Lost in translation
Sir — Most of us have inscribed things in our books — a quote we recalled while reading or an observation perhaps. When the books pass on to new hands, such inscriptions can be rather mysterious. In a Harry Potter, the name, “half-blood prince”, scrawled on a second-hand book fuelled an elaborate mystery. Such puzzles are made more complex when there is a language barrier. A man recently took to X, asking for help to decode an inscription, “Shri Ramajayam”, in a book that he received. But in seeking such a quick translation, did he not give up on a chance to relish the mystery of what those words could mean?
Sohini Chatterjee,
Calcutta
Secular pledge
Sir — The prime minister, Narendra Modi, seems to have repackaged his party’s proposal of a uniform civil code as a secular civil code in a bid to gain more support for it (“Modi’s I-Day pledge: ‘Secular’ civil code”, Aug 16). But the proposed code is not truly secular. The Bharatiya Janata Party clearly regards sanatana dharma to be above any secular law. The Centre must ensure that the proposed such a Code does not end up restoring the hierarchical social order propagated by texts like Manusmriti. India is a pluralist democracy and its entire population cannot be subjected to a common civil law.
G. David Milton,
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Sir — A person leading a nation must reflect on the upcoming challenges before the country in his public speeches. Narendra Modi, however, listed his achievements in the last decade and the projects aimed at creating a Viksit Bharat during his Independence Day speech. Although Modi has promised several reforms, the truth of his claims will be judged in the coming days. The proposed civil code must not be misused to target minority communities.
Khokan Das,
Calcutta
Sir — Narendra Modi’s speech recalled some of the recurring themes from his election campaigns — accusing the Opposition of encouraging dynastic politics is one example. This is ironic as many second-generation politicians are part of the BJP’s rank and file as well. Modi’s resolve to fight against corruption also rang hollow as the Centre has repeatedly deployed Central agencies against Opposition leaders. One expects greater clarity regarding his promise of a secular civil code.
S.K. Choudhury,
Bengaluru
Sir — The prime minister has attached the tag of secularism to the proposed UCC. This might be a ploy to garner public support. The controversial concept of a UCC has always been a poll plank for the BJP. While the Constitution did envisage a UCC for the country, India seems ill-prepared for its implementation. Narendra Modi has tried to kill two birds with one stone — by reiterating his party’s agenda to bring a UCC, he has shown that the BJP does not fear disagreements with its allies as well as tried to weaponise the sentiments of secularism that the Opposition uses against the Centre.
D.V.G. Sankara Rao,
Andhra Pradesh
Sir — The prime minister’s proposal of a secular civil code has left many puzzled about its exact meaning. With rising crimes against humanity, a humane civil code is the need of the hour.
Sunil Chopra,
Ludhiana
Be prepared
Sir — The World Health Organization has declared mpox to be a public health emergency of international concern. India should step up its healthcare preparedness at once so that the unfortunate situation during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is not repeated. The vaccine that can blunt the spread of this disease should be procured in sufficient quantities urgently.
K. Nehru Patnaik,
Visakhapatnam
