The one-fingered Japanese mountaineer is truly inspiring

Our readers have their say on Indian politics, Gaza, school attendance and Everest

Japanese mountaineer Nobukazu Kuriki. Narendra Shrestha / EPA

I write in reference to your article One-fingered Japanese mountaineer dies during eighth attempt at scaling Everest (May 22): this piece was very sad to read. The death of the climber Nobukazu Kuriki during his extraordinary eighth attempt at climbing Mount Everest, having not sent out any communication, is tragic.

His strength of will to achieve his lofty goals was laudable and inspiring and he will forever be remembered by his fellow mountaineers. I pray for his departed soul and his grieving family members.

K Ragavan, Denver

Politicking comes at the cost of needs of ordinary Indians

In reference to Rashmee Roshan Lall's excellent op-ed How 48 hours in Karnataka showed just how far India has strayed from political norms (May 23), she is right to say the recent elections in Karnataka exposed the weak underbelly of the Indian polity. A state governor behaved like a representative of the ruling BJP party, whose local leaders were determined to wrest power at all costs without having the majority.

Two opposition parties had to involve the Supreme Court to jostle themselves into power. Unlikely developments of this kind are likely to prevail in national elections in 2019, when India will elect a new federal government and prime minister.

With all this politicking, the economic agenda to help the common man has already gone with the wind.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai  

An informative insight into recent events in Gaza

Tim Marshall's analysis of the violence in Gaza in the most recent episode of Sightline with Tim Marshall (May 21) was both informative and impartial.

Fred Inger, Dubai

The holy month is no excuse to slack off from school

I write in reference to your article Parents warned as children skip school during Ramadan (May 23): it reminds me of my schooldays in Dubai, when we would never crib or rant. We understood the regime and enjoyed daily school life. Seeing the helter-skelter of life today, my strong feeling is that parents don't get up on time. Certainly they cannot blame the school timings.

School might be shorter during the holy month but lessons still need to be completed. What infuriates me most are the silly excuses made for lateness or skipping school.

When you have young children in school, every minute is precious. Parents should makes sure to use their time wisely. If children are not able to accommodate a new routine during Ramadan, parents will have to monitor their lifestyles and manage their time more closely.

Mathew Litty, Dubai