Think differently
Sir — The holy trinity of Indian kitchens — tomatoes, onions and potatoes — is progressively becoming unaffordable for many households owing to rising food inflation. However, it is curious to see most cooks in a tizzy about how to afford these staples. Two of these vegetables — tomatoes and potatoes — are not indigenous to India at all. There are many recipes that can be made using local vegetables that have fallen out of favour — alu bukharas and shakarkandis come easily to mind — or been replaced by tomatoes and potatoes. Perhaps this is an opportunity to innovate instead of despair.
Sulagna Saha, Calcutta
Contentious issue
Sir — The Calcutta High Court has ordered the cancellation of over five lakh caste certificates issued to members of other backward classes by the West Bengal government after 2010 — the Trinamool Congress came to power in 2011 (“‘Invalid’: 5 lakh OBC certificates”, May 23). The court has directed the West Bengal government to frame new rules along the lines of Central norms. The bone of contention seems to be the inclusion of Muslims among the OBCs. This verdict exposes the TMC’s unscrupulous attempts to woo Muslim voters.
Yugal Kishore Sharma, Faridabad
Sir — The chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has announced her decision to challenge the Calcutta High Court’s recent order regarding the scrapping of OBC certificates issued after 2010, calling it a divisive ploy by the Bharatiya Janata Party to foment communal disharmony in the state. While the verdict does not affect those who have already secured jobs based on the OBC certificates issued after 2010, no new jobs can be sought using these certificates. The court has directed the government to frame new laws that follow the Centre’s norms. However, the timing of this order — it came amidst the general elections — raises suspicion about a political conspiracy. One of the two judges who passed the order is alleged to be close to the BJP. It is unfortunate that citizens cannot trust the judiciary completely.
Aayman Anwar Ali, Calcutta
Unfinished lessons
Sir — The poll rights body, Association for Democratic Reforms, has released some data regarding the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. As many as 121 candidates in the fray are illiterate and more than 350 have studied only up to the fifth standard. This is shocking. It will be difficult for an illiterate representative to work for his or her constituency. The Lok Sabha must have an eligibility criteria of at least a high school degree. This is a grave issue which needs to be addressed immediately.
Shantaram Wagh, Pune
Great heights
Sir — Kaamya Karthikeyan, a Class XII student and a recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar, has become the second-youngest girl in the world and the youngest Indian to summit Mount Everest. Karthikeyan has also summited six of the seven highest peaks across the continents. This is laudable. Young people must draw inspiration from her and pursue their goals with determination.
Bal Govind, Noida
Iconic doll
Sir — It is heartening that Mattel, the maker of Barbie dolls, is set to honour the tennis icon, Venus Williams, along with eight other sportspersons (“Twin missions: To honour athletes, inspire girls”, May 23). The dolls depicting Williams will have racquets and be dressed in white tennis dresses with matching sneakers and visors. They will also sport the player’s signature gold hoop earrings. Surely, these dolls will become a hit among Williams’ fans worldwide.
Sourish Misra, Calcutta