Kudos to JNU

It is a delight to know that both Jawaharlal Nehru University and Hyderabad University have been ranked among the top universities in India. This is a remarkable achievement for both the universities as they were recently in political controversies. This outcome is significant as perception among students, parents and the public has been one of the parameters to evaluate the varsities. Students, teachers and the administrators of these universities can be proud of their achievements. Universities and other higher institutions should be places of co-existence of academic excellence and freedom of expression.

— P. A. Jacob, Muscat.

Students have to carry such heavy bags these days. It’s a strain on their backs. In an age of smart classrooms why are schools using so many books to teach students?

— Shikha Swaroop, Dubai

A diplomatic solution is in the best interest of Yemen. The fighting must stop and the people of the country have a right to live in peace. Enough of killings.

— Hamid Hassan, Dubai

I read with shock your column about the atrocities in Syria. The challenge would be to rebuild Syria when the fighting stops. Syria is in ruins. It has to start from scratch to get on its feet again.

— Nicole Johnson, Sharjah