Neglected shelves

Sir — Libraries have been repositories of knowledge for millennia. Even a few decades ago, public and community libraries were integral parts of almost every neighbourhood in India. They were hubs for the exchange of ideas and dialogue. However, libraries are now suffering from neglect and are in dire need of upkeep. Some of these libraries have books that are old, rare or even from different countries; many of these tomes are either unaffordable or out of print. Public libraries ensure that such books are available to those who cannot otherwise access them. Governments, both at the Centre and in the states, should invest in community and public libraries. In the age of social media, crowd-funding initiatives may also help revive these dying resources.

Debojyoti Sanyal, Calcutta

Cautious approach

Sir — India took a cautious approach at the 14th BRICS Summit. One wonders about the prudence of this stance given that China blocked a joint proposal by India and the United States of America to designate Pakistan-based Abdul Rehman Makki a global terrorist under the provisions of the United Nations’ sanctions committee. China and Russia seem bent on changing the global order. The rise of an assertive China under President Xi Jinping means that Beijing will not compromise on border issues and will continue to keep New Delhi on its toes. The latter needs to have a concrete plan for de-escalating border tensions; caution will not do.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Symbol of pride

Sir — The inauguration of the 6.15 kilometres-long bridge on the mighty Padma river in Bangladesh is heartening (“‘Padma nationalism’ crosses a bridge”, June 26). The rail-road bridge will not only help people living in the 21 districts in southwest Bangladesh but will also benefit India and Southeast Asia at large. The bridge will enhance bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh by reducing transportation time. India must seize this trade opportunity.

Jayanta Datta, Hooghly

Sir — The Padma Bridge will contribute an estimated 1.2-2 per cent per annum to Bangladesh’s gross domestic product. It will also establish a much-needed direct link between the capital city, Dhaka, and other parts of the country. Additionally, it will also lead to greater connectivity among Asian countries. The Padma Bridge is also an embodiment of the aspirations of Bangladeshis. The Padma is notorious for its strong currents — building the foundation of a bridge on it was no mean feat. But all challenges fell flat before the sheer determination of the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina Wajed.

Khokan Das, Calcutta

Strange decision

Sir — The Jammu and Kashmir administration has invoked Article 226(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir civil service regulations, 1956 to sack nine government employees on corruption charges. This provision is generally used to remove dead wood from the bureaucracy. Why, then, should this provision be used to get rid of corrupt officials? Tampering with documents reveals sinister designs. According to the reports, these employees will be retired with either three months of notice or three months of salary. Their pensionary benefits should be suspended as well.

K.V. Seetharamaiah, Bangalore

Elusive justice

Sir — Reporting abuse and cruelty perpetrated by those in charge of childcare institutions is not easy as the victims themselves are mostly unable to complain. Such crimes are, at times, reported to the police by parents or the Child Welfare Committee. Parents from the poorest sections of society are unaware of the process or are reluctant to report the crime, fearing legal hassles that will force them to take time off from work. Worryingly, an amendment to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protections) Act in 2021 made some serious crimes against children non-cognisable. The amendment has made it even more difficult to report such crimes.

Ranu Pandya, Ujjain

Urgent plea

Sir — More than 60 eminent personalities have written to the chief minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai, urging him to prosecute those perpetrating communal hatred and violence against minorities (“Lest history repeat itself, a telling appeal”, June 25). Hate crimes have created deep fissures in the pluralistic state. Churches have been vandalised, educational institutions are facing sustained campaigns against the hijab, and there have been protests against halal products. One hopes that the state administration will give due importance to the pleas.

Debasish Chatterjee, Calcutta

Look closely

Sir — The Trinamul Congress’s demand for the arrest of the Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Suvendu Adhikari, is justified (“TMC to demand Suvendu’s arrest”, June 26). This is in connection to the accusations of corruption against Adhikari made by Sudipto Sen, the prime accused in the Saradha scam. The Central Bureau of Investigation must promptly investigate the matter.

Arun Gupta, Calcutta

Not just rocks

Sir — International Asteroid Day is celebrated on June 30 to raise awareness about the impact and risks posed by these planetary objects. Physical and digital programmes should be organised on this day to give people an opportunity to educate themselves about asteroids. Asteroids are of great importance to astronomers, geologists, astrophysicists, among others. They may date back to the dawn of the solar system and can offer clues to the formation of the universe dating back billions of years.

Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai