Loaded with it

Sir — One cannot but empathize with Bill Gates (“Problem of plenty for Gates society”, Aug 14). Over and above the problem of having to identify ways to disburse $30 billion of his own foundation, he is now saddled with Warren Buffet’s gift of $31 billion, which must be given away fast to save on taxes. Small wonder the foundation’s new COO has been cribbing about “that kind of load”. Nothing much can be done about Gates’s immediate problems. But he could start by reducing the prices of his most popular products (and thus cut down on profits and the expendable amount) to prevent his problems from becoming monumental.

Yours faithfully,
Rupnarayan Bose, Calcutta

Nothing special

Sir — As usual, the president, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, chose a subject pertinent to the nation’s development when he addressed the nation on Independence Day eve. He invoked the theme of “national awakening” and, in his inimitable style, exhorted citizens and officials to achieve comprehensive national security. His suggestion to launch a national campaign to eradicate terrorism should be taken seriously, as also his wish that the government formulates a security bill and an energy independence bill. This is Kalam’s last address to the nation prior to the Independence Day as he might go back to teaching rather than run for a second presidential term. One hopes his advice will be heeded.

Yours faithfully,
S. Balakrishnan, Jamshedpur

Sir — The prime minister’s speech at the Red Fort failed to impress. There was no mention of controversies like office-of-profit or the forced amendments to the Right to Information Act — subjects on which every right-thinking person expects him to speak up. He also avoided mentioning issues like the women’s reservation bill although, traditionally, prime ministers of different parties have assured the nation of such legislation in their Independence Day speeches.

Yours faithfully,
Madhu Agrawal, Dariba, Delhi

Sir — We all celebrated our Independence Day with great pride. The tricolour adorned the chests of stylish Indian youth, the nails of fashionable Indian girls and was put on mannequins in shopping malls. Today, Independence Day is all about commercialism. There were ‘I-Day special’ bonanzas at nightclubs, and Bollywood movies on TV channels. There were also Indian idols with their faces painted with the colours to wish us ‘Happy Independence Day’.

Yours faithfully,
Soham Gupta, Calcutta

Sir — Terrorist threats on Independence Day are now a routine affair. Consequently, there is greater vigilance in crowded places and government installations. Security checks in private buildings are also inevitable, particularly when a VVIP visit is scheduled in the locality. Yet, the feeling of being watched and imprisoned in one’s home because of security excess in the predominantly Muslim areas surrounding the Red Fort is a matter of serious concern (“Tea with sniper”, Aug 15). It is essential that the law-keepers add a humane touch to their work so that there is no feeling of discrimination.

Yours faithfully,
Ranadhish Choudhuri, Calcutta

Sir — Many of our legislators were unable to give the name of the composer of the national anthem or the full name of Mahatma Gandhi when asked by a news channel. Surprisingly, they showed no sign of embarrassment. How could they have been elected to one of the highest bodies of governance with such appalling knowledge about the nation?

Yours faithfully,
C.R. Bhattacharjee, Calcutta

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