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Hans India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 11th July 2025
MNS MLA must be punished This refers to the editorial 'Politicians wreaking havoc should be duly punished' (THI July 10). Sadly, Maharashtra is witnessing political highhandedness of Shiv Sena and MNS workers, who are indulging in needless violence either in the name of 'Marathi' language or in the process of intimidating innocent people from other states. The over-focus by the MNS to teach Marathi to others is unnecessary and unwarranted. Its MLA slapping and punching a non-local in the MLA canteen over the quality of 'dal' served there, has brought the reputation of the Shiv Sena and MNS combine several notches down in the public eye. The wanton vandalism of the toll booth showed the rowdy and uncouth behaviour of the opposition in Maharashtra in dismal light; and the government must take to task these lawbreakers so that they would not dare to repeat such acts again. K V Raghuram, Wayanad Publicly humiliate all law-breaking leaders Politicians displaying a troubling disregard for constitutional norms and democratic principles is not only condemnable but is also indicative of a larger political conspiracy due to its inability to reconcile with failures. Recently, the way MNS members are resorting to violence in the name of linguistic pride in an increasingly polarised and identity-driven political climate is deplorable. Similarly, politicians taking law into their lands at the drop of a hat and going on a rampage on a false notion is dangerous. It is time to draw a line and unequivocally warn people triggering mob frenzy. Strict action should include arrests, fast-track trials and publicly damning the perpetrators. The courts, police and civil society must unite in ensuring this does not spiral into another round of violence. Only then, can hate violence and mob violence on one pretext or the other can be put to an end K R Srinivasan, Secunderabad-3 Mandate semi-circular layout of classrooms It is commendable that some schools in Kerala have given up the traditional row-based seating arrangement in favour of a semi-circular layout in classrooms inspired by Vinesh Viswanath's debut Malayalam film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan. The film portrays school life in a rural setting in Kerala. The time has indeed come to actualise the idea of semi-circular configuration of classrooms to foster friendship and fellowship among students. This innovative adaptation would de-congest the classroom, create a more congenial atmosphere for interaction and learning and enable schools to do without pigeonholing students as 'frontbenchers', 'middle benchers' and 'backbenchers' and students to imbibe the spirit of equality and companionship and camaraderie and value cooperation more than competition. Further, it would do away with getting seats depending on height or supposed brilliance or based on names in alphabetical order. In the new classroom configuration, all students get the teacher's attention in equal measure and no student feels neglected. From now onwards, the governments and private school managements would do well to design and build new schools, keeping in mind creation of enough space for the semi-circular layout of classrooms. G. David Milton, Maruthancode (TN) Identify Nipah cases on urgent basis Patients recovering from Nipah infection, which has become endemic in north Kerala, have been disease-free and without post-infection sequelae thus far. However, two persons continue to be bed-bound in a vegetative state, as an aftermath of Nipah encephalitis. This has cast a gloom on Nipah survivors and is worrying healthcare providers. The unfavourable long-term effect of the infection renders the identification of the source of the dreaded viral infection even more crucial. Dr. George Jacob, Kochi No way to treat history-making women cricketers India's women's cricket team has just made history by winning their first T20 series in England. Alas, what has been the nation's reaction? A passing cheer. Had it been the men's team, headlines would scream the achievement and there would be celebrations on the streets. Why must women work twice as hard for half the recognition? This win isn't just about cricket—it's about respect, equality, and breaking old patterns. The question is: will sponsors and fans now stand behind them—or simply scroll past? If victory abroad doesn't earn lasting support at home, what will? Let's not just clap today. Let's commit to change. Because real progress isn't in trophies—it's in the way we value them. Hasnain Rabbani, Mumbai
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 7th July 2025
Punish all ganja peddlers It is unfortunate that kirana stores are selling ganja chocolates quite openly (THI July 6) 0liberally. This adds to the woes as similar drugs are also available in the market. There is no denying that because of such open availability, there has been an alarming rise in users of banned substances, most of whom turn addicts. The solution is to catch the suppliers, distributors and the sellers, which can be done by the police force. All such criminals should be duly punished immediately on being caught. This will deter many criminals from indulging in the racket. G Murali Mohan Rao,Secunderabad-11 Reunion of Thackerays spells disaster Two extremely sectarian political outfits coming together does not portend well for Mumbai or Maharashtra, for that matter India as a whole. They have consistently demonstrated their extreme views and violated all constitutional norms, just for the sake of gaining political power, irrespective of the means. One should remember that Mumbai has developed into a global city due to the combined efforts of people from all over the country, and not just by the Marathi-speaking locals. It is an undeniable fact. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will now impose parochial policies using coercion and violence. If every non-Hindi speaking State's political leadership adopts this kind of narrow-minded attitude purely on a one language issue, the time would not be far off when the country might get divided on language issues. Already the nation is caught in a divisive spree with Hindutva taking centre stage. If regionalism takes over, then the immediate fallout will be economic chaos, political instability, violence and disintegration of the nation. It would be anarchy in India, if these politicians continue with their policies of political expediency with adoption of absolute regionalism as a weapon to grab power. Govardhana Myneedu,Vijayawada Cut in Onam ration is highly condemnable The news about the Central Government's decision to stop providing Kerala with additional rice and wheat during Onam has expectedly sparked strong protests. This move, particularly discontinuation of the 'tide over' allocation of wheat for non-priority ration cardholders, has put the state and its people in a difficult position. This action evidences Centre's discrimination against states ruled by non-BJP parties. Central assistance is crucial to control price increases during the Onam festival. In a federal system, the Union Government also has the responsibility to ensure a prosperous Onam celebration in Kerala. Evading this responsibility by citing norms and financial reasons should be viewed as neglect towards the people of Kerala. Political leaders, cutting across party lines, must come forward to meet the Prime Minister and explain the gravity of the issue. There needs to be a strong public protest to ensure Kerala receives its rightful share of ration. The discrimination shown by the food department in allocating food grains must end. Padmanabha Suryanarayana,Kochi Telling tale of two words Proponents of Hindutva have turned strident in their demand for the removal of 'socialism' and 'secularism' from the Preamble of the Constitution, in an espousal of the primacy and pre-eminence of one religion and rejection of the notion of equality of religions and repudiation of the socialist ideal of equitable sharing of the country's wealth by all citizens. But then, India is a land of disparate religions, races, languages and cultures and the equation of Hindu nationalism with Indian nationalism does not mirror the country's famed diversity. Ideological heirs of M.S. Golwalkar should clarify if they still share his assessment that the Constitution is 'flawed because it contains nothing of Manusmriti in it' and if they are in favour of restoring or reintroducing hereditary hierarchy. It is a matter of national pride that we have the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble. G David Milton,Maruthancode (TN)
Hans India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 3rd July 2025
Pattabhiram will be an inspiration In the demise of Dr BV Pattabhiram, the renowned magician, hypnotist and psychologist, the country has lost a great role model and inspiration to the youth. Dr Pattabhiram endeavoured to excel in his field while also improving his skills regularly. He always worked towards eliminating blind faiths in society. He helped many people come out of several traumas, inferiority complexes and successfully tackled umpteen conflicts in countless families. His writings on self-motivation and self-development are hugely popular. Satish Reddy Kanaganti, Tipparthy, Nalgonda *** An inspiration to youngsters It was sad to hear about the passing away of the multifaceted Dr BV Pattabhiram in Hyderabad on Monday. His life and contributions to the society serve as an inspiration to the present generation, considering that he scaled great heights, despite several shortcomings and health issues. Author of around 100 books, he enjoyed a massive popularity among readers, especially for his writings on mind relaxation, self-confidence, overcoming fears, taboos and other psychosomatic disorders. For one whose first magic school made it to the Limca Book of Records, it was not surprising that Pattabhiram's workshops on hypnosis drew huge crowds and appreciation not only in India but also in the United States, Germany, Thailand and Gulf nations. A humanist to the core, he rose to the occasion by organising fundraising charity shows for Godavari flood victims. A greatly humble soul he was. Pratapa Reddy Yaramala, Tiruvuru (AP) The timeless aura of actors The editorial 'Southern cinema still sizzles with age-old glamour' (THI July 2) has referred to certain heroes, who enjoyed stardom even after becoming senior citizens, and were not competing with the younger generation. It is a great thing. Earlier, legendary actors like N.T. Rama Rao (NTR) and A. Nageswara Rao (ANR) played lead roles against young heroines, who were half their age. In those years, a young actor like Gummadi portrayed the role of father and grandfather with aplomb. ANR used to say that age pertained to the body, while the mind helps regain youthful exuberance. In addition to senior actors referred to in the edit, we had Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor, who shone well past their 60s. Moviegoers maintain that the current crop of actors cannot enjoy the longevity that the older generation did. N Ramalakshmi , Secunderabad Gender disparity in tinsel town While reading the edit 'Southern cinema still sizzles....' (THI, July 20, one notices that all the names mentioned in the editorial are all male stars but makes no mention of females, who were their contemporaries, in the popularity stakes. While the male stars can happily perform hero's roles, a slightly aged heroine like Trish Krishnan must justify herself when cast as the heroine. It is only recently that dubbed movies from south India are finding a pan Indian audience. Even in Bollywood there are hardly any roles written for females to be cast in lead roles once they age slightly. Fortunately, OTT platforms are providing a platform for the older but gifted females. Times are changing and there is greater acceptability for the 50 plus females. Hopefully, roles will be written with a particular actor in mind! Anthony Henriques, Mumbai
Hans India
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 26th June 2025
Bar and bench should foster mutual respect This is with reference to the article 'Justice 's haven- Courtroom of dignity and cooperation spirit' (THI, June 25). In a democratic country like India, courts play a crucial role in the protection of human rights and safeguarding fundamental rights. Bar-bench refers to the cordial relationship between judges and advocates. Judges are expected to treat advocates with courtesy, respect and fairness recognizing their crucial role in the administration of justice. At the same time the primary role of advocates is to represent clients in legal proceedings, while also upholding the law. If judges and advocates start respecting each other and act as per their conscience, courts will certainly become haven to all who approach. P Victor Selvaraj, Tirunelveli-627002 No need for complainants to visit govt offices I wonder why people with myriad representations and complaints are asked to come to the Secretariat or government office, in the first place. Administration can get a boost by putting all people-related issues and services online, so that they need not run around offices for resolving their genuine issues. With millions of illiterates around, such online centres can function on a regular basis near colonies and community halls with technical experts manning them. This can help people save precious time and money and also ensure that their woes are redressed by the concerned departments. That is the hallmark of good governance. G Murali Mohan Rao, Secunderabad-11 Naidu govt must prioritise welfare schemes The NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, has completed an eventful one year in office. Despite challenges, the government has made significant strides in development, attracting investments worth Rs 9.34 lakh crore and generating 8.5 lakh jobs. Construction of Amaravati capital is also on track. However, the government needs to focus on welfare schemes, such as free bus travel to women and financial assistance to farmers. By plugging leakages and targeting benefits to those in need, the government can reduce the financial burden of welfare schemes. Sridevi Tejaswani K, Hyderabad Why leave alone Justice Varma? What is surprising even after finding huge unaccounted currency in the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma is the absence of action against him despite the damning evidence. In the light of Article 50 which nowhere says judges are above law and 124 (4) clearly laying down the procedure for impeachment of a judge, Justice Varma has clearly committed a criminal breach of trust by hoarding ill-gotten cash in his home. Since judiciary is meant to be the final recourse for justice and the Parliament having powers to impeach a judge under Article 124(4), it is time criminal prosecution of Justice Verma is taken up on an urgent basis as provided by the Constitution. K R Srinivasan, Secunderabad-3
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 18th June 2025
Politicians nurture caste-based vote banks Apropos 'Kamandal to Mandal, politics takes a new direction' (Hans India; June 17), I wish to state that politicians have conveniently adopted caste as a lucrative commodity to garner votes, just like religion. Caste-based reservation is an offshoot of this. Reservation, if at all, must be made available solely on economic grounds, rather than caste and faith. Isn't it truly unfair for a Brahmin languishing in penury to be denied government support through reservation just because he belongs to an 'upper caste', while a filthy rich Christian and Muslim continues to enjoy the fruits of reservation as they belong to a 'scheduled caste or a scheduled tribe'? Does any party or person have the political will to bell the cat? Dr. George Jacob, Kochi Cong should learn from Centre's national census In response to the 'Kamandal' to Mandal, politics takes a new direction; (THI, June 17), the new mantra of caste politics as adopted by the Congress is to make it a part of the general census, which, incidentally, has been accepted as norm by the government. Inherently, the fever of caste census promoted by the Congress in Telangana and Karnataka, where it is in power, did not relevantly reflect the caste percentages as the focus was on OBCs while the ST/SC communities have already been enjoying the advantages of quota, elbowing other similar categories to enter the fray. The Karnataka caste survey proved a disappointing experience for the ruling party that wants to pander to the Lingayat and Vokkaliga entities. The Central exercise to go for a national census is a logical step as it is without the wicked politics being indulged in the Congress, and its allies. K R Venkata Narasimhan, Madurai Tackling outbreak of diarrhoea in Odisha Apropos THI's news items in Visakhapatnam (Odisha edition on June 16 and 17), it is laudable that the district administration is tackling outbreak of diarrhoea on a war-footing. It is indeed heartening that they have closed eateries, water supplies and meat outlets besides treating patients and referrals as per the immediate requirements. Jeypore has a large floating population from the adjoining Koraput district covering Lamtaput, Onakadelli, Machkund and Govindapalli the surroundings of which is a large tribal population. They live on the remote hillocks under inhospitable circumstances. They visit the weekly market at Onakadelli every Thursday and then throng the Genco Hospital. In emergency cases, they bring the patients to the hospital and if necessary, arrange transportation to Lamtaput Mission or the government hospital, or Jeypore and at times to Visakhapatnam. In this context, the administration can undertake surveillance by way of medical camps in all the sensitive villages, and village marketplaces. Cleanliness drive is a must and all staff including teachers and anganwadis may be deployed in sensitive areas. Deploying a BSF team in the vicinity will come in handy in addressing the issue. Hopefully, the latest diarrhoea outbreak will be managed effectively and on a priority basis. Dr T Ramadas, Visakhapatnam Centre notifies 2027 population Census Compelled by the constant and consistent demand of the Congress party and its allies for a caste census, the NDA government finally gave in and announced a programme for the same in 2027. The Congress party is making an all-out effort to return to power at the Centre. Towards this, it is raking up the caste census issue, only with the ulterior motive of dividing the Hindu community in the country on caste-lines. It has been toeing the British legacy of 'divide and rule' that has helped the party to rule the country for over four decades. The double standards being employed by the Congress party in states where it is in power is getting exposed. Upper caste politicians still rule the roost while denying others (BCs in particular) their share of power within the government! Though the NDA is compelled to take up caste census, it is also not expected to take up caste-based distribution of political power, as it is against caste-based reservations in education, employment and politics. It has been advocating reservations on economic backwardness irrespective of caste, creed and religion. For this a constitutional amendment is necessary and for that it needs a 2/3rd majority in the parliament, which it lacks as of now! It is now a tricky question for NDA, which has officially announced the census programme. All said and done, the Congress' ploy is working out. It would be interesting to see which outfit ultimately reaps political mileage out of it. Govardhana Myneedu, Vijayawada
