Let’s pray for peace
While the world is just recovering from the scourge of the Covid-19 pandemic, humankind is sadly shaken by another kind of peril, more severe, that is bound to have far-reaching ramifications on the global community.
The insensible armed aggression on Ukraine waged by the Kremlin has undoubtedly opened the ugly scars of the past two world wars and pushed the world on the brink of another war, threatening world peace and security. We need to learn from the bitter lessons of the past that war and aggression can never be an alternative to the realistic path of dialogue and of peace. Every war leaves our world worse than it was before.
It is hoped that world leaders and governments realise the futility of wars and choose to resolve issues peacefully and amicably at the negotiating table. Let us pray for world peace and promote ways that can bring about lasting peace in the world.
During the first World War the Blessed Virgin Mary appearing to three shepherd children urged these little souls and through them the entire humanity to pray and do penance for the peace of the world. Let us heed her call during these troubled times and through her intercession pray to her Son Jesus-the Prince of Peace for an end to the present conflict and for his reign of lasting peace and justice in the war-torn region and in the world at large.
Fr Tomas Lobo, Aldona
Ukraine, another Syria in the making
Ukranian forces battled Russian invaders on three sides after the Soviets mounted a concerted land, sea and air attack on the European state, the biggest since World War 2. Missiles rained down on targets as columns of Putin’s storm troopers breached the borders in a pre dawn attack; the Russian president has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.
Other former Soviet constituents have also placed their armies on guard in case the war spills over. The Russians have already destroyed 11 air bases but their own armed forces suffered the shooting down of 10 combat planes and helicopters besides many of their soldiers sacrificing their lives for a needless cause.
Oil prices have crossed $ 105 a barrel and stock markets all across the world have registered massive crashes. The Ukranian air space has also been closed with no possibility of personnel being evacuated in the near future @ 12, 000 Indian citizens are stranded with no recourse to food or other essentials. India must shed its neutral stance on Russian action and should unequivocally condemn the annexation of a friendly nation.
Sadly the NATO alliance has done nothing concrete on ground other than mouth the usual inanities about talks and discussions and the UN is all but defunct and has no say in peacekeeping anymore. Now is the time for the world to collectively stand up to Soviet belligerence but then no country would like to be drawn into a long drawn and possibly nuclear conflict which has the potential of triggering WW3. The way Ukraine is being pounded, it won’t be surprising if it becomes another Syria. Let’s pray for peace in the world, there is already a surfeit of conflict around the globe, we don’t want another humanitarian crisis on our hands.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Praggu, India’s new chess sensation
India has had a good tryst with the game of chess. Chennai, the home of Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, is known as a haven for chess players for different reasons. From the magnificent city comes another chess prodigy who has every chance, and of course talent, to match his mentor Anand.
All of 16, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, or Praggu, is making news. The young Indian Grandmaster stunned none other than Magnus Carlson at the Airthings rapid chess championship held in virtual mode. An unthinkable achievement considering the prowess of Carlsen who has held the world title from 2013.
Praggu forced the Norwegian master to commit an unusual mistake in move 32 from where the latter never really recovered. That only Anand and P Harkrishna have got the better of Carlsen in a tournament chess is a testimony to Praggu’s skills. In fact, Carlsen had spoken highly about Praggu on an earlier occasion.
According to the champion Praggu was “not overawed” by Carlsen’s stature when he held the world champion to a draw at the Meltwater champions chess tour in April 2021. Fearlessness is the key to success for a sportsperson, and Praggu appears to be possessing loads of it.
Becoming an International Master at the tender age of 10 and Grandmaster at 12 speaks volumes about the young chess player’s abilities. His attacking game has been hailed by stalwarts of the game including Anand.
The fifth youngest Grandmaster ever, Praggu is further polishing his skills under Anand, and should go all the way. Preparation and perseverance, patience and planning are his strong points. These are pristine qualities of a great chess player.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Judiciary should be independent
There should be zero tolerance to even the faintest governmental interference in the functioning of our judiciary. Our Constitution of India is clear on the distinct roles of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. It envisages a free, fair and independent judiciary. The highest standards of judicial independence must always be ensured.
With the sanctity of the other pillars of our democracy currently dented, our only hope is the judiciary but with the government wanting to overpower the judiciary too, there is a disturbing disquiet over the slippery slope on which judicial values are slithering.
The public must be confident that the judiciary is beyond reproach. Transparency is a fundamental component of judicial independence. Any direct or indirect interference by the politicians in the selection, elevation and promotion of judges or even in their transfer is a threat to the independence of the judiciary.
It has to be ensured that judicial accountability is maintained at all times with every judge conforming to the highest standards of uprightness and integrity to the rule of law.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Russia demonstrates its might
Russia is laying a dangerous precedent of invading a sovereign country. It is flexing its muscles of superiority of strength against a nation, which is no match to its military might. All appeals have fallen on deaf ears. Its demand to Ukraine to withdraw from Nato alliance is undesirable advice. The nations are condemning the unilateral invasion of Russia under the guise of supporting the rebel forces in the region. China so far has been diplomatically playing safe for its own geopolitical reasons. Indians are on poor wicket to exert any pressure on Russia as it has been its most reliable ally in the past conflicts. Russia stands isolated in the community of Nations for its overbearing autocratic stand. Presently the sanctions are the means to show displeasure of allies. It is doubtful whether direct intervention of NATO forces in the conflict that may trigger a world war. Russia will suffer the consequences in the long run for its misadventure of using military might to cow down Ukraine
The problem associated with this limited war will have its repercussions for all nations. Putin is ill advised in his move to fortify his stronghold. The Russians by and large name it as Kremlim war. The stakes for war are dangerously high and Putin will be disgraced hero of the fallout
Destruction, refugee problems, effect on economy and a dangerous precedent can be best avoided even at this stage
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
