war and reflection
Photos of the war in Ukraine – some of them horrifying – make us aware of the destructive power of modern weapons and the horrors of war.
Missiles glide through the air and hit and explode buildings, clouds of smoke emanating from rows of buildings, housing complexes flattened by explosions, convoys of tanks, people taking shelter in subway stations and underground bunkers, residents/refugees There are images of Ukraine in flight, struggling crowds boarding trains and distraught children that give us a sense of the terrible human cost of war.
It is a war that shows the failure of nation-states to coexist, coexist peacefully; Failure to put our common humanity above nationalism and national sovereignty. While we should take a balanced view of both sides of the conflict and appreciate legitimate concerns over national security, personal vanity and the expansionist designs of leaders sometimes explain provocations that match exaggerations.
War is based on the principle that ‘maybe is right’. Power is defined and measured in terms of the military power of nations. One potential threat to mankind is that it has enough weapons to exterminate itself. Nuclear war means the extinction of the entire civilization. The choice between war and peace will decide whether we become extinct or continue to survive as a species.
G David Milton,
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
The most important role India can play is by clearly stating the necessary conditions for ending the war with Russia, which includes the demilitarization of Ukraine. New Delhi may ask Ukraine to join the Non-Aligned Organization which has the potential to de-escalate tensions. Russia’s fear was more about NATO forces in Ukraine. Such a move would help Russia and Ukraine to be in a better mind while at peace tables.
Ratnaraj Jain,
Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
The prompt advisory by Indian missions in the war zone is a testament to the dire situation. Although this is a welcome sign that most Indian citizens seem to be out of the danger zone, one cannot forget that there are still others who are facing deep trauma.
In the end, many of us want Russia to change its stubborn stance. War is never a solution. But will Russia rise to the occasion?
Mani Natarajan,
Coonoor, Nilgiris
Relevance of NEET
It is ridiculous to link the plight of Indian medical students stranded in Ukraine with NEET (inside pages, “Death of medical student in Ukraine triggers growing NEET protests in Karnataka”, March 3). The field of medicine requires only academically excellent candidates as students – it is clear that the lives of patients cannot be in danger. When the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a common entrance test, merit is the right criterion. There is no point in diluting or compromising on the rigor of the rule. This factor puts medical practice on a different footing. It is clear that average students had no other option but to study medicine abroad.
V. Lakshmanan,
Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu
role of governor
It is absolutely correct to say that governorships are a relic of the past and are treated as such. At present, he has no executive power to sign on the dotted line on the papers sent. They are largely ornamental but are being used by the government to ensure that their line of thinking is right. And for that to happen, yes it is natural for men to be. This has been happening for decades. And it seems that there is no end to this situation in the near future.
K Nehru Patnaik,
Visakhapatnam