Dirty, Rotten Scoundrels

Letters Have Faith There is no justification for someone with a scathing contempt for modern-day spiritual teachers to do a review of a living saint ("Sorry Mother", February 11). Rahul Singh asks why disease and ill-health are rampant in a country where many claim to have divine healing powers. But then India also has scientifically trained medical personnel in plenty. Why can't they rid the country of disease? As for Singh's wonderment about why a respectable publisher should bring out a book like Amma: A Living Saint, all I can say is that there is no reason why an Indian woman with scores of committed followers should not have a major publisher bringing out a title on her. David Godman, on e-mail I was quite disgusted to read the review of Judith Cornell's book. It should not be our prerogative to cast aspersions on the miracles and healing powers of saints and spiritual masters. Amma is a self-realised soul and an embodiment of love, providing spiritual and material succour to the world. As for misery, it is one's "karma". BRIGADIER (RETD) GOVIND SINGH KHIMTA, Shimla

Every Indian politician vows to root out crime, corruption and terrorism from the country but ticket distribution for the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh shows otherwise ("Chor Bizarre", February 18). Since politicians know the power of the gun, they don't have the courage to fight against thugs and rogues. Despite being at the mercy of crooks, our leaders don't want to solve the problem allowing it instead to ferment for future gain. As though mere outside support wasn't enough, criminals are now getting tickets to contest themselves. What they will do after assuming power is anybody's guess.

Farrukh Rana, Darbhanga

Any illusion we have about the progress we have made as a country stands shattered at the time of elections. Of what use are intelligence, education and advancement if we don't exercise any of them to field decent, law-abiding candidates? It is indeed heart-wrenching to see criminals and illiterates trying to take on the mantle of peoples' representatives.

Radhika Narayan, Delhi

Going by the exit poll, your opinion poll seems to be pretty accurate, at least in Uttar Pradesh. But the deluge of such polls has left the reader with a definite sense of poll fatigue that has nothing to do with our precarious polity. Incidentally, your Mood of the Nation poll is
not reflected in the Aaj Tak-C-Voter poll. Is it because two different organisations were hired for the exercise? The ground reality is open to interpretations.

Suniti Prasad, Allahabad

Head Hunters

The views expressed in the name of religion against the appointment of Bader Sayeed are condemnable ("Trailblazer Sets Off Storm", February 18). It is wrong to oppose Sayeed's appointment as chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Wakf Board on the premise that Islam prohibits Muslim women from occupying high posts since even during the time of Prophet Mohammed women used to participate in social activities, sometimes as the head. Besides, the Wakf Board is set up by the democratic government of India and not under the Shariat law of Islam.

N. Imitiaz Ahmed, Chennai

While hailing Sayeed as a trailblazer, you have ignored J. Jaya-lalithaa who sponsored her candidature for the election of chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Wakf Board. The former Tamil Nadu chief minister is committed to bringing women to the forefront of all spheres of activity. Hence, it is she who is the real trailblazer.

V. Saroja, Rasipuram

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