Focus on quality

I strongly back the students’ demand for reforms in Mahendra Sanskrit University (MSU). The

government has never been serious about Sanskrit education in Nepal. The government’s apathy has discouraged students from pursuing Sanskrit.

Gradual reforms are the best way to improve the quality of Sanskrit education. However, I am against changing the names of TU and MSU. Overall performance, rather than the name, matters the most. Moreover, TU is an internationally recognised university. It would be wise to retain its old name and focus instead on improving the quality of education.

Bimal Shrestha, USA

Reform party

The Maoists of Nepal waged a decade-long war and at last succeeded in stripping the King of his powers. But I feel their main aim is political control of the entire nation, which is yet to be achieved. Maoist supremo Prachanda has agreed to participate in the political process. The historic understanding of June 16 was a significant development not only for the country, but also for the CPN-Maoist as a party.

There is also every possibility of Comrade Prachanda assuming the role of chief executive in the near future. He should now introduce reforms in his party if he does not want to lose a chance to govern the nation.

Hem Raj Jain, India

Weak point

Prisoners held in different jails are demanding amnesty (“13 injured in prison riot,” THT, June 19). Their argument is that as all the Maoists are being pardoned, they, too, should be freed. Why differentiate between the two groups when the nature of crimes is similar.

This is clearly a weak argument, nonetheless a legitimate one. Why can’t they be released when the Maoists who have been implicated in most serious crimes given amnesty? It is commonsense that the government cannot free all the prisoners and complicate the law and

order situation in the country. This is a tricky business and the government needs to

handle it with care.

Amit Shrestha, via e-mail

Give more

I am an avid reader of your esteemed daily and follow the Book Review section regularly. The reviews are interesting. However, it would be better to inform the readers about where such books (fiction/non-fiction) are available in Kathmandu. It would be of immense benefit for the readers and book-lovers like me.

Dr AC Jauhari, Kathmandu

World Cup

I want to thank THT for the World Cup coverage. The event is getting more exciting by the day. Who would have predicted that France would struggle as it is doing now? And it’s not the Brazilians who are the favourites now, but the Argentinians after their routing of Serbia and Montenegro 6-0.

Ronaldo no longer seems to be a force he once was, as illustrated by his dismal form, both for Brazil and his club, Real Madrid. No less surprising is the form of Ecuador, the country, many believed, got into the tournament owing to their invincible record at capital Quito, where opponents struggle to breathe in the rarefied air.

Ranjit Bhandari, via e-mail