Mail of the week

K. Chidanand Kumar says the study of genes can help us in our preparedness to combat diabetes, cancer and heart diseases. It should also be able to thwart the class and creed consciousness in our society.


The Gene Factor ("The Great Indian Gene Findings", September 21)
Your cover story on gene findings was indeed an eye-opener ("The Great Indian Gene Findings", September 21). The risk of susceptibility to a disease found more specific to a geographical region should help in taking specific protective action, especially against diseases like cancer and malaria. One expects the Government to take the hint from these findings and take appropriate action so that the common man benefits.
-A.J. Sahayam, via

-K. Chidanand Kumar, Bangalore

Let us hope that multiethnic gene pool of India would help unravel more mysteries of illnesses and disease, thereby bringing relief to people worldwide. There is no doubt that further research would unravel secrets behind the big killer, cancer. Additionally, we should not forget the benefits of regular exercise, active life and yoga in getting rid of an indisciplined lifestyle.
-K.V. Raghuram, Wayanad

Birth of a dynast ("Another Son Rises", September 21)
In a country like ours where geriatrics have traditionally dominated politics, it is no wonder that there is still a widespread support for Jaganmohan Reddy ("Another Son Rises", September 21). It once again highlights the prevalence of dynastic politics. Things would change only if political parties are forced to become democratic due to pressure from voters, and drastic reforms are introduced in the political system.
-G.S. RAO, Bangalore

The Congress is in a dilemma over the growing demand to anoint YSR's son as Andhra Pradesh chief minister. But the question is whether the Congress is safe in the hands of the young politician. Despite his parentage, Jaganmohan would have to prove his mettle on his own.
-K.U. Mada, Mumbai

Seeking justice ("The Politics of Encounter", September 21)
It is unfortunate to see how fake encounters have evolved as a weapon in the coercive armoury of the Indian state ("The Politics of Encounter", September 21). The murder of Ishrat Jahan is a stark reminder of police brutality in the name of combating terrorism. In my opinion, a CBI investigation will throw light on what truly happened.
-V.C. Dixit, via

The demand of Jahan's mother for a CBI inquiry is absolutely justified. The deductions of Magistrate S.P. Tamang and the revelations in the affidavit of the Union Home Ministry do not match and are cryptic, hence these confound the muddle. The voice of human right activists in Gujarat and the agony of an aggrieved mother must be considered to maintain the faith of the people in justice.
-Indu Shankar, via

Troubled borders ("Mending Fences", September 21)
Bangladesh is a problem for India as many Bangladeshis illegally cross the border and are involved in many illegal activities ("Mending Fences", September 21). Now Nepal is being used to pump fake currency into India. Pakistan and China are other trouble-makers for India. The strained relations with our neighbouring countries demand a stronger diplomatic and defence strategy.
-Mahesh Kumar, Delhi

Dangerously dear ("Squashed", September 21)
It is a pity that Central and state governments have not taken strong measures to bring down the prices by importing food items or taken action against the blackmarketeers ("Squashed", September 21). Adding fuel to the fire is the Government's claim that inflation has dropped and economy has improved. The Government must import foodgrains, give more concession to farmers to grow alternative crops and act strongly against hoarders.
-R. Muralikumar, Chennai

Checking inflation and curbing publicity binges both by the Centre and the Congress-ruled states are important for the UPA. If the ruling coalition fails to check inflation and wasteful expenditure, it may find itself in trouble.
-R.J. Khurana, Bhopal

The idea of justice ("Judiciary Under Scrutiny", September 7)
With numerous cases pending in the courts across the country, the first step towards judicial reforms needs to be abolishing the British legacy of court vacations ("Judiciary Under Scrutiny", September 7). When all other government offices duly function in summers what is the justification for a long summer vacation in the courts? On the contrary, courts need to work overtime to clear the backlog.
-M.C. Joshi, Lucknow

Unfair laws ("Unhappily Harried", August 31)
An allegation of cruelty by one's wife is enough to land the husband behind bars ("Unhappily Harried", August 31). Many men lose their jobs, not to mention their mental balance, due to the harassment meted out to them by their wives. Exemplary punishment should be given in cases where a complaint using the special laws is proved false or fabricated.
-S. Bharadwaj, via

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