:: Letters to Editor

Ismail merchant: an inspiration

Sept.28 : Sir, I agree with the views expressed by Kishwar Desai in her article It’s time to bring Ismail home (September 26). Ismail Merchant succeeded as an independent producer in Hollywood for more than 40 years. His strength lay in funding his projects, particularly in his ability to produce films for several million dollars less than those of his contemporaries. At a time when the ministry of broadcasting has planned a museum for cinema, it is worthwhile to include Ismail Merchant’s work. This will be an opportunity for the filmlovers, critics and many budding directors to learn and seek inspiration from Ismail Merchant.

Koel Mitra

Domjur, Kolkata

PALESTINE MUST BE U.S. TOP PRIORITY

Sir, Another piece of rousing oratory at the UN General Assembly and US President Obama had done his bit for the day. But a just resolution of the Palestinian issues is nowhere in sight. The worst part is that even Muslim governments around the world are so insensitive to the plight of their brethren in Gaza, there is no worldwide move to put Israel in the dock for its horrendous crimes against Palestinian civilians. Mr Obama is seized of the fact that the war on Al Qaeda cannot get the support of even the well-meaning masses in the Muslim world unless the US makes Israel-Palestine settlements its number one priority. It is for the US to realise how its acts of commission and omission are encouraging Israel to lead a life of an outlaw nation.

Ghulam Muhammed

Via email

Make military base stronger

Sir, This is with reference to the US Senate sanctioning the tripling of non-military aid to Pakistan. Reacting to this development, our external affairs minister S.M. Krishna has expressed serious concern as in the past, US aid to Pakistan was diverted to bolster its military capacity against India. Frankly, no protest will help us. India has to develop its economic and military power. The infighting between political parties should end. Our politicians and bureaucrats should work sincerely to make our country economically and militarily strong. When we are strong no country will dare to violate our borders or create any kind of trouble.

Jagadish Prasad Saxena

Via email

Chandrayaan-i is a success

Sir, India’s maiden moon mission paid off magnificently by establishing evidence of water on the lunar surface, and the world is now hailing Chandrayaan-1. However, the Indian media had castigated the country’s lunar probe launched by ISRO when Chandrayaan-1 burned out prematurely on August 30 due to unforeseen reasons. It was said that outlays on such ventures were unnecessary. But the ISRO team rebutted this stand and now comes the glory. The findings are special not only for India, but for the entire world. It is time to celebrate this stupendous success. Hail the ISRO team for their unremitting effort.

A.R.K. Pillai

Jogeshwari(E), Mumbai

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Voters and candidates

Sir, It is mandatory for all the poll candidates to declare their assets while filing nomination papers. I think there should be another column — for those who have previously contested election — requiring them to declare their assets that they had filed in their previous nomination papers. This would enable voters to know their candidates better.

Bhavesh C. Jani

Nala Sopara (E), Mumbai