Keep it simple
Sir — Much is said about how individual action can help the planet. While it is true that shunning meat and refusing to use plastic can make a difference, this is not enough. In fact, focussing on individual action can distract us from bigger challenges. For instance, a lot of money has been spent on developing cutting-edge technology to combat climate change. Instead, funds should be allocated to implementing changes that we know will have an impact. The recent boom in businesses which seal up long-abandoned oil wells in the United States of America shows that even climate-positive action can be lucrative.
Sanjay Samaddar, Calcutta
Silencing dissent
Sir — It is unfortunate that the Delhi Police has filed over 100 cases and arrested six people after hundreds of posters seeking the removal of the prime minister, Narendra Modi, were found in the capital (“100 FIRs for Modi slogan”, Mar 23). The arrests have become the latest flashpoint between the Centre and the Aam Aadmi Party government in the capital. It seems that the Centre is scared of public protests.
Khokan Das, Calcutta
Sir — It is a sad state of affairs when one can get arrested just for expressing opinions that go against majoritarian sentiments. Any form of dissent is rabidly opposed by a sensitive lot of people who are affected by all contrarian opinions. This growing trend of placing restrictions on the freedom of expression is alarming. Kajal Chatterjee, Calcutta
Scripted to flourish
Sir — The article, “My story in now a script my own” (Mar 19), on the evolution of the Ol Chiki script was interesting and informative. The Santhali language, spoken by 7.6 million people in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, is best expressed in the Ol Chiki script.It is thus heartening that the legacy of Guru Gomke Raghunath Murmu, the creator of the script, is being carried forward by his descendant, Malati Murmu, through the newspaper, Fagun. It will allow people of Santhali origin to remain connected to their linguistic roots.
Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly
Law and disorder
Sir —The comment made by the Union law minister that some retired judges are now part of an “anti-India gang” is uncalled for (“Out of law”, Mar 23). Even if some differences exist between the government and the judiciary, they must be ironed out behind closed doors. The partisan functioning of supposedly independent agencies like the Election Commission of India is an indication of the fact that the dispensation at the Centre is trying to bring all State institutions, including the judiciary, under its thumb.
Prabir Kumar Pal, Calcutta
Pledge to protect
Sir — Itis encouraging to see that the year, 2025, is the target that the prime minister, Narendra Modi, has set to completely eradicate tuberculosis from India — a full five years ahead of the global target of 2030. After the celebration of World TB Day on March 24 — the date is meant to honour Robert Koch, who discovered the tubercle bacillus in the tissues of animals and humans suffering from TB — we should pledge to contribute to the cause of TB eradication by raising awareness about the disease because it can be cured if detected early.
T.S. Karthik, Chennai
Parting shot
Sir — Arghya Sengupta’s article reminiscing about his teacher, Elphage Pradip Rozario, was moving (“Different lessons”, Mar 22). We rarely find such dedicated teachers in schools anymore. This is unfortunate.
Ranjana Sarkar, Calcutta
