Proof of citizenship
According to the government of India, Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence and Voter ID are not proof of citizenship. Now, the Ministry of External Affairs has proclaimed that even a passport does not confer citizenship rights; it is only a document to enable international travel and establish identity abroad. A passport is issued after the submission of ten corroborative documents, a police verification, stringent vetting, collection of your biometrics for the records, declaring you as an ‘Indian national’. Is it not a proof of citizenship? So you are an ‘Indian national’ but not an ‘Indian citizen’. This is a veritable theatre of the absurd. What exactly is the proof of citizenship then? Your Facebook or Instragram accounts? Maybe the government is now planning to bring a ‘citizenship card’ so that the population has to again run from pillar to post to prove that they are citizens of the country they live in.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Drowsy driving
When road accidents occur in Goa, the blame is usually placed on speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol. However, another equally dangerous factor that receives far less public attention is drivers falling asleep at the wheel. In recent times, several fatal accidents in Goa have occurred because drivers dozed off while driving. A momentary lapse caused by sleepiness can lead to the loss of control of a vehicle, resulting in serious injuries, fatalities, and lifelong trauma for families. Drowsy driving is particularly common after late-night events. Sleep deprivation significantly reduces alertness, slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and can cause brief episodes of sleep lasting just a few seconds. The danger posed by drowsy driving deserves the same level of awareness as drunken driving. If there is another occupant in the vehicle who is more alert and capable of driving, it is prudent to hand over the wheel.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Unrealistic promises
The people of Tamil Nadu voted the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) to power without factoring in impracticalities in manifesto promises. Facing public disillusionment and financial constraints blamed on the previous government, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has hastily announced the ‘Thaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam’ scheme, which will entail Rs 755.83 crore annually, to gift one-gram gold rings to newborns in government hospitals. This scheme is facing widespread resentment. Critics have argued that varying infant finger sizes make rings impractical, the gold will likely end up in pawn shops, and these massive funds should instead upgrade maternity hospital infrastructure. If the government insists on implementing this, a smarter alternative exists. Philanthropist Dr N Panchapakesan suggested gifting a one-gram 22K gold coin instead of a ring. This eliminates high making charges, reducing the individual cost from Rs 17,000 to Rs 14,335.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
In the name of democracy
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi terms the 1975 Emergency ‘Constitution murder day’, my firsthand experience living in Faridabad during that era offers a far more nuanced perspective. True, civil liberties were severely suspended and Opposition leaders jailed. However, the period also brought remarkable administrative discipline, punctual train schedules, and economic stability—backed by a 1977 India Today survey showing 64 per cent public support. In contrast, the last 12 years under the current regime present an even deeper threat to Indian democracy. We witness the systematic weaponisation of autonomous agencies like the ED, CBI, and Election Commission to ruthlessly crush political opposition. Paradoxically, corruption charges evaporate the moment accused politicians defect to the ruling BJP. The critical difference lies in democratic choice. Under Indira Gandhi, citizens ultimately retained the power to change the government.
Bidyut K Chatterjee, Faridabad
Costly US intervention
Successive US administrations have rarely reflected on follies they have committed beyond their borders. Failed nation-building experiments and military misadventures by both Republican and Democrat administrations have not led to internal reflection on these misguided policies. However, the Iran debacle should lead America to ponder that it has not achieved any of its objectives in the war, and may have actually helped give Iran the upper hand in the region. From the wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, American interventions have often been launched with ambitious goals of democracy promotion, regime change, or counterterrorism, ultimately ending up with mixed or adverse outcomes. By pushing for a ceasefire or an MoU with Iran, President Donald Trump has finally recognised that the conflict has reached its highest level. Continuing would strengthen anti-American sentiment and risk a wider regional escalation involving Israel, Gulf states, and proxy militias.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
