SERIAL BLASTS AGAIN?

It’s appalling to see the Central Government in India take security threats so lightly. The serial blasts in Delhi after Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Bangalore should have long opened the eyes of the Center. How many times do the innocent lives be lost to sheer negligence on the part of the authorities? Did US witness a single terrorist attack post 9/11? Then why is it that in India a group of terrorists have been able to repeat the same modus operandi and kill so many? Our intelligence has been extremely inefficient and it’s high time the UPA government took stern steps or else it is sure to suffer in coming elections.
- Vinod Kapur, California.

LIPSTICK DEBATE
It was hilarious to watch the coverage of the ‘lipstick’ controversy between McCain and Obama campaigns on the television. Seems changing the reference to context and creating controversy is not just the forte of politicians in India. Taking a dig at opponents, making a mountain out of a molehill and maligning their reputation has been a long practice of politicians across the spectrum. Am sure there are better issues to debate upon. Such incidents only reflect the extent to which people can go to gain power.
- N Raveendran, New Jersey

FLOODS IN BIHAR
The recent flood in Bihar has taken a huge toll on the life and property of Indians residing in that part of the country. I often wonder why we don’t have an efficient weather department, which can predict the calamity like in the US. There is no way to prevent such natural occurrence but at least the administration can be well prepared to deal with it. The state of Louisiana too had to weather Hurricane Gustav yet timely efforts by the administration ensured that the damage was restricted from blowing out of proportion. Given the spate of natural calamities India is afflicted with each year, it’s high time the government develops efficient disaster mitigation systems.
- Sukanya Joshi, Chicago

INSPIRING PERFORMANCE BY DIFFERENTLY-ABLED GIRLS FROM INDIA
I was recently at the World Gujarati Conference held in Edison, New Jersey and was overwhelmed by the performance of a group of disabled girls from an NGO called Manthan from Gujarat. The 13 girls, some of them with calipers and some who couldn’t move waist down presented beautifully choreographed dances that brought tears to the eyes of many in the hall. Their determination is very inspiring and makes us pause and think about how we take things for granted. Equally impressive were the donations that came forth from the community. A gentleman even went ahead and donated $1000 to each girl. Despite lots of acclaimed artists sharing the stage during the three days event, I think, these girls were the real show stealers.
Mehul Desai, Connecticut

CHARITY EVENTS ACROSS US
End of Summer sure is time for charity benefit galas all over US, also for the Indian Americans to loosen their purse strings. I think I came across at least half a dozen such events across the country featuring Bollywood celebrities and influential Indian Americans in the guest list. It’s great to see how NRIs donate generously for various causes and so many non-profit institutions get supported. I think this is one of the best ways to give back to our motherland and people. Your article on several confluences organized by Indian community associations was also quite interesting. Preserving and passing on our values and culture to our next generation becomes an even bigger responsibility when you stay away from India. Vidyut Khare, Texas.

HALF WAY TO GO FOR N-DEAL
Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh needs to be congratulated for his marathon efforts for securing the NSG waiver on the Nuclear Deal. It was thanks to his diplomacy efforts that we could convince the member nations to agree. India is so strategically placed politically and geographically that it has become imperative for it to be armed with nuclear arsenals. The Indo-US Nuclear Deal is meant for civilian purposes it will give enough impetus to a number of our projects.
- Siddharth Buch, Georgia