Whispers Forum

At least five people lost their lives and several others were injured after falling from an overcrowded moving local train near Mumbai. This tragic incident shows how serious the safety problems are in our railway system. It is shocking that such accidents keep happening and yet the authorities fail to take proper action. While we are building new infrastructure and launching luxury trains for the rich and elite, the basic safety of regular passengers is being ignored. People travelling in general compartments also face similar dangers every day. It is high time the government and railway officials focus on the needs and safety of the common people, not just on fancy projects for a few.
Ritika Malviya

Only a matter of “true to salt” Mahatma Gandhi shook the foundations of the mighty British Empire by the Salt Satyagraha. Can manipulation of salt quality and prices harm the government? Big companies were not allowed in the salt business till the Tata’s proposal to recover salt as a by-product was approved. Edible salt or table salt used to be sold at very cheap rates. During monsoon prices would shoot up, especially in the NE states and Bangladesh to up to 200 a kg. Sambhar salt was the best but quantity constraints made sea salt popular. The other variety was rock salt from the Mandi salt mines in HP, but it’s quantity too was limited. In order to meet the shortage, the British had built Gola Howrah to maintain stocks. Now Tata rock salt(sendha, though the then Salt Commissioner had once clarified that rock salt is different from sendha namak) is sold @120/kg. Do the consumers take it to be rock salt? There is no Fssai certification also on the pack. Chances of adulteration with red sandstone dust exist due to enormous profit. Besides, it is produced or packed in West Bengal and it is here that hackles are raised. In Pakistan consumers use only rock salt because there are most of the mines. Is rock salt from Pakistan getting sold in India? It can be the biggest health hazard if quality is compromised or weaponised by Pakistan. Government may like to clarify in the public interest!
M L Gupta

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your appointment as CEO and Managing Director of Union Bank, a historic and respected institution — the third-largest public sector bank in India. Union Bank of India has a legacy graced by none other than Mahatma Gandhi ji, who inaugurated the bank in 1919. His message — one of trust, ethics, and service to the people — continues to inspire the bank’s mission even after more than 111 years. Truly, it stands today as a living symbol of the motto: Good people to bank with. As a committed customer of Union Bank since 1984, banking from the Sayajigunj Branch in Vadodara, I have always experienced courteous service and an admirable human touch from your staff. The values of dignity, patience, and personal care are deeply embedded in the culture of the bank, and this gives customers like me great pride. At the same time, in this digital era, we look forward to your leadership in accelerating decision-making processes and transforming legacy systems. We remain confident that under your stewardship, Union Bank of India will continue to uphold its great tradition while also becoming more agile, innovative, and responsive to customers’ evolving needs. Wishing you great success in this new role and looking forward to a new era of excellence at Union Bank of India.
Nitin Varia
Loyal customer, Vadodara

India has become the world's fourth-largest economy, which is a big achievement. However, this has not affected people much. There are several reasons for this. There is a huge gap between the rich and the poor. While industries like IT and finance help the economy grow, they do not create enough jobs for most people. Other factors, like a large number of unorganized workers and not enough social support, also make many people feel unhappy. Additionally, concerns about corruption add to this sense of unhappiness.
Aditya Malviya