Your article on the USIS attack in Kolkata revealed that the terrorists involved in the massacre could not be identified as their faces were covered by helmets ("Clueless in Kolkata", February 4). Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act compels two-wheeler riders to wear helmets, a personal safety device that reduces the risk of fatality. But if social security is endangered, wouldn't it be better to ban helmets in cities and make them compulsory only on highways?

Vivek Velankar, on e-mail

I read P. Chidambaram's column with great interest ("Reform to Govern", February 4). He has referred to a sole joint secretary who kept at bay investments of crores of rupees in private power projects. With the benefit of hindsight, we need no evidence that this was entirely in national interest as India could ill-afford more Enrons. However, the finance ministers of that era who allowed the joint secretary to have his say are as much at fault.

Gajendra Haldea, on e-mail

Chidambaram rightly says that good governance means achieving goals and delivering results while working with checks and balances. The tragedy, however, is that none of the three organs of the state-legislative, judiciary and executive-has cared to build national character, the cornerstone of any country's development. Without this transformation, it is futile to expect any change for the better.

V.S. Garg, Moradabad

Sharp Measures

As an eye specialist, I was shocked to know that 13 out of 19 reputed brands of disposable syringes are unhygienic ("Newsnotes", February 4). It is a hopeless scenario when the destiny of a patient is not in the hands of the doctor but of manufacturers of disposable syringes.

Dr Ranbir Singh Pan, Amritsar

Your article on dirty syringes exhorts consumers to exert pressure to ensure that unsafe brands stop being sold. But in the absence of details of the CERC report which highlights the condition, it would be impossible for consumers to alter their purchasing behaviour.

A.K. Ganguli, Tiruchirapalli

Line of Control

These days people randomly use Hinduism and its pantheon of gods to convey their message ("Centrestage", January 21). However, I feel one should not use themes pertaining to any religion in newspapers and magazines as it hurts the feelings and harms the sanctity of various religious icons. I am sure there are innumerable other ways to convey a point.

Sanjeev Sharma, on e-mail

Worldly Wise

A Tanjore painting showing a couple in an acrobatic posture that accompanies the review of Geeta Doctor's book Indian Erotica appears to be that of Lord Krishna complete with a blue body and a peacock plume ("Eros Fatigue", January 21). It has hurt the feelings of Krishna devotees.

Bhagwat Gostite, Delhi

The picture is a reproduction of a painting published in the book. There are no indications that it is of Lord Krishna.
-Editor

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