Letters to The Editor — March 12, 2025

Language policy

The latest round of an exchange of words in Parliament is nothing but sound and fury that signifies nothing. There are a record number of aspirants from Tamil Nadu signing up to learn Hindi through the Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha. Moreover, the National Education Policy does not mandate that Hindi has to be the third language. My own experience of being educated in Tamil Nadu during the turbulent 1960s and 1970s informs me that knowing more languages increases educational and employment opportunities in other States. The outdated two language policy in Tamil Nadu needs to be revised. A formulation of good policy made for the welfare of all students is sadly missing.

G. Parameswaran,

Coimbatore

Appointment of judges

It is true that we need social justice in the appointment of judges — for that matter, in every walk of life. What is equally if not more important is that we need judges who will do social justice, which is lacking in great measure, and which we should immediately address ourselves to in filling up appointments. The on-going agitation should address itself to this constitutional requirement. The perquisites of this high office should not be the only ‘attracting’ feature. Otherwise, the judiciary will be working at cross purposes and become counter productive.

N.G.R. Prasad,

Chennai

Where are the trees?

There is much loss of green cover in Chennai city in the slew of ongoing infrastructure and development works. It is disheartening that age-old trees are to be chopped near Greenways road for road expansion work. This is an area of Chennai that is shelter to many species and is host to a larger ecosystem. The area near the Central Leather Institute has already lost many old trees because of projects and expansion plans. The Metro Rail and storm water drain work have already destroyed tree cover. Moving to the East Coast Road area, it has now become a place that is barren and radiates heat. The Tamil Nadu government needs to stop the ruthless deforestation across the city. Environment bodies and the media need to raise the issue and protest. There is no evidence of replanting. The government should note that it takes at least 25 years to replace what has already been lost. The massacre of Chennai’s greenery must stop.

Subramanian R.,

Chennai