This is with reference to “Open Sesame”. It is quite dangerous to keep the wealth of more than Rs.1, 00,000 crore inside Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, after it got wide publicity. It may attract attacks from terrorists who are suffering from paucity of funds. If the temple is given fortress-like security, the movement of devotees inside the temple will be hampered. While idols of Gods and Goddesses can be kept inside the temple, objects of antique value and other items made of gold and gems should be deposited in the lockers of various banks and treasuries. All other gold items should be sold by auction and the proceeds deposited in the temple’s accounts in banks and treasuries. Instead of borrowing money from the World Bank, Kerala Government can borrow from Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, just like the kings of yesteryears who borrowed from wealthy temples.
S. Raghunatha Prabhu, Alappuzha

This has reference to Media Voice July article ' Call of the Valley'. A Kashmiri Pandit woman winning the panchayat election for the first time after the insurgency broke out in 1989 is heartening but the news may be short-lived because it cannot be considered a clarion call for a new beginning in the valley unless the pro-azaadi slogans stop and people join the mainstream for the development of the valley and live in peace and harmony. In other words, Asha's victory may not be able to bring a vision for a new partnership with Kashmiris unless and until the cycle of suspicion and discord ends. As mutual trust and respect exists between a miniscule section of Muslims and Pandits in only certain parts of the valley closer to Jammu region, this oneoff victory in the local elections may at best bring bonhomie between the villagers where Asha is elected. It may not change the mindset of Kashmiris, as most Pandits leaving the valley during the time of strife are even now unwelcome in their motherland.
K.R.Srinivasan,
Secunderabad

WAnna Hazare and Kiran Bedi shouldn't have supported Baba Ramdev for his fast against corruption. First of all, he is not an honest man himself. Secondly, it's clear that he has been used as a ploy by the BJP and RSS nexus to try their luck in the troubled waters. Unlike him, Anna Hazare and Kiran Bedi enjoy a good reputation and credibility among the people of India. They should have realised the repercussions of supporting a fraud like him.
G Krishnamurthy
Chennai

Kudos to the voters of Tamil Nadu! They indeed taught DMK fraudsters a lesson through votes. It’s high time they understood that people can’t be fooled for a long period. Common man has entrusted the future of Tamil Nadu in Jayalalithaa. I hope she realises the importance of it and serves the State accordingly.
S Seethapathy
on e-mail