PICTURE SPEAK

"50 Power People", February 21

"A place on the Power List is a well-deserved tribute to India's most important people. They have carved a niche for themselves."

Nalini Vijayaraghavan, Thiruvananthapuram

In Elite Company

The list of India's most powerful people reflects the growing confidence of our nation ("50 Power People", February 21). Only a few years ago our country was crippled by red tape. But after economic reforms our industry has got a competitive edge. This is probably the reason why so many industrialists feature on your list.

Debgiri Bhowmick, on e-mail

The issue on India's high and mighty was only stating the obvious. It is a known fact that wealth and power go hand in hand. However, the privileged are not the only ones who shape the destiny of a nation. It is also done by millions of unknown people.

Sreejith, on e-mail

It is not in very good taste to rank the people who have made a mark in their own areas of influence. It would be far better to highlight the achievements of unsung heroes who have made a difference in the lives of ordinary people.

D.B.N. Murthy, Bangalore

There were some blemishes in an otherwise fair compilation. It was surprising to find Aishwarya Rai relegated to the lower forties. Besides, what are M.F. Husain and a host of other socialites doing on the list?

Jinu Mathew, on e-mail

Going by your list of the most powerful Indians, our industrialists seem to be playing as important a role as our politicians. It is now up to these people to make our country a superpower.

Shivaprasad, on e-mail

While the 50 people who featured in your cover story are all achievers, there are some others who stand ever so tall in their respective fields. Can one forget the image of a tired but indefatigable Barkha Dutt or the unflappable Rahul Dravid battling on in moments of adversity? Each of them could well become a role model for the youngsters of today.

Ashok Warrier, on e-mail

The self-imposed criteria while choosing India's elite was that it would not include those who are leaders of political parties. Then how did Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray and Samajwadi Party General Secretary Amar Singh figure on the list? Besides, it sounds odd that N. Ram was chosen because, among other things, he has repaired relations with one-time foe J. Jayalalithaa despite being a gritty fighter for media freedom. It is a misplaced reason.

V.N. Gopal, Chennai

There is no doubt that almost all those who made it to the list deserve to do so. But the exclusion of Sachin Tendulkar was really shocking. How many people can claim the kind of attention he did with just an elbow injury? He is also one of the richest sportsmen in the country. Tendulkar's exclusion from the list will not do him any harm but only affect the credibility of an otherwise flawless list.

Sudip Verma, on e-mail

There was no one from the field of science and research among India's elite. Was there no scientist worthy of being counted among India's most powerful people? M.S. Swaminathan was definitely a fit candidate.

Aviram Sharma, Siliguri

The line in your lead essay: "Welcome to the higher circle that defies the law of equality" rings false as only seven women made it to the power list. There were surely many more deserving women.

Sonali Wagle, on e-mail

How did Rai find a place in the power list when there are other actors whose movies are doing much better business than hers?

P. Kumar, on e-mail

The change in position of the Ambani brothers on the list proves the adage "United we stand, divided we fall".

Sagar B. Dhawan, Delhi

Soul Searing

Bollywood can never make that big leap into global cinema with films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Devdas ("Brave New Shade", February 21). It has to find a new idiom, one which speaks in the universal language of cinema. Perhaps we have begun that journey with Black. It can strike a chord in audiences from Manhattan to Cairo to Shanghai. Black is chicken soup for the soul.

Hemant Thakordas Mandlewala, Surat

Time for Action

Any attempt by India to resolve the crisis in Nepal might be termed as interference ("Royal Coup", February 14). But Nepal's strategic location and its close political, economic and cultural ties with India mean it cannot turn a blind eye to the situation in the country. Besides, India will certainly feel the ripple effect of any turmoil in its neighbouring nation.

Isha Chaudhary, Delhi

The tussle between the monarchy and the Maoists can be resolved only by restoring democracy and civil liberties in Nepal. King Gyanendra's move to assume sweeping powers will trigger the country's worst political crisis and cause unnecessary trouble for India too.

R.R. Sami, Tiruvannamalai

POINT OF DISORDER

No amount of metaphoric overkill can take away the fact that Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi have let loose a reign of anarchy in Bihar ("Lalu's Last Call", February 14). It is a sad comment on the Indian Union that one of its constituents is being allowed to function in this manner. It is time to stop people from making a mockery of democracy. Raghunand Krishnan, on e-mail Bihar presents a stark contrast where the poor are living in utter poverty while Lalu and his acolytes grow more prosperous by the day. Hopefully the people in the state will wake up to reality this time and use their ballots to usher in the much-needed change. Ranjana Manchanda, on e-mail

Bottoming Out

I do not agree with the ranking of Kerala's Oommen Chandy as the worst chief minister ("The Most Popular ... ", February 14). He is targeted by the Opposition because they are afraid he might be able to improve the situation in the state. Chandy should not let his low rating hold him back. He might be able to turn it to his advantage by the time the assembly elections come around.

A. Jacob Sahayam, Thiruvananthapuram

It is surprising that Chandy is at the bottom of the list. He is very good at taking quick decisions and is a hard-working man. He deserves better than this.

Panicker, on e-mail

Identifying the Enemy

The scale and intensity of the military build-up are amazing but the vital question is: who is the enemy ("Getting a Boost", February 14)? Not, I suppose, countries like the US, Britain or China. Isn't it time to confront the big fish which set the world economic order to its advantage?

George Perin, London

Fair is Foul

It seems all is fair in love and politics ("Carnival of Chaos", February 14). The Speaker of the Goa Assembly made a mistake by expelling independent MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues to help the party then in power. But the governor was equally wrong in dismissing the BJP government.

R.K. Mahajan, Shimla

Eye-Opening Saga

The saga of overcoming visual impairment through sheer grit is heartwarming ("Eyeing the Future", February 14). We have read reports of Indian hospitals extending help to children from Pakistan. Can nothing be done for Ajay Sau?

D.P. Ganguly, on e-mail

Sau's story is a denunciation of all the healthy people who find excuses for not having done their jobs properly. He has proved that no obstacle is insurmountable if one has the will to overcome it.

S.R. Devaprakash, Tumkur, Karnataka

Sau's exemplary courage is laudable. He is not "differently abled". He is "definitely able".

Brinda Upadhyaya, on e-mail

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