Rahul Gandhi and the ills of dynastic politics

Sir, It is a shame for Rahul Gandhi say after his visit to drought stricken and starvation prone areas of Orissa that he is “now” aware of these problems which are worse than that of his home state, Uttar Pradesh. Rahul is in his 30’s and if so where was he all these years when both the print and electronic media were regularly carrying reports of  starvation deaths in Orissa.

It has been an endemic problem in the tribal dominated areas of Orissa and if anyone says he is coming to know of it only now then it clearly shows how much a person like Rahul Gandhi knows about his own country. 
The immaturity of our political leaders, particularly the young ones, is stunning. Coming from a dynastic lineage into politics to protect their ill-gotten wealth that their fathers and forefathers have amassed, these people are divorced from the realities of Indian society.

S Kamat
Goa

Bad precedent

Sir, The BJP has set a bad precedent in its culture of violence by attacking its political opponent’s office and their decision making central committee members. The attack on the CPM office in Delhi cannot be justified at any cost.
A party, which believes in fomenting riots and keeping society divided, now seems to be further extending its ideology of violence to its political opponents.

If a party which is ruling many state governments resorts to street violence, how can it expect the common masses to be law abiding? It seems to be unwilling to come out of its destructive mindset and think about the nation’s progress in a constructive manner.

Krishna Rajesh
Mysore

Not unexpected

Sir, India’s debacle before Britain in hockey and therefore failing to qualify for the Olympics was not unexpected.
All the blame should be passed on to the higher echelons of the Indian Hockey Federation for their lopsided administration.

Playing games other than cricket has lost its glamour, since only cricket players are paid well. If the present trend continues, sportsmen from other fields also should jump on the cricket bandwagon which has caught the passion and imagination of our public and media.

H N Ramakrishna
Bangalore 

Shockwaves

Sir, The Indian hockey team’s failure to even qualify for the Beijing Olympics has sent shockwaves throughout the country and is probably the worst sporting disaster in post independent India.

It would be tempting but unwise to attribute this debacle to the huge euphoria for cricket in our country, but it is to be remembered that Australia is also the leading international  hockey side today. The blame lies squarely with the Indian Hockey Federation.

K Kapali
Secunderabad

Realise the fault

Sir, The Indian hockey team’s fall from grace is extremely shocking and alarming. Indian hockey, that had a glorious past of producing legends, has touched its nadir today.

A sport that was always considered as India’s heritage has been lost in obscurity. Though we have had several disappointing moments in recent times, but never ever in the history of Indian hockey,

We were humiliated in this manner. It is high time that the honchos in the Indian Hockey Federation realise their flaws.

Nishchaya Bahuguna
Bangalore

Neglecting hockey

Sir, 9th March is the saddest day in the history of Indian hockey, because for the first time India is not going to take part in Olympic hockey.

This is all due to lopsided importance given to cricket, neglecting our hockey team. Very soon, a day will come when we Indians will say that hockey was our national game once upon a time. Let us wake up now atleast, and rebuild our hockey team.

Sukumar Talpady
Mangalore