India should let in the winds of change and be more open

Our readers have their say on Indian elections, obesity and Egypt's new bridge

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sam Panthaky / AFP

I refer to your scintillating article Modi's victory in the Indian elections offers vital lessons for opponents of populism (May 24) by Samanth Subramanian.

Mahatma Gandhi, the founding father of India, who was a Hindu, often proclaimed: “I am also a Muslim, a Christian, a Buddhist and a Jew.”  This is the spirit of India. It will be wretched if India turns inwards, instead of letting the winds of technology and globalisation blow through the country. Openness will usher progress; insularity will bring isolation.

Of late, India is turning unabashedly Hindu. India was, and is, a shining example of coexistence, fostered by Gandhi and the first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Genes could be the reason you don’t fit your jeans

With reference to your story Dubai's new rule for restaurants 'is a huge step forward' (May 19), obesity is a huge problem in the UAE. This health issue can be caused by a change in the cultural or social environment, bad diet, a lack of exercise or genetics. In the latter case, it can be inherited from our parents.

We must protect ourselves by introducing lifestyle changes, improving our diet and having regular health check-ups.

Grade 8 class, Maryam bint Omran School, Abu Dhabi

Egypt is building bridges to welcome in tourists

In reference to your story Egypt's El Sisi opens record-setting bridge over the Nile (May 25) what a lovely story to come across.

The world’s widest suspension bridge is a laudable symbol of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s vision and will become a centrepiece of the famous river Nile.

After the recent terror attacks, Egypt is slowly recovering and tourists are once again waking up to its ancient charms and attractions.

This additional new bridge will certainly pave the way for a bright and hopefully prosperous future and economic outlook.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru