Letters to the Editor: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

In the country's unity lies the essence of democracy. National Units Day, or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, is slated annually for October 31, 2014. It is appropriate that the Ekta Diwas be observed on the birthday of the "iron man" of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. People united can lead to a harmonious blend of peace and tranquility.An eclectic boost to a country's economic fortunes can also be a reality through unity. The foundation of freedom itself is unity, which great men like Patel realised in no time. Unity is power because it brings a host of nation-preserving qualities with it. Togetherness and cooperation are two top offshoots that keep people attentive and focused. Alone, one can do so little; together, one can do so much. The slogan "Unity in Diversity of the Country," coined by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, says it all.

It essentially means cultural, social, religious, linguistic, physical, and ideological differences cannot act as obstacles to fostering the unity of a country. Unity in diversity ultimately leads to peace because peace is the conciliation of differences. That is why it is said that when a country is ravaged by terror, buildings may collapse and people may die, but it is the indomitable trust and faith of the people in one another that lifts the country from the ravines. Just as the unity of light is so powerful that it can illuminate the whole earth, the unity of human beings in a nation can act as a shining example to the whole globe.

Dr. Ganapathi Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)

Non-issue

Recently, there was a great political row between India and China over a map published by China showing some parts of India, namely Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh, as their own. It was yet another ploy to provoke India before the recently concluded G20 summit held in India. The Indian government had to react as the opposition tried to raise an issue in this regard under its usual compulsions. The map shown by China was not accepted globally.

For a layman like yours, the whole issue is truly like a storm in a tea cup. If China can make a map showing some parts of India as their own, why can't India do so by showing some parts of China, like Tibet in particular, as their own? A simple map shown by an enemy nation not recognised globally should be fully overlooked, even under opposition pressure. The days of China bullying India are over.

The opposition, too, should put the interests of the nation ahead of their respective parties.

Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati.

The war between Israel and Palestine

The people of Palestine have been continuously facing the cruelty of Israel since October 7. Israel is not putting a stop to its relentless bombardment of civilians. People’s properties are being damaged, and even critically ill patients are not safe from these attacks.

Israel has always used brutal tactics to suppress the oppressed Palestinians. But this time, compared to past attacks, Israel’s brutality has crossed all limits. Bombings on schools, residential buildings, and hospitals have left thousands of Palestinians martyred. Israel has not even spared children, and thousands of them have been killed in the last three weeks. According to media reports, over 8,000 Palestinians have been martyred as of date. Another tragedy is about to happen, which is an increase in deaths due to starvation. Israel has stopped the delivery of water and fuel to Palestine. The Muslim-majority countries should stop Israel from further atrocities and start helping the Palestinian people.

Jubel D'Cruz,

Dombivili, Mumbai