the sentiments of the country. The government must take it seriously and an FIR should be lodged. It is not enough that Dr Harsh Vardhan has asked Ramdev to withdraw his remarks against doctors and allopathy, rather he should have asked the authorities concerned to take appropriate action against Ramdev.

SC DHALL, ZIRAKPUR

Rich Congress history

It should not be difficult for the Congress to revive its fortunes (‘The Congress conundrum’). The party has a solid background. Its stalwarts have been recognised by the people at the national and international levels for rendering outstanding service to the common masses. Mahatma Gandhi succeeded in his mission of non-violence, Patel unified states under one banner, Nehru promoted medical science and scientific temperament among people, Shastri enlarged the base of democracy, Indira Gandhi strengthened defence and secured IMF loan unconditionally, Rajiv Gandhi expanded the communication network, and Manmohan Singh liberalised the economy and inducted FDI. Eminent civil servants like TN Seshan, PS Krishanan, S Ramesh and IGH Khan also belong to the golden period of the Congress. Thus, the party should believe in performance and commitment.

NIRMAL KUMAR, PANCHKULA

Alienation an anathema

The write-up,’ Winning people over, the Army way’ (The Sunday Tribune) brings to the fore the question of alienation plaguing India since Independence. The feeling that the Naga truce of 1997 is being underrated shows the changing perception and response to the problem of alienation inherent in the body politic of India for historical reasons and factors. But containment of the process of alienation has been a litmus test of the leadership in India throughout its historical development. The all-important task has acquired new and more significant dimensions due to globalisation and the unprecedented growth of science, technology and means of communication and transport. The 1997 truce, which took 27 years to come into existence, needs to be seen in the context of the overall scenario of alienation, ongoing political slugfest for power and regional turmoil before rating it either way.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com