Tribals are no longer ‘indigenous’
Sir, This is in response to the article Whose land is it anyway? (DH Spectrum, Aug 7). The tribals have been living in the forests since many years, but we need to understand the fact that they are no longer the indigenous tribals who have not seen the light of civilisation. Gone are the days when there were large tracts of forests which would be sufficient to support the tribals living in it. In the present condition, forests are present in small patches, which are no longer capable of withstanding the pressures caused by tribals.
Man-animal co-existence is a good idea to romanticise about, but the underlying fact is the hardships which are faced by these forest dwellers. And the NGOs who talk of tribal welfare, want the tribals to live in the forests while they have the privilege to live in big cities and use all natural resources.
Sheshadri K S
Bangalore
Sania on the move
Sir, Sania Mirza is on the move. Her recent performances have shown that, she has discipline, tenacity, flamboyance and above all the talent to go much higher in the rankings and in doing so, inspire an entire generation of Indian girls to express their aspirations through sport. She is aggressive, committed and consistent. Defeats do not deter her.
In a community where women are generally discouraged from participating in sports, her significance transcends the borders of sports. For a young generation of young Muslim girls, she would undoubtedly be a source of inspiration. In a rapidly modernising society Sania shines as a star. Let us congratulate her and wish her better luck on the world tennis circuit.
Jacob Abraham
Bangalore
Appoint professionals
Sir, Some elected or nominated members of co-operative banks who have no knowledge of the banking system want to become chairpersons and directors. They would amount to pawns in the palms of bankers and as a result some banks are on the verge of winding up in Karnataka.
No IAS officers have opted to work as administrators and the RBI is selecting senior police officers without an appropriate back ground. Some of them, who are dummies in their departments, have opted for the post of administrators to enrich themselves. Such officers should be sent back to their original departments and instead IAS officers should be appointed in these positions.
P Peer Khan
Bangalore
Vote bank politics
Sir, This is with regard to the article No ideal role model by Amulya Ganguli (DH, Aug 8). The theory that reservation for women will bring about an improvement and that they would make better representatives is incorrect. It is mere vote-bank politics and a large number of people are being fooled. The present set of women MPs and MLAs are no different and as corrupt as their male counterparts. The concept of reservation is against equality and merit is compromised.
Rohan
Bangalore
Let US handle Dawood
Sir, Ever since it was rumoured that the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim is under detention in Pakistan, there is a clamour for his extradition to India.
If the Indian government exerts pressure on Pakistan through the US for his extradition, it would be a foolish act. The Indian criminal investigating agencies, notorious for their sloppy approach, will not be able to make any criminal charge stick on him.
Even if they somehow managed to do so, the many tiered legal system in the country will allow him to extricate himself out of all charges, with the backing of our “secular” politicians. So, the wise course of action would be to let the US handle him as an international terrorist.
V Venkatasubramanian
Mumbai
