Opinion How referenda work
This refers to the editorial Speak for yourself.
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How referenda work
This refers to the editorial Speak for yourself (IE,August 3). Democracy in India has only meant a voter exercising her franchise to elect her representative. Once elected,the representative hardly goes back to her constituency for feedback on issues. The reason lies in our party system. Theres no intra-party democracy in most parties. Elected representatives are reduced to rubber stamps when it comes to voting on a bill in the legislature. Worse still,the public is far removed from decision-making. So,the referendum,despite its shortcomings,makes some sense as it allows voters more opportunity to voice their opinions. However,referenda may not be taken as final decisions. Instead,they can be made use of by parties and law-makers.
Kishor Kulkarni
Ringing in Bell
The decision to recall Ian Bell is being defended by some as being in the spirit of the game (The Mahi way,IE,August 2). The spirit of cricket,or for that matter of sport,doesnt ask players to revoke decisions to appease the crowd. Whats the role of umpires if the game is left to the fancy of players? Theres a difference between international and gully cricket and the difference is of the spirit of professionalism and fair competition. Its not as if a player of Bells status didnt know the laws of cricket.
Shriyam Gupta
New Delhi
Collective voice
Ask a girl just how many times she has been called names,faced the staring eyes of men,had obscene gestures made at her in public (Its a walk against the besharam men,IE,August 1). Eve-teasing is an oh-so-familiar phenomenon on the streets of Delhi. Victims not only get psychologically troubled but also feel afraid to go outside. We should ensure their voices dont go unheard and demand that perpetrators be brought to justice. What we need is to voice our collective protest and act against eve-teasing. We should also ensure a sensitive,supportive and responsible law-enforcement authority. For dignity,respect and self-confidence,every woman has to raise her voice,and make a statement.
Kunal Aggarwal
New Delhi
The West in Bengal
Till August 15,1947,present-day Bangladesh was a part of Bengal. At Partition,the Indian part of Bengal was justifiably named West Bengal to remind ourselves that ours was originally a much bigger province. When our children asked why it was so named,we could explain. Indeed,it brought back memories of bitterness and horrific cruelty,but then,that was the reality. In the absence of this name,they will no longer be curious. Textbooks may or may not touch the issue,as it is sensitive. Moreover,whats learnt out of spontaneous curiosity is better learnt than dull textbook lessons. A nation which forgets its past loses its future too.
N.K. Das Gupta
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