Name change will be a setback to Brand India
The proposed name change from India to Bharat has kicked up a political controversy. Without taking sides, my personal view is that a change in name will result in a setback to ‘Brand India’ which has been growing exponentially in recent years. Our economy is growing faster than other nations. We now are the fifth largest nation by GDP. Our scientists have done us proud by successfully completing ‘mission moon’ – only the fourth country to do so. Indian origin CEOs are heading top multinational cos. This has cumulatively resulted in a feel good factor, making every Indian proud. But with a change in name, how do I say: ‘Proud Indian’?
Robert Castellino, Mumbai
Country has built up a name, let’s build on that
Judging from recent developments in the country, it seems like we are never going to fall short of controversies. The latest is the use of the name ‘Bharat’ in place of ‘India’ in the invitation to the G20 dinner.
I think we need to be more practical. Is this what the country needs at the moment – a name change?
The O Heraldo INSIGHT is appropriate in this regard. It has been rightly mentioned, there are many issues to be fixed in our country. Do we need to focus on the change in the name at the moment? Are we getting our priorities wrong? I think we should stop fooling ourselves and get down to the task at hand and discharge our responsibility worthily, as President of the G20.
There have been a number of comments on this issue, but, perhaps, Shashi Tharoor puts it well when he says that while there is no Constitutional objection to calling India ‘Bharat’, he hopes the government will not be so “foolish” to completely dispense with ‘India’ which has “incalculable brand value”. Yes, our country has built up a name, a reputation over the past 75 years, let’s build on that.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Let’s unite and build a united nation
I feel there is a need for every Indian Citizen to participate in the Bharat Jodo Andolan and unite together and work hand in hand and side by side to fight against all types of evils that are in the process of dividing the nation. There is a need to stand against corruption, unemployment, poverty, communalism, and together work to build a free and united nation.
Cajetan Peter D’Souza, Mumbai
From ‘game-changer’ to ‘name-changer’?
The name changing affair is yet another diversionary tactic by the ruling dispensation and it is a clear political ploy to garner votes in the upcoming general elections. Honestly and importantly, is there any urgent need for the ‘Bharat’ name-change at a time when the country is beset with plenty of problems like price rise, unemployment, Manipur unrest, China’s intimidating acts, and so on?
From a hoopla of a ‘game-changer’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fast-becoming a ‘name-changer’.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Modi continues to blindside Manipur
PM Narendra Modi while returning from the BRICS summit via Greece flew directly to Bengaluru to congratulate the ISRO scientists on the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This indicates how important it is for Modi to share the limelight with super achievers for which he is willing to give mindshare and also time to go meet them. Now, just before the G20 summit he is off to Indonesia to attend the ASEAN meet.
For this, he has to overfly Manipur, which is not on his agenda at all. That he should go there and find out the problems of the people there, commiserate with the victims and provide a healing touch along with an assurance that he will apply his mind to find a lasting solution to the fractured social structure, is something that has escaped Modi.
For four months now Manipur has been smouldering; with the tensions not subsiding and in fact picking up again because of the bumbling Chief Minister and Amit Shah stoking the fires of the problem rather than finding a solution. And Modi instead of pulling up his lieutenants, is involving himself in his persona building activities of international visits and summit meetings.
Srinivas Kamat, Alto St Cruz Chakde Bharat!
As the nation is going through hate politics for no reason, the battle lines are drawn for peace and tranquility in the election year 2024.
When people do not know the value of Sanatan Dharma and the value of the national language Hindi, how can we expect them to know the value of Bharat and the history of a Hindu nation?
The timing for putting forth Bharat as the symbol of a Hindu nation is felt after a very long time as the Hindus were isolated and none could see the majoritarian people relegated to secondary citizens. For this dismal picture, the Hindus will have to be blamed for their marked faith in other religions, expecting a landfall by way of huge funds.
Under no circumstances will voters choose people who have nothing but utter disdain for Hindus and the Bharat civilisation. It is a stern warning to beacon with Bharat and value its rich and age-old traditions. Chak de Bharat!
C K Subramaniam, Mumbai
Illiteracy is indeed a hidden shame
World Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8 every year. As a community, we see the impact of illiteracy every day affecting children in our school system, or with adults seeking employment.
Illiteracy is a hidden shame that many children and adults carry privately, unable to develop the skills to properly decode the world around them.
The theme for this year’s World Literacy Day is ‘Literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies’.
Being literate allows children and adults to develop the skills needed to become successful and contributing members of society.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
Hats off to Javagal Srinath
Congratulations to ‘Mysore Express’ Javagal Srinath for officiating in his 250th ODI match. He reached the coveted landmark during the India-Nepal Asia Cup clash in Pallekele. Srinath has been active in the field for 17 years and has now officiated more ODIs than he has played. The former India pacer is only the fourth match referee to join the 250-club after Ranjan Madugalle, Chris Broad, and Jeff Crowe.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
Crack down on criminal activities
Reading the last few days’ newspaper reports, we have seen murders rapes and criminal activities taking place in Goa. This is an unsafe situation for the citizens and a loss of innocent lives.
In the end, these murderers, rapists and criminals are left scot-free. To avoid such crimes in future punishment should be death penalty after investigation is complete and culprits are booked. No mercy should be shown to such criminals. Goa is become a hot hunting ground for terror, and a target for terrorist attacks and bombing.
Ashwin Caeiro, Cansaulim
