The report “2 out of 3 Indians are financially struggling” by Shishir Sinha (September 17) is disturbing. Categorisation along five elements is a realistic method of measuring the status of the citizens. While ‘struggling’ indicates inadequacy of resources for a fair level of happiness, ‘suffering’ is a status indicating absolute lack of day-to-day resources. It is a wake-up call to governments. It must initiate a comprehensive study of the status of the population immediately. There should be efforts to create a situation of financial stability and uniformity of welfare across various strata.

TR Anandan

Coimbatore

End proxy wars

With reference to “Towards an Asian century of prosperity” by Xi Jinping (September 17), India and China must understand that together they make the world a better place. China suffered at the hands of Japan and India suffered at the hands of Britain. Waging war is equally disastrous for both, either directly or by proxy. After the exposure of Chinese misdeeds carried out through Pakistan, China is looking for new anti-India sources. In order to counter China, India can bring together Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan. Despite this, Inch (India-China) must work towards a mature relationship.

A Prabaharan

Tiruchirappalli

It seems various countries are tripping over each other to be in India’s good books. After Japan’s commitment to invest in India’s smart cities and Australia’s commitment on uranium supply for nuclear power, China has agreed to open its purse for India. What is critical here is that President Xi Jinping is bringing a contingent of 100 businessmen along with him to explore investment opportunities. It’s a historic visit.

Bal Govind

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

We need to first focus on the huge trade deficit with China. It will be tough to compete in manufacturing, but we could be in the game if we have our trade policy in place. China has huge dollar reserves and we could try and use them for our infrastructure funding needs. We need to assert ourselves on border incursions by the Chinese army. We need to ask the Chinese to open up the pharma and IT sector for us.

CR Arun

Email

Poorer pensioners

The State Bank of India has reduced interest on retail term deposits primarily due to surplus funds lying with them. This has come as a shock to pensioners and senior citizens because they are largely dependent on the income they earn as interest from term deposits. SBI’s surplus funds are due to carrying a major portion of government business and bulk deposits. SBI could have reduced interest on bulk deposits instead of reducing interest on retail deposits.

Usha Madodi

Mangalore

Some banks are in the habit of reducing interest on deposits saying there are many defaulters and loss to banks. This is not a good habit and makes people suffer, especially senior citizens. Since depositors are not responsible for the loss to banks, this type of loss should be compensated from the fat salaries of top management officers.

BS Ganesh

Bangalore

Be inspired

“Aesthetics of angst” by Tirna Ray (September 17) gave us a rare chance to learn about Frida Kahlo, and the staunch belief she had in herself. The physically challenged and differently abled can draw comfort and inspiration from her.

CG Kuriakose

Kothamangalam, Kerala

Kudos

We must have more interviews such as the one with Robert Kiyosaki (“If more 9/11s happen, the dollar is gone” by Chetna Mehra, September 17). Financial literacy and approaching money from a different but practical angle is necessary. His views on investments in homes and vehicles are noteworthy. Appropriately, the page is called ‘THINK’. I am a regular reader of BusinessLine and it has never disappointed me.

MS Soundararajan

Coimbatore

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