Obama win

This letter was published in Deccan Chronicle on 11 Nov 2008

OBAMA'S WIN

The win of Barack Obama in the US has spurred Dalit leaders like Ms.Mayawati to think aloud that India is ready for a Dalit Prime Minister. Mr.Obama won the election not because he played the race card but because Americans considered him the right man for the job. His campaign was inclusive which was why even the whites voted for him.
It will be naive to expect Indian politicians, who thrive on divisive politics to take a stand that they are Indians first and not members of a particular caste. One hopes our politicians learn a lesson from Mr.Obama's victory.
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai

Letter in Deccan Chronicle

LETTER PUBLISHED IN DECCAN CHRONICLE ON 15 SEP 2008

Need better coordination
Sir,
The numerous potholes, uneven roads, and absence of asphalting on most of the city roads make commuting extremely difficult. The city badly needs effective policies and effective coordination between various agencies. Coordination between the BBMP, BWSSB and KPTCL is also needed for carrying out any work that may affect the infrastructure. It is often seen that after a road has been repaired, the BWSSB decides to dig up the road to lay sewage lines. Heavy vehicles should be allowed inside the city only at night. Also, roads should be asphalted only after monsoon so that they will last longer. Potholes should preferably be filled with cement.
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai,
Bengaluru

Letter in Deccan Chronicle

Deccan Chronicle had asked readers on how to check mis-use by Eco Lodges in Jungles.
My letter went like this
NEED TOUGH MEASURES
Sir,
Cracking the whip at the right time will make erring resorts more eco-friendly. Routine checks should be conducted and permits of the resorts which do not comply with the law have to be cancelled.
The authorities should ban the use of cellphones, air-conditioners and generators in these resorts. Use of natural materials for construction has to be made mandatory. Also, authorities should ensure that these resorts have natural lighting.

Letter in Deccan Chronicle

Dear

Read my letter in today's Deccan Chronicle , Bangalore edition on Page 2 on 11.30pm deadline on closure of pubs
The letter goes like this ::
MOVE WILL CHECK CRIME
Sir,
I wholeheartedly welcome the 11.30pm deadline on pubs and other night spots. I am sure crime graphs will come down drastically with the deadline. It should have been implemented long back. The opponents of the ban say Bengaluru is an international city and metro. But for whose sake is the deadline fixed?. Bengaluru is not a city of pub-hoppers. They just form a miniscule part of the population and they don't have any right to decide the city's fate. With this deadline, I am sure Bengaluru will become a safer place to live as more crime takes place after 11am.
Srikanth Shankar Matrubai,
Bengaluru