With the right direction, care and guidance (?The troubled teen?, Jan 1), our economic reforms story may become the shining teen. And, by luck, Dr Manmohan Singh is in a parental position. But the full potential of economic reforms has not been used for eliminating corruption or fighting poverty on a large scale. If the twin objectives can be achieved, benefits of growth will reach every section of society. Can the parent do it?
?Jacob Sahayam, Thiruvananthapuram
Solar hope
There are thousands of villages in India that have little chance of being connected to the national power grid in the conventional way. Solar photovoltaic cells could be an effective and cheap way to light up these areas. Apart from being cost-effective, solar energy has the additional advantages of being clean and silent. Instead of expensive silicon-based photovoltaic cells, researchers are now optimistic about organic cells for their flexibility and low cost. Despite the initial capital cost, if done the right way, solar energy can modernise rural India.
?Hansraj Bhat, Mumbai
The lost party
The Congress has suffered yet another humilitating electoral defeat in Himachal Pradesh. This is probably because the party has failed on one indicator: regionalism. It focuses heavily on national non-issues, very often giving true local issues short shrift.
?P Senthil Saravana Durai, Hyderabad
