This is with reference to “Ignominious hat-trick” ( Business Line , March 7.) It is true that the Indian School of Business (ISB) has attracted unwanted attention because of the recent episodes.

However, this is not a reflection on the quality of the institute. ISB is the closest India has to a world-class institution (B-school or otherwise). None of the cases directly involved the ISB. It is unwise to blame good institutions for the flaws of individuals.

Some of those accused in the Galleon case were from Wharton. So what? Can you blame Wharton for the mess? Everyone acknowledges it as a high quality education research institution that continues to be admired for its academic integrity and calibre of its students.

Rajesh

www.thehindubusinessline.com

***

The column fails to explain how ISB should be responsible for the conduct of individuals involved in frauds.

Moreover, the very fact that the columnist fails to disclose that he is the Chancellor, ICFAI University, raises several questions on transparency.

Sahas

www.thehindubusinessline.com

Clarification

I was appointed on November 29, 2008, by the Governor of Jharkhand to be the Chancellor of the Jharkhand ICFAI University. It is a statutorily established institution and my appointment was under Section 13(1) of the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University Act, under the provisions of which the Governor is the Visitor.

I received no compensation in cash or in kind other than reimbursement of my air fare between Chennai and Ranchi and the cost of hotel accommodation.

I have resigned from the post on 20/04/2010. I have never had anything to do with any of the business schools run by any organisation other than having been on the Board of Directors of Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Tiruchi, 20 years ago. I am not connected with any of the activities of ICFAI. My only touchstone in selecting topics for my column is public interest and nothing else.

To the best of my ability, I check facts and follow the principle of fair-mindedness. At 84, there is no reason why I should entertain any malice or ill-will against anyone or any institution. I don't nor ever shall.

In the context of the column, I wish to add that I had sent an email message on the morning of March 5, to Dr Sriram Gopalakrishnan and Dr Ajit Rangnekar of the Indian School of Business about my intention to write the column, indicating the lines along which I was planning to do so, and saying that I shall be glad to take into account, and even mention in the piece, any comments that they or any spokesperson of the ISB had and that I shall wait till the evening of that day to hear from them.

There was no response from them, however, until the morning of March 6 when I submitted the column for publication.

B. S. Raghavan, IAS (Retd)

Chennai

Defence tie-ups

With reference to the article “In Defence of foreign tie-ups” ( Business Line, March 5), collaborations in the field of Defence, such as Brahmos with Russia, medium-range missiles with Israel, and end to sanctions by the US are good signs for the development of the Indian heavy industry.

Moreover, the struggle India has gone through in building Defence arms means that a lot of learning was involved and the stage has been set.

Now, with the FDI limit raised to 26 per cent and private sector players such as Tata entering the arena, the future looks promising.

If the right choices are made by industry and the government, the country can aspire to be the leading arms exporter, not just importer.

Raman Arora

www.thehindubusinessline.com

Coal truths

With reference to the article “The truth about India's coal” ( Busines Line , March 6), so long as the government agencies are ignorant and do not use up the reserves, I am happy. Look at the developed countries, none of them uses its own reserves. They only import.

Let us preserve our resources , especially for our great grand children.

Harish

www.thehindubusinessline.com

***

How long would it take for the Government of India to act on this issue and take steps to follow the UNFC norms? What are the possible measures that could be taken to allow free trade between Australia and India, considering that Australia has rich reserves of coal?

Nitesh Krishnappa

www.thehindubusinessline.com

DMK-Congress split

The ostensible reason for the strain in the DMK-Congress alliance was the failure to reach a seat-sharing pact. But the real reason is the DMK's political compulsions to thwart the Congress party's bid to to upstage it in the backdrop of the telecom scandal. Still, when it comes to corruption or political opportunism, there is nothing to choose between the two. Given the composition of the present Lok Sabha, the DMK pull-out from the UPA is bound to have ramifications.

For a party with a shrinking vote base and divided by factionalism and intrigue, it would be politically suicidal to contest the election without piggybacking on either the DMK or the AIADMK, out of an inflated sense of its strength. The sooner the Congress sheds its delusions of grandeur , the better it is for its continued relevance.

G. David Milton

Trivandrum

For a National Govt.

With reference to the article ‘For a national government' ( Business Line , March 6), the need of the hour to prevent India from sliding fast into abysmal depths in corruption,is for the President to speak out her displeasure over the CVC appointment , 2-G Scam, CWG games ,and direct the Government to deal firmly with wrong-doers, however high they may be. The Prime Minister must send the resignations of the DMK ministers to the President for acceptance. A national government can save India from becoming Egypt/Tunisia.

K. Balasubramanian

www.thehindubusinessline.com

DMK's tantrums

The 2G spectrum drama followed by the CBI noose getting close to DMK's first family members have put the party in a defensive position. In the very likely event of its inner circle and family members being charged by the prosecuting authorities, it will become necessary for DMK to cry foul . Under these circumstances, the DMK finds it wise to distance itself from its alliance with the Congress. It is time the Congress party called the bluff. By keeping away from the alliance with DMK facing corruption allegations, the Congress party has a chance to redeem itself. It should contest all the Assembly seats on its own.

It may not emerge a winner, but it can come as a strong opposition. The people of Tamil Nadu are fed up with the two warring Kazhagams. Will the party leadership take up the challenge?

K. Venkataraman

Mumbai

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