Refer to ‘Challenging China’ (Nous Indica); when 20 jawans lost their lives in the Galwan clash with the PLA last year, India promised to give a befitting reply. A hue and cry was made to boycott Chinese products and prohibit Chinese investments in the country. But till now nobody knows what befitting reply has been given. Against Pakistan India becomes a giant, but against the dragon it becomes a pigmy. India cannot afford to cut its economic links with China because it is heavily dependent on Chinese goods because of the neglect of domestic industry for decades. Atmanirbhar Bharat is just a chimera. Some Chinese apps were banned in the wake of the Galwan episode, but they are making their way back. This shows that India doesn't have the nerve to challenge China on the economic and political front. There is enough space for the estranged neighbours to develop together, while remaining sensitive to each other’s concerns and aspirations.

Tarsem S Bumrah, Batala

Wary of China

In reference to the ‘Challenging China’, the rising influence of China is a matter of global concern as it refuses to accept the existence of others. India can't afford to downplay the seriousness of the threat along its borders. On the surface, it appears to be an ally of India, but it’s a foe that shows its true colours whenever there is a chance to act viciously against us. Doklam and Galwan misadventures are indicative of its ill-designs. Moreover, Chinese products exercise a huge impact in the Indian market. To curb their influence, we need to enhance our manufacturing capacities manifold. Zero dependence on Chinese goods should be the objective. We should practice extra caution even in the matter of slightest importance.

KAPIL SHARMA, KAITHAL

Political opportunism

Politicians switching over parties during election times, and then re-switching thereafter as per their whims, succumbing to the greed of power and monetary gains, has become the order of the day in Indian democracy. No party is above board. Those who talked of accountability and transparency in public life are in the forefront of deal-making. Unfortunately, rank opportunism has become a normal practice in the political conduct of our leaders who seldom care for the voters’ sentiments. ‘Aya Ram, Gaya Ram’ politics, which was once prevalent in Haryana, has now spread to all states, courtesy the ambitious BJP whose double standards are now in the open.

Brij B Goyal, Ludhiana

Milkha will be missed

Apropos of ‘Legendary Milkha Singh passes away’, it's extremely saddening to learn about the demise of the ‘Flying Sikh’. Milkha Singh, who won four Asian Games gold medals in his career — was the first Indian track-and-field athlete to clinch the gold in the Commonwealth Games (Cardiff, 1958). In the 1960 Rome Olympics, he finished fourth in the 400m final in a photo-finish. Undoubtedly, with his passing away, our country has lost one of its greatest sportspersons. He would remain in the hearts of all Indian sports lovers.

SOURISH MISRA, KOLKATA

Vaccine gap

Apropos of ‘Row over dose gap', the tardy pace of vaccination drive is attributable to the yawning gap between availability of vaccine and the requirement. This gap was not factored in while announcing universal vaccination. Doubts are being expressed whether the government will be able to achieve its target by the end of the year. Conflicting scientific versions are coming to the fore. Fresh studies claim that even a single dose is as effective as two jabs and the chances of contracting infection remain low in both cases. India has suffered nightmarish experiences during the second wave. Now when Covid curbs are being lifted and huge crowds are everywhere, infection rate is likely to pick up again. Vaccination should be carried on strictly in accordance with fresh scientific evidence and without resorting to image-building.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Kudos to social media

During the past few days, a telltale video on Bihar elections, 'Gaon mein vikas aya?' went viral. The video exposes the harsh reality of the miserable conditions of the downtrodden people. The word 'development' becomes an integral part of various political campaigns in name only and is hyped in election manifestos and election rallies. The reality is that there is no visible significant economic and social development to be seen in cities, towns and villages of our country. The objective of elections is to gain power and not social and economic development to improve the quality of life of the people. Whereas mainstream media has become the pawn of political parties, the lack of development in the nation is reflected through the videos and memes which go viral in social media, which has, indeed, become the voice of the common people.

Sukanya Roy, Chandigarh

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