Sir — While the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccines in India is certainly a cause for celebration, a lot of people are worried about elderly family members getting the shots. This is because there is still uncertainty about the efficacy data of Covaxin, created by Bharat Biotech. There are fears that the vaccine, the full effects of which are not known yet, could trigger adverse responses in senior citizens, who already have weakened immune systems. The loss of loved ones to the coronavirus already takes a mental toll; it would be a crushing blow to lose a parent or a grandparent after a vaccination. The government must ensure that the vaccine is absolutely safe for old people.
Indira Basu,
Calcutta
Be careful
Sir — It was distressing to read that the former Indian skipper and the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Sourav Ganguly, had to undergo another angioplasty so soon after his first procedure a few weeks ago (“Sourav in hospital after discomfort”, Jan 28). He was admitted to the hospital after complaining of chest pain, and had to have two more stents inserted to remove blockages in two coronary arteries.
While it is a relief that his condition is reported to be stable, it is important for his doctors to closely examine all his health conditions so that a recurrence can be avoided to the extent possible. Ganguly has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders; few have the ability to take the fortunes of Indian cricket forward like he does. In order to ensure that he is able to carry out his duties to the best of his abilities, he must take care of his health first.
It is no secret that Ganguly is revered in West Bengal; the people of the state would be distressed to hear news of his health deteriorating. One wishes Ganguly a speedy recovery. It is to be hoped that he will take some rest and prioritize his health from now.
Iqra Husain,
Calcutta
Sir — Sourav Ganguly’s achievements as a cricketer, captain, commentator and television personality are admirable; now, he is at the helm of the administration of Indian cricket. His admirers among the cricket-loving public were expectedly worried when the news of his second angioplasty came to light. Heart disease statistics in India are high; the only way to minimize risk is to take care of one’s health in terms of diet, exercise, sleep and timely medication. Fans of Ganguly and, indeed, lovers of Indian cricket will be hoping that the BCCI chief recovers well and is able to lead from the front again.
Angad Sodhi,
Calcutta
Right demand
Sir — The Congress was right to demand that Amit Shah be sacked as Union home minister following the violence that took place on Republic Day. It is quite interesting to note that the Delhi police, which is under the home ministry, is allowed time and again to beat up peaceful protesters mercilessly — as was witnessed repeatedly during demonstrations against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in the national capital last year — but is strangely inept in containing situations where violence might best serve the government’s interests. Shah does not care about protecting citizens; he only cares about furthering his party’s divisive agenda. He should be removed from his position.
Akhila Chopra,
Delhi
Sir — Amit Shah’s successive failures on multiple fronts as home minister makes the Congress’s demand for his sacking understandable. Shah is known for his chest-thumping about ‘defending’ the nation and Indians — or, at least, those that would be considered Indians under the divisive CAA. And yet, the unrest on Republic Day spoke volumes. The Centre is quick to blame the farmers for the ‘violence’, but does not security fall under the purview of the Union home ministry? Shah also mysteriously failed to ‘contain’ the violence in Jamia Millia Islamia university in 2019 and the Jawaharlal Nehru University in 2020. His ham-handedness when it comes to maintaining law and order and his telling silence must be taken into account given that he occupies such an important position in the government.
Safdar Shadab,
Railpar, Asansol
