Letters to The Editor — July 4, 2025

A danger to democracy

It is deeply shocking that the ‘Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls’ in poll-bound Bihar is set to disenfranchise a significant percentage of voters. This massive planned pruning raises serious doubts about the intent behind the SIR. When such large-scale deletions occur without due diligence or public awareness, democracy stands threatened. Therefore, the Election Commission of India is duty bound to explain to the nation whether the SIR is a transparent cleanup or a clean-out of voters.

P.H. Hema Sagar,

Secunderabad

The ‘Tibet test’

For New Delhi, it is time for a test — this time, it’s the Tibet test (‘World’ page, July 3). With the 14th Dalai Lama explicitly asserting that his successor will be “decided by a trust, [and] not the Chinese government”, this represents yet another strategic challenge, wherein New Delhi morally needs to back the “honoured guest”. On the other hand, such a stance may come at a strategic cost for already tricky India-China relations. The deftness with which India walks this tightrope without making compromises on strategic autonomy will determine how much India scores in the Tibet test.

Nishat,

New Delhi

Palliative care model

I write this letter as a retired professor after reading the article, “Integrating compassion, prioritising palliative care” (Editorial page, July 3). Pallium India, Trivandrum has been successfully undertaking palliative care in India. In the family structure of the aged, having friendly carers at home remains a critical part in good palliative care. The plight of the lonely aged is what is cause for concern. Between old-age homes and family-based care, India needs mid-level aged care homes such as ‘Pahal Veedu’ (day care centre) for the aged. Models such as the one in Thrissur, Kerala, can be replicated across India.

Dr. M.P. Boraian,

Gandhigram, Tamil Nadu

Rabies vaccine shortage

I am writing this letter to express concern over the shortage of anti-rabies vaccines in Chennai’s health centres. With rising cases of dog bites and the potential risk of rabies, there cannot be delays in treatment in the event of being bitten. There also needs to be public awareness campaigns on post-bite measures.

Swetha V.,

Chennai