Flags at varsities
The HRD Ministry's directives making it mandatory for all Central Universities to hoist the national flag is something everyone will welcome. Some countries hoist flags regularly even outside schools. The Indian national tri-colour is a matter of pride for all Indians, but will hoisting the flag at central varsities alone help, to instill a sense of unity and integrity?
A lot more needs to be done to instill the sense of patriotic unity. First and foremost, the ideal of "unity in diversity" needs to be thoroughly promoted. For this to happen, hate speeches of politicians, notably of those from the ruling party, ought to stop. Similarly, respect towards the Constitution's ideals including liberty as well as secularism needs to be ensured.
K B Dessai, Fatorda
Stop Hooliganism in Courts
Beating up students and journalists in the precincts of Delhi’s Patiala Court two times within a span of three days is not only shameful but reprehensible. Further it is shocking to note that the police at the premises remained as mere spectators. The sloganeering against India at the JNU campus is unacceptable but the behaviour and actions of the lawyers in the Patiala court is equally disgraceful. It is a threat to democratic institutions in the country. The situation at the place where justice should have prevailed, these hooligans in the garb of black coats manifested that they are justice unto themselves. It is not surprising to note that last one and half years, cases of violence, intolerance and disrespect for the ordinary citizens like journalists, writers, students in universities, and selected activists, have been rising constantly. Cases of intolerance are found not only in the streets but also in university campuses and court rooms. The present dispensation at the centre cannot escape from their responsibilities by diverting the issues and blaming the students, journalists and television channels.
Rui Pereira, Navelim
Casinos bad
Why does the government of Goa want to debar Goans from casinos? What is the rationale behind this? Is it because gambling and casinos are bad? If bad, then is it not the duty of the government to protect those from other states and countries from this bad activity too? Why is the government of Goa permitting and encouraging bad practices and luring the people of this country to fall prey to this? It is indeed inappropriate. May good sense prevail.
Raj Vaidya, Panaji
Strong arm tactics
The CM’s threat, of filing FIRs against those who oppose the DefExpo is along the lines of the JNU issue and other protests that go against the government, which is met by strong arm tactics, arrest and other nefarious action. It is but pure school ground bullying. This is not becoming the CM of a state. There was a lot of statewide opposition to the event, which also happened because the government did not come clean with their intentions. Perhaps the protest was started by those who opposed the ruling government politically, but the fact remains that a threat like this is in bad taste
Sanjay Naik, Mapusa
