The ceasefire between India and Pakistan after three days of intense military hostilities is a really welcome step. But the tweet by the U.S. President Donald Trump announcing the ceasefire does not auger well for both the nations. India had always stood against a third-party interference and it must maintain the same stance in future.
America is well-known to play the proverbial shylock and the manner it clinched the ‘rare earth deal’ with Ukraine as a quid-pro-quo to the military aid given to it for fighting the Russians is a classic case. Had the U.S. really wanted global peace, it would not have toppled the legitimate governments in so many countries, causing chaos and bloodshed. Instead of trying to bring peace in West Asia, it would not have abetted Israel to the genocide happening in Gaza.
It is true that a direct dialogue with Pakistan in the current scenario is unthinkable. It will be better to wait for the dust to settle down and resume bilateral talks with Pakistan in the spirit of the 1972 Shimla Agreement.
Syed Sultan Mohiddin
Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh
Linguistic Dispute
This is in reference to two articles published under the heading “Linguistic Dispute” by Mr. M. Faheemuddin and Mr. M. Sami Ahmed respectively vide Issue No. 51 of Radiance dated 29 March 2025.
It is as clear as day light, after Independence when Hindus forming majority in democracy could mould things their perceived way under the umbrella of pseudo-secularism of the Congress Ministry.
The Government took up the mission of Hindi in Devanagari Script vigorously, ignoring Persian script. In the teaching of Hindi, teachers shun the use of Persian words and terminology. Central and state governments (not all) have been spending crores of rupees for its propagation. Though Hindi has been declared to be the official language of India yet it is all on paper. It has not become a pan-India language, in spite of the government’s pro-Hindi approach. Language-riots (Read: anti-Hindi language riots) have taken place in the post-Independence period in various states. In practice, either it is English or the regional language that is used as official languages by states.
In reverence to our Constitution, we can say imposition of Hindi or acceptance of Hindi throughout India will never be possible, considering anti-Hindi sentiments and strong opposition from anti-Hindi lobby in some states.
It would be better for the government to put language issues in cold storage and concentrate its resources for eradication of poverty, unemployment, malnourishment of children, clean water, electricity, healthcare facilities and such other burning issues.
Language is simply a medium of communication, it should not be made a prestige issue.
Farooq AbdulgafarBawani
Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Heat Wave, Protect Workers
Amidst the scorching heat wave, the Indian government must prioritise the safety of construction workers, brick kiln workers, and daily wagers. Implementing mandatory hydration breaks, providing shaded rest areas, and equipping workers with protective gear can significantly reduce heat-related illnesses.
Additionally, offering financial support for those affected by extreme temperatures will ensure their livelihood. Recognizing their vital role in nation-building emphasizes the need to safeguard their health and well-being for a sustainable future.
TS Karthik
Halls Road, Kilpauk, Chennai