Lonely worlds
Sir — Technology has many uses, one of them being bringing people closer. Telephones allowed people to communicate over long distances and the television connected those who wanted to enjoy a shared spectacle of entertainment. But Mukul Kesavan has rightly pointed out the pitfalls of immersing oneself in technology to the detriment of one’s social relationships (“God goggles”, June 11). Apple’s new gizmos might have tech-savvy youngsters feeling like god, with the world — quite literally — at their fingertips. However, one wonders whether they would lose an innate human part of themselves in the process. Inventions like the Vision Pro make me think that dystopian science fiction such as Ready Player One might be portents of a darker future.
Soumi Debnath,Pune
Stop the violence
Sir — Reports of violence even during the filing of nominations for the panchayat polls in West Bengal indicate that democracy exists only in name in this country (“TMC and ISF clash in Bhangar over elections”, June 14). How can the Opposition leaders file their nominations peacefully or voters cast their votes without fear of reprisal if law enforcement agencies become an extension of the ruling dispensation? The Calcutta High Court has rightly approved the deployment of Central forces. It is now up to the State Election Commission to conduct the elections in a fair manner.
Mihir Kanungo,Calcutta
Sir — Following numerous incidents of violence during the filing of nomination papers, the West Bengal SEC has asked district administrations to impose prohibitory orders under Section 144 within a one-kilometre radius of all the nomination venues (“Gathering ban at nomination filing venues”, June 12). This is welcome.
Interestingly, the Bharatiya Janata Party filed the maximum number of nominations on the first three days. Constant complaints by its leaders about unfair treatment thus seem to have fallen flat.
Khokan Das,Calcutta
Sir — Unfortunately, activists of the ruling Trinamul Congress have begun flexing their political muscle during the filing of nomination papers for the upcoming panchayat polls (“Fire season”, June 13). The imposition of Section 144 will thus help the Opposition parties as it will prevent goons backed by the ruling party from cordoning off the nomination venues. The Calcutta High Court has had to hear petitions filed on several issues, such as the lack of a reasonable notice period for filing nominations and the absence of adequate security arrangements for candidates. Only a strict judiciary can keep the TMC under control.
S.S. Paul,Nadia
Rightful demand
Sir — Farmers of sunflower seeds were forced to sleep on the road in Haryana in this scorching summer in order to bring their plight to the government’s notice (“Farmers block highway for MSP”, June 13). This portrays the Establishment in a poor light. The administration should not go back on its promise to pay the farmers the right price.
Md. Shahnawaz,Hyderabad
Sir — It is clear that the farmers are a force to be reckoned with in India. Not only did they manage to push back on the three draconian farm laws last year, but their presence also gave a boost to the wrestlers’ protests. Now they have managed to make their point with the government of Haryana regarding the minimum support price for sunflower seeds. They should not give up on agitating for their rights.
Sukhdeo Thorat,Nagpur
Ailing population
Sir — The statistics revealed by studies on diabetes carried out by the Indian Council of Medical Research are alarming (“Sweet death”, June 13). The scheme initiated by the Centre to tackle non-communicable diseases in citizens above the age of 30 is laudable, but it needs strict execution by the states. An increased number of health and wellness centres are necessary for this execution.
Basudeb Datta,Nadia
Sir — A new study by the ICMR has found that 101 million people in India suffer from diabetes, and more than 15% of the population is prone to diabetic ailments. Ironically, lifestyle-related illnesses are on the rise in the country that is considered the birthplace of yoga. We should consider taking morning walks everyday and avoid sweets altogether in order to control our blood sugar levels.
Jang Bahadur Singh,Jamshedpur
Civic duty
Sir — The article, “Pupils clean up Sagar beach” (June 13), was like a walk down memory lane. It reminded me of how students from many suburban schools would regularly conduct cleanliness programmes in their neighbourhoods. These activities promoted togetherness in the community.
Santi Pramanick,Howrah
Sporting icon
Sir — Novak Djokovic, the 36-year-old tennis superstar, has added another feather to his cap by winning his 23rd Grand Slam at Roland Garros this year (“Novak on top with crown No. 23”, June 12). Such is the Serbian’s hunger for success that he has categorically stated that he is not thinking of retirement. With Rafael Nadal’s playing time increasingly curtailed by injuries, Djokovic seems to have a few more opportunities ahead of him to increase his tally.
Bal Govind, Noida
Sir — Novak Djokovic has reclaimed the top spot in tennis, once again, after clinching his 23rd Grand Slam singles title. He is arguably the most dominant figure in modern tennis. His sporting spirit and enthusiasm are remarkable.
Aayman Anwar Ali,Calcutta