Best critic

Sir — We have all been guilty of being judgemental of the people close to us. But the critical remarks often make the other person feel insecure and anxious and cause problems in relationships. On the other hand, pets are known to be non-judgemental and tend to provide unconditional love to their owners. However, researchers at a university in Japan recently proved that dogs and other animals are also capable of preferential treatment and can be severely critical of our behaviour and our actions towards them. Female dogs, especially, can see right through the person and recognise when he or she is incompetent. But is not an in-built sense of fairness a desirable trait when it comes to our most loyal companions?

Soujanya Biswas, Calcutta

Rich deposit

Sir — It is heartening that the Geological Survey of India has discovered India’s first deposits of lithium in Jammu and Kashmir (“Lithium deposit big hope in J&K”, Feb 11). India imports lithium — a strategic metal that is used for batteries of electric vehicles — from other countries, mainly China. Mining home-grown lithium means India will not have to depend on China, especially at a time when the two countries are not on the best of terms. While the importance of lithium is paramount for developmental activities, there are reasons for concern. Jammu and Kashmir is prone to earthquakes. Mining in the fragile Himalayan ecology can thus cause catastrophic damage as was evident by the recent land subsidence at Joshimath. The prospect of lithium mining needs more deliberation by scientists, engineers, policymakers and environmentalists. It should also include the views of all the stakeholders, including the local residents.

A.K. Chakraborty, Kamrup, Assam

Sir — The report, “The lithium full story Centre forgot to tell” (Feb 12), highlights the contributions of the scientists, K.K. Sharma and S.C. Uppal, who first informed about the promising signs of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir in 1999. It is disheartening that the current dispensation has failed to acknowledge them. Despite the early recommendations, the GSI did not take up further exploration work. One of the reasons for this could be the fact that lithium was not in great demand back then.

K. Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam

Diversionary tactic

Sir — The prime minister, Narendra Modi, attacked the members of the Gandhi family by asking why they were ashamed of using the surname of the former prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. This is the prime minister’s attempt to deflect attention from the questions raised on the Adani Group crisis by the Opposition. The Gandhi surname, used by Nehru’s successors, came from Indira Gandhi’s marriage to Feroze Jehangir Ghandy, who changed the spelling of his surname to ‘Gandhi’ after joining the freedom struggle in 1930. Parliament is not a place to launch personal attacks on someone, invoking his or her family roots. Modi should have the conviction to take on the questions of the Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, instead of resorting to such diversionary tactics.

Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai

Sir — Indira Gandhi used the surname of Feroz Gandhi as it is common for Indian women to take the surname of their husbands after marriage. The Constitution also allows us to change our names according to our choice. The issue raised by the prime minister in the Rajya Sabha was thus unnecessary.

K.V. Seetharamaiah, Bengaluru

Sustainable wheels

Sir — Tram lovers of Calcutta have called for electric tram cars to be recognised as a sustainable option for mobility. This is in line with the global shift to green modes of transportation to mitigate pollution (“Celebrating 150 years of Calcutta’s trams”, Feb 12). Trams became synonymous with Calcutta’s transport culture ever since they were introduced in 1873. However, since then, trams have been increasingly withdrawn from the city roads owing to the perception that they slow down traffic — they now run on only two routes. This has to change. Trams must be revamped for ensuring durability.

Khokan Das, Calcutta

Tough action

Sir — Acting on the ruling of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of Calcutta High Court, the School Service Commission has cancelled the recommendations on the basis of which 1,911 candidates illegally got their jobs in government schools. These candidates now stand to lose their jobs and have to refund the salary they have drawn during their tenure. While these candidates are guilty of participating in the wrongdoing, it is also possible that they might be victims of prevailing circumstances and got lured by the prospect of job offers in exchange for cash.

Jahar Saha, Calcutta

Sir — It is a matter of shame that the candidates who did not even qualify for the posts of teachers have been teaching students in government schools owing to the recruitment scam. This significantly marred the prospect of promising students. The judiciary should take stringent actions against those at fault to ensure transparency in faculty recruitment.

D. Bhattacharyya, Calcutta

Paper love

Sir — Gone are the days when prem potro was the favourite tool of communication between lovers. After articulating their feelings on paper, the writers used to send the letters secretly to their lovers through mutual friends. There used to be much excitement surrounding these exchanges.

Sourish Misra, Calcutta