Letters to the editor: The ideal governor

In his article, Gopalkrishna Gandhi urges that the loyalty test be scrapped and dignity restored to the office of governor. There can be no two ways on the fact that the tenure of a governor appointed by the outgoing government needs to be endorsed by the new government. Only politically unbiased, honest and eminent personalities ought to be “honoured” with the governorship of a state. But the latest trend is to award governorship of a state to party top brass who could not be found a place in government. The UPA’s appointment of Sheila Dikshit as Kerala governor, for example.

— S.K. Gupta (Panchkula)

Gender puzzles

This refers to ‘If you ask the wrong question’ by Amrita Nandy (IE, July 21). The article is an eye-opener and brings to light the finer points of the “sex-tests” that can jeopardise the life and career of an athlete. It’s widely accepted that sex and gender are different. However, Nandy’s well-reasoned arguments compel the reader to think that a person’s sex, like their gender, may be a mental construct. Nandy suggests that sex occupies a spectrum of spectrum, instead of being a binary. And individuals in the middle of the spectrum will continue to suffer unless certain questions are settled.

— Vaibhav Jain (Gurgaon)

The final question

This refers to the editorial ‘Right to die’ ( IE, July 19). Those who support euthanasia or “assisted suicide” believe that a life lived without dignity is no life at all. However, it may be tough make euthanasia legally permissible in India. The vast cultural difference between us and the West is palpable in this debate. In India, the relatives of the patient are given importance, and have a say in the patient’s fate. Moreover, patients themselves have rarely confided in the doctor about their desire to die. Also, relatives may also hesitate, since they do not want to be seen as “responsible” for the death of the patient. Moreover, the value of the medical profession in India may be undermined if euthanasia is accorded legal sanction.

— Ganapathi Bhat (Akola)