Nostalgia’s nice
Sir — Nostalgia — a bittersweet longing for the past — is a feeling most of us are familiar with. But it can hold people back from progressing in life. There is now a version of nostalgia that does not involve reminiscing about the past, but mourning one’s present, knowing it will not last forever. Experts are calling it “anticipatory nostalgia”. This feeling, though, is not necessarily a bad thing. Despite the sense of gloom it can induce, it can teach us to value the present in a way that might comfort us later. This anticipatory sense of loss is a recognition of the fact that what one is experiencing at the moment is special and unique.
Dikshita Bhowmick, Durgapur
Grave penalty
Sir — Eight former Indian navy personnel have been sentenced to death by a court in Qatar for allegedly conducting espionage on behalf of Israel (“Qatar death sentence on 8 Indian veterans”, Oct 27). This raises questions about the fairness of legal proceedings in that country and the potential implications of this verdict on the diplomatic relations between India and Qatar. In case of a death penalty, the legal proceedings must be transparent and impartial. The rights of the accused must be upheld and they must be given access to fair legal representation as well as the opportunity to present evidence in their defence. Diplomatic channels should focus on ensuring that international standards of justice are adhered to in this case and that the rights of the accused are not being violated.
Maimul Safui, Howrah
Sir — The death sentences given to former Indian navy personnel in Qatar pose significant diplomatic challenges. The death penalty is a contentious issue in India and can lead to potential public outrage at Qatar’s judicial system. This can upset the traditionally warm relationship between India and Qatar, jeopardising trade and energy partnerships and defence collaborations. It might also destabilise the Gulf Cooperation Council and affect India’s ties with other Middle Eastern nations. The Indian government must safeguard its national interests while adhering to international and humanitarian obligations.
Amarjeet Kumar, Hazaribagh
Sir — The specific charges against the Indian navy personnel who have been sentenced to death have not been made public by either the Qatari or the Indian government. One wonders whether the accused were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Israel-Palestine war has already strained India’s relations with some Gulf countries. The Bharatiya Janata Party government must take responsibility for its failed diplomacy and its inability to protect these ex-servicemen.
Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai
Sir — India can ill-afford to jeopardise its relationship with Qatar. The Centre must seek the help of the United Nations to probe deeper into the charges against the navy personnel who have been sentenced to death (“Onus for release of Qatar 8 on govt: Cong”, Oct 28).
Dimple Wadhawan, Kanpur
Sir — The death penalty given to former Indian servicemen by Qatar is deeply shocking. The men have been in custody for almost a year. One hopes that the Indian prime minister will facilitate the release of the accused while maintaining cordial relations with Qatar.
Zakir Hussain, Kazipet, Telangana
Parting shot
Sir — It is heartening that the mint has released a token with an image of the 2022 Durga idol from Babu Bagan Sarbojanin Puja to mark the enlistment of Durga Puja on Unesco’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (“Durga idol on token issued by mint”, Oct 27). One hopes that commemorative stamps and coins will be issued next.
Sourish Misra, Calcutta
