New trick

Sir — Women tend to pay more than men when it comes to beauty and skincare products because of gender-based pricing. But the pink tax is not the only way corporates seem to be financially squeezing the public. As more men shed their inhibitions regarding skincare and grooming, companies seem to be profiting from this new-found fascination and marketing products targeted exclusively towards men. Beauty brands tend to market specialised products and justify high price tags by citing the specific needs of men. Unless people understand the ruse, they will be forced to shell out more for no good reason.

Swarnali Sengupta, Calcutta

Iconic leader

Sir — It is heartbreaking to learn that Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet leader who changed the course of history, is no more. Not only did he bring an end to the Cold War but he also signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the then president of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan, paving the way for a sizeable reduction in nuclear weapons. On the domestic front, he sought to revolutionise the Soviet system through measures such as glasnost and perestroika. Gorbachev dismantled the Iron Curtain and allowed Russian Jews to study Hebrew, go to synagogue, and openly practise their religion.

Gorbachev leaves behind a rich legacy. He may have faced the wrath of his countrymen for his decisions but there is no doubt that his politics was underpinned by wisdom and bravery. He will be missed.

G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

Sir — Before Mikhail Gorbachev assumed power, the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was ruled with an iron fist. But Gorbachev understood the changing needs of the time. He did not let criticism deter him and embraced the West for the greater good of his countrymen. It is unfortunate that he breathed his last at a time when Russia has become a totalitarian nation under Vladimir Putin.

M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu

Sir — Mikhail Gorbachev was hailed in the West for bringing an end to the Cold War but Russian nationalists and stalwarts of the old order considered him a traitor. Gorbachev may be a polarising figure but he changed history with the decisions he took as the last Soviet leader.

Tashi Baheti, Ujjain

Out of options

Sir — The political relevance of the Congress is at an all-time low. As more senior leaders part ways with the Grand Old Party — the latest being the veteran leader, Ghulam Nabi Azad — it seems increasingly unlikely that the Congress will regain its foothold (“Another blow”, Sept 1). For too long, the regional satraps of the Congress had bowed down to the high command, leading to an unhealthy dependence on the Gandhi-Nehru family. But the Gandhis are no longer able to steer the Congress in the right direction. Additionally, the rise of the sangh parivar, as well as the predominance of regional parties, has reduced the Congress’s popularity among the masses.

The Congress must focus on rebuilding the organisation from the ground up. Hopefully, the departure of Azad will force the Congress to introspect on its mode of functioning. The party is in dire need of a strong and diligent leader.

R. Narayanan, Navi Mumbai

Hasty decision

Sir — The government of West Bengal is set to distribute two sets of blue-and-white school uniforms with the Biswa Bangla logo for all government and government-aided schools. While this ensures that all students have at least two sets of uniforms, it will also lead to district schools losing their individual institutional identity. Thus, if a student were to meet with an accident on the road, it will be difficult for passers-by to identify the school and notify the authorities. The state government should have thought through its decision. It must find a way to differentiate among the uniforms.

Sibsankar Dey, East Burdwan

Old demand

Sir — Some Bharatiya Janata Party legislators and party leaders in North Bengal recently irked the national leadership after they advocated for the bifurcation of the state (“Statehood cry irks BJP leaders”, Sept 1). In June this year, the national president of the BJP, J.P. Nadda, had instructed legislators and state leaders not to comment on the demand for a separate state in North Bengal. It seems that the senior leadership has been unable to rein in these demands. This must be addressed before it is too late.

Ashok Kumar Ghosh, Calcutta

Parting shot

Sir — September 3, the birth anniversary of Uttam Kumar, is celebrated by the Bengali cinema-going audience with much fanfare. Many television channels broadcast his hits and newspapers and magazines publish articles on the biggest-ever matinee idol of Bengali cinema. Uttam Kumar continues to be popular across generations of cinema fans.

Sourish Misra, Calcutta