Thorny gift
Sir — There are few who would not appreciate an unexpected gift. It is thus baffling that a woman from Bengaluru was exasperated when the online grocery store, Big Basket, recently sent her free marigold flowers along with her regular order of groceries on the occasion of Onam. She argued that the gesture was an attempt at forceful religious conversion. While worries about religious conversions are widespread in India these days, the woman’s anger is misplaced. Not only is gifting flowers an enduring way of showing affection but almost all religious festivals in India would also be incomplete without them.
Vidisha Gupta, Mumbai
Scary rerun
Sir — Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee and former president of the United States of America, faced a second attempt on his life at his golf course in Florida recently (“Security posers over 2nd attack on Trump”, Sept 17). It is difficult to ignore the similarities between the two assassination attempts on Trump. In both cases, the assassins were intercepted and the blame was placed on inadequate security cover for the former president. Both instances provided Trump with an opportunity to attack the Joe Biden administration.
It must be noted that an assassination bid, especially when it is a close call, generates public sympathy for the victim. The second attempt at Trump’s life may thus improve his prospects in the presidential elections.
S. Kamat, Mysuru
Sir — The second assassination bid on Donald Trump points to the entrenched gun culture in the US. The number of gun attacks in public places like malls, schools and others has been increasing across the country. This is concerning and requires immediate attention.
Nabnit Panigrahi, Rayagada, Odisha
Tragedy strikes
Sir — Several people across India were killed during the immersion of Ganesha idols. This marked a tragic end to the religious festival. Devotees must exercise caution during the immersion-related rituals. The importance of taking safety precautions during festivities cannot be overemphasised.
Nikhil C.K. Maniam, Navi Mumbai
Sir — Processions for religious immersions often play loud music. This becomes disruptive for other citizens. Such blaring music leads to noise pollution. The authorities should institute a decibel limit to ensure that such processions pass peacefully without disturbing others.
Sudhir G. Kangutkar, Thane
Glorious return
Sir — The Indian hockey team deserves plaudits for winning the Asian Champions Trophy for a record fifth time (“India ride late Jugraj strike to title”, Sept 18). This adds yet another feather to the team’s cap after winning the bronze medal in the Olympic Games this year. India had thumped South Korea 4-1 in the semi-finals; they claimed victory over the Chinese in the final match 1-0. The skipper, Harmanpreet Singh, alone scored seven goals in the tournament. Such back-to-back stellar performances indicate that the golden era of hockey in India has returned.
Indranil Sanyal, Calcutta
Sir — The Indian hockey team put up a historic performance at the finals of the Asian Championship. Indian hockey has seen a downward slide since its heyday in the 1960s. However, in the past 10 years, hockey seems to have reclaimed its lost glory in India. The Central and the state governments should be more proactive about promoting the sport. India could take a leaf out of China’s book; it has become a world leader in hockey in recent years.
N. Mahadevan, Chennai
