T.S. Subramanians Stories in stone (October 24) not only speaks volumes of the Jaina art and architecture at Kazhugumalai but also highlights the glory that Indian sculpture, art and architecture per se had enjoyed for 15 centuries. The present generation, which looks to the West for technical know-how and scientific inspiration, may be surprised to note that Indian sculptors could at will convert massive stones and mountains into graceful and magnificent temples, stupas, caves and monasteries. It is hard to imagine how much dedication and professionalism would have gone into their building.
Amiya Kumar Patra Sambalpur, OrissaAfghanistanThe Cover Story Matrix of death (October 24) was moving. Marc W. Herold deserves appreciation for exposing the systematic massacre of innocent Afghans by the U.S. military in the name of war on terror.
The American political elite and corporate media are aiding this. The utter callousness of the U.S. towards Afghan lives is unacceptable. The Talibans resurgence is likely to result in another Vietnam. The time has come for the oldest democracy in the world to rethink its actions.
Devendra. L. Abbigeri, dharwad, karnatakaThe Bushocracys atrocities in Afghanistan arouse indignation and hatred towards U.S.-NATO forces. Afghans are peace-loving and at the same time proud of their culture. It is a pity that the world at large is looking askance at the human tragedy of unimaginable proportions in Afghanistan.
Indias silence is incomprehensible as its relationship with the Afghan people is age-old and deep. The article makes one feel ashamed of Indias newfound love for George Bush and the U.S.
S.S. Rajagopalan ChennaiNanavati probeThe UPA and the Left have trashed Justice Nanavatis assessment of the cause of the fire in the Sabarmati Express at Godhra in 2002 (Glowing embers, October 24). They question his honesty and credibility but offer no reasons for doing so.
In fact, Justice Nanavati had led the inquiry into the anti-Sikh violence following Indira Gandhis assassination in 1984 and he was hailed a heroic judge then.
K.S. Jayatheertha BangaloreFinancial crisisNationalisation seems to be the order of the day in the U.S., which is in a serious financial crisis. (Socialising losses, October 24). Looking at the highly contagious bankruptcy that U.S. banks and financial institutions are now suffering from, I will not be surprised if the White House files for bankruptcy in the near future.
At this rate, Barack Obama, whose victory in the presidential elections looks assured, will be sworn in as the President of the United States Socialist Republic.
K.P. Rajan, MumbaiInterviewMushirul Hasans assertion that his university does not check the caste or religion of any student is tenuous (To preserve our secular inheritance, October 24).
One can find out the caste or religion of any Indian by name. There is no need to ask Lalu Prasad Yadav if he is a Hindu or Oscar Fernandes if he is a Christian or Mushirul Hasan if he is a Muslim.
The Vice-Chancellor of any university in the country has powers to maintain discipline on the campus. But Mushirul Hasan expresses his helplessness in verifying the antecedents of students and faculty members. He should have ordered an inquiry against the terror suspects and helped the police.
L.T. Sippy PuneBorder issuesA.G. Nooranis essay Maps and borders (October 24) was impressive. It gave authentic information about the India-China border dispute and the fundamental differences between the two countries on this issue. The solution to the dispute lies in political will and good leadership.
Bhanu Pratap Singh Varanasi, U.P.Cuban FiveThe saga of the Cuban Five (Outrage at a verdict, October 10) is outrageous because the U.S. authorities have repeatedly denied visas to the wives of the (wrongly) imprisoned men. Ironically, this comes from a government and a party that supposedly champion family values.
Aroup Chatterjee LondonANNOUNCEMENT Letters, whether by surface mail or e-mail, must carry the full postal address and the full name, or the name with initials.
