India's BRICS Chairmanship: A Diplomatic Achievement
India's leadership of the BRICS grouping as the current chair is a diplomatic win, according to a letter to the editor from Chanchal S Mann of Una. However, China's refusal to resolve the boundary question ahead of other issues tempered that success. During the Wang Yi-Ajit Doval talks, India rightly insisted that progress in bilateral ties must rest on peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Summit Addresses Global Concerns
The BRICS summit addressed pressing global concerns such as terrorism, cybercrime, and climate change. India's support for poorer countries was laudable. Given the unresolved differences with China, India's refusal to endorse the joint statement was also prudent. Mann urged India to remain steadfast, speak with clarity, and pursue negotiations with resolve.
Social Media Ban for Children: A Debate
In another letter, Bir Devinder Singh Bedi of Sangrur responded to the question 'Should children be banned from social media?' He argued that parents, schools, and governments cannot afford to ignore the issue, but a blanket ban is not the right solution. In India's social setup, such a ban seems unworkable, though it may work in other countries. Instead, a stringent system of checks and safeguards is needed, focusing on responsible and supervised use of social media. Children must be taught self-discipline to contain the problem.
Guidance Over Prohibition
Vijay Kumar Katial of Panchkula added that while concerns about children's online safety are genuine, a blanket ban may prove counterproductive due to the 'forbidden fruit effect.' Technology is a double-edged sword. All stakeholders—parents, teachers, and governments—must work together to promote playground activities, reading habits, and creative pursuits. Guidance, not prohibition, is the key to raising digitally balanced children. Many parents foolishly encourage excessive screen use by toddlers, which they may regret later.
Religion in Punjab Politics
Abhilasha Gupta of Mohali criticized political parties in Punjab for defaming each other on religious grounds. She called it shameful that rivalry includes spreading fake videos, false statements, and fabricated propaganda under the guise of religion, disrespecting the Sikh Gurus. She urged parties to stop the blame game and maintain the dignity and sanctity of religion, warning that using faith as a political weapon creates divisions and undermines mutual respect and peace.
BJP's Alliance Strategy in Punjab
Upendra Sharma commented on BJP president Nitin Nabin's statement that a decision on a tie-up with the Shiromani Akali Dal or any Akali faction would be taken at the appropriate time. Sharma noted that the BJP is busy strengthening its base in Punjab, and a decision may come closer to elections after assessing the situation. A level playing field and mutual respect are essential for a successful electoral alliance. The BJP cannot play second fiddle to a regional party; only genuine give-and-take can make an alliance successful.
Kishau Dam Project Gets Green Signal
RN Malik of Gurugram welcomed the green signal for the Kishau dam project in Haryana, calling it a dream come true after decades of discussions. The project was stuck over who would bear the Rs 2,000 crore cost for power generation. Malik argued that the Haryana government should have borne this burden because the state has been the biggest sufferer from the eight-year delay. By doing so, the state could have exclusive control over power generation after giving 12% free power to Himachal as a standard royalty rate.
