Indonesia and India ties
It is of significance that on India’s very first Republic Day celebrations, we had the pleasure of having Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, as the chief guest. Now, President Subianto was present on our completing 75 years as a Republic. In the 1950s, Nehru and Sukarno, leaders of two nascent republics, bonded well to further the cause of developing Afro-Asian nations liberated from the colonial yolk. Though our bilateral relations did traverse rough patches, our deep historical bonds and shared culture have endured. If Sukarno means ‘good’, Subianto means ‘inner purity’.
R. Narayanan,
Navi Mumbai
The visit raises critical questions about the future of India-Indonesia relations. Can this visit catalyse a substantial increase in bilateral trade? How will both nations address the geopolitical pressures from China while enhancing their strategic partnership? Further, what concrete steps will be taken to deepen defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific? These inquiries are vital for realising the full potential of this historic partnership.
Anshu Bharti,
Begusarai, Bihar
Court on noise
The Bombay High Court has taken a tough stand on the use of loudspeakers by religious institutions by asserting that loudspeakers are not an essential part of any religion. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict action against those who violate this.
Religious institutions take advantage of the stoic resignation of people towards noise. Instead of creating a tranquil atmosphere for worship, many religious places have become noise-creating places. People should not be deprived of their right to live in quiet places. People who suffer much discomfiture from noise from other sources are forced to endure the cacophony of loudspeakers too. Let us hope that the directive against the use of loudspeakers in religious institutions will be implemented all over the country.
Venu G.S.,
Kollam, Kerala
Rural reading rooms
It is heartening to note and read about (“Inside India’s rural reading rooms”, January 25). Books are power houses of knowledge. The habit of reading is losing its way and direction at a time when information is being sought in the online mode. Rural India has immense potential and it is through such wonderful initiatives such as reading rooms, that knowledge can be shared and imparted among the young. The young of today, born in digital times, should be taught about reading, writing and gaining knowledge the proper way. Reading rooms would help them spend time prudently and, most importantly, would limit the use of time on electronic gadgets, specifically mobile phones.
Rural reading rooms should be encouraged.
Balasubramaniam Pavani,
Secunderabad
Dr. K.M. Cherian
Dr. K.M. Cherian is a legendary figure in the field of cardiac surgery. His passing is a loss to the medical world as he endeared himself to countless patients.
Manoharan Muthuswamy,
Chennai
Published – January 27, 2025 12:24 am IST
