Letters to the editor: A ray of hope

From Red Fort
In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi covered all major issues and emphasised that every citizen should contribute to building national character. He tried to win the confidence of other political parties and appealed to state governments to help develop the country. Small-scale industry and self-employment were encouraged. The respect shown to women was highly appreciated. The public should try to emulate this mindset and put the speech to practice.
Sukhpal Singh
Chandigarh

Getting testy
This refers to ‘Par for the course’ by Satyanand Mishra (IE, August 15). It is bizarre that a person with the analytical ability to clear the CSAT and someone who has been a government servant for years feels lucky that he did not end up as a schoolteacher, college lecturer or clerk. This is the crux of the problem. There is a sense of elitism inherent in belonging to the civil services and an excessive sense of success attached to clearing the UPSC examination. It may suit our feudal impulses but it does not advance us as a society. India, like many other countries, can exist without such cadre-based civil servants, but not without good “school teachers and college lecturers”.
B. Biswal
Delhi
The  CSAT sounds out the analytical, linguistic and decision-making abilities of civil service aspirants. The introduction of the CSAT was the culmination of years of discussion and deliberation by experts. A knee-jerk response by the government, just to assuage a set of misguided indviduals, would only mean going back on much-needed and desirable reforms.
Nivedita Dwivedi
Mumbai

The sensitive MP
Taking exception to radio jockeys making fun of MPs, the Samajwadi Party’s Jaya Bachchan has called upon the I&B minister to take steps to put an end to the mimicry of elected representatives (‘Jaya Bachchan slams RJs over jokes, govt agrees’, IE, August 15). Does Bachchan not know that the entire world laughs at the way our MPs conduct themselves during important deliberations in the House? What happens to their sensitivities when they create a furore in Parliament, prompting the speaker to adjourn proceedings?
P.G. Menon
Chennai