I have just gone through the latest edition of The DayAfter (May 1-15, 2003). I am delighted to note substantial and qualitative improvement in the contents of the magazine. I have reasons to feel proud of you and the magazine in view of my prolonged association with both.

Dr. M. P. Narayanan
NOIDA

You have done the right thing in highlighting the self-assumed role of the U. S. A. of global policeman and asking on the cover "What’s Next (The Day After, May 1-15, 2003) and also showing British Prime Minister Tony Blair who is trying to be the "havildar" of the global policeman. Just because it has the power and resources and no one to stand up to it following the break-up of the Soviet Union, the U.S.A. is becoming arrogant and high-and mighty day by day. Third World countries cannot say a word because of the aid they receive from the U. S. A. But what is stopping other countries from calling a spade a spade and showing up the U. S. A. for what it really is--a bully.

Mehak Kumari
New Delhi

Why is that whoever the U. S. A. wages war against disappears and becomes difficult to find "Saddam—Here, There, Where—Nowhere." (The Day After, May 1-15, 2003). An earlier instance is Osama bin Laden. Is the CIA silently and secretly "eliminating" those it considers enemies of the U. S. A.?

Jassi Kaur
Amritsar

Though Union Health Minister Sushma Swaraj has very confidently stated in Parliament that the WHO has declared India SARS-free and that the dreaded disease is in control in India, reports of fresh cases are being reported every day in the newspapers. On the one hand, it is being stated that all visitors to this country from places where SARS is raging are being thoroughly screened, yet the disease is creeping into the country. I feel the Government should pull up its socks and "beef up security" against SARS before it assumes alarming proportions in India.

Inder Roop Rai
New Delhi

You have correctly pointed out that the BJP might call for elections to the Lok Sabha earlier than the due date to cash in before it completely loses its lustre "BJP may call for early elections" (The Day After, May 1-15, 2003). It is a fact that though the achievements of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government are being extolled day in and day in our government-controlled media like All India Radio and Doordarshan, the actual situation on the ground is much different. The problem of 'roti, kapda' makan' of the poor still remains predominant, especially in the rural areas. The thrust of development and the various schemes and projects being undertaken by the Government seem to benefit the urban dweller more than the rural folk who ensure that the country does not starve by breaking their backs in their fields in all types of inclement weather. It is time the Government starts thinking of development of villages in the real sense.

Ravi Chaddha
Ahmedabad

It is refreshing to see that The Day After, May 1-15, 2003 issue carried two extra pages of film-related material. It is a good break from politics. Please make it a regular feature. Also, in the last several months, the designing of the covers and the layout has improved. Congratulations.