Games Politicians Play
TJS George has laid bare the baneful effects of politicians entering the sports arena, be it cricket, football, hockey or even kabbadi (Point of View, July 3). Arts, culture, heritage, etc. too have suffered because of politicians meddling in the affairs for selfish gains. Such unmindful interference not only tarnishes the sanctity of the games, but also hurts India’s image abroad.
GMR Rao, by email
Our national game, hockey, has been under the dumps for the past decades. Thanks to the change in administration, the present team looks good and may make a podium finish at Rio Olympics, which has been eluding us since 1980. One hopes that the sports ministry takes a firm stand to appoint only successful sportspersons from the past as head of every sports federation.
N Mahadevan, Chennai
Unity in Uniformity
Uniform Civil Code means not the same laws, but similar laws (Prabhu Chawla’s Power and Politics, July 3). Rituals can be governed by religion, but rights must be as per the Constitution. No Indian President has ever directed Parliament to promulgate an ordinance for imposition of Uniform Civil Code. President Pranab Mukherjee should become the first one to do so, more so when Article 44 of the Constitution prescribes for it.
K Pradeep, Chennai
Love Thy Neighbour?
Restoration of civilian rule has not changed much in Pakistan as is evident from the way political leaders still trust the army for their survival (G Parthasarathy’s Undiplomatically Yours, July 3). PM Nawaz Sharif remains a mere figurehead after his credibility got a beating post Panama revelations. India should be tactful in engaging with Pakistan even though it’s wishful thinking that the country will cooperate in curbing terrorism.
KR Srinivasan, Secunderabad
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