Agra has a rich tradition of local fairs and cultural activities that flourished in our mohallas and markets until about 40 years ago.

Recently, traffic police captains held a meeting to streamline Agra city's traffic system. The same old suggestions were made, avoiding tough decisions.

Are the democratic countries of the world currently grappling with a leadership crisis? It seems that the public is bearing the brunt of the lack of inspiring leaders to steer or guide democratic systems. The current quality of leadership in countries like the US, the UK, Japan and India paints a grim picture.

Agra's well-developed and extensive canal system fed by the Yamuna basin's smaller streams demands urgent attention to revive and restore the riverine network in the district.

A trained and talented parliamentary structure and system is required to run democracy effectively.

As another tourist season begins on World Tourism Day, September 27, the general sense of gloom and despair makes hospitality industry captains wonder why tourism has not become a mass people-friendly business in Agra.