Rare melody
Sir — There are few things more pleasant and harmonious than birdsong. One reason behind this is that birdsong has healing properties — research has shown that hearing a bird croon can actually calm our frayed nerves. But do birds carefully think about the structural composition of music like humans do? A recent study has concluded that both birds and humans use similar vocalisation techniques and rhythmic patterns to make their musical compositions more melodic. This is perhaps why musicians like Mozart and Bob Marley have taken inspiration from birdsong in the past. Unfortunately, with humans increasingly cutting down trees and destroying avian habitats, getting to experience such natural melody has become a rarity.
Mehul Das,Delhi
Democratic virtues
Sir — In his column, “A democrat’s desire” (July 1), Ramachandra Guha discusses the negative implications of single-party rule in India. Underscoring the importance of coalition governments, Guha wished for no single political party to get a majority of more than 250 seats in the 2024 general elections. This, he said, would make India a more participatory democracy. The author also rightly enumerated some of the virtues necessary to ensure democratic governance — more autonomy for cabinet ministers, heeding the advice of coalition partners, and engaging with Opposition parties are some of his suggestions.
Sukhendu Bhattacharjee,Hooghly
Too little, too late
Sir — In a welcome move, Willem-Alexander, the king of the Netherlands, has apologised for the country’s historical involvement in slavery (“Dutch king apologises for links to slavery”, July 2). The monarch also commissioned a detailed investigation into the role his ancestors played in colonial oppression. But a formal apology is not enough reparation for years of injustice. A study found that the Dutch House of Orange-Nassau made a profit of around $600 million from the slave trade. Apologies should thus include reparative action to uplift the oppressed.
Arka Goswami,West Burdwan
Sir — The brutalities committed during the colonial slave trade form one of the darkest chapters in human history. The Netherlands is just one in a long list of European countries that participated in or supported slavery. Mere apologies will not do. The descendants of those who were oppressed during the transatlantic slave trade must be sought out and adequately compensated to correct historical wrongdoings.
Jang Bahadur Singh,Jamshedpur
Violent state
Sir — The attacks and counterattacks that have been taking place between the Metei and the Kuki communities in Manipur are disheartening (“Three killed; beheading in revenge attack”, Jul 3). Irate Manipuris are rightly concerned about the chief minister’s failure to fulfil the promise that he would negotiate with the Meiteis while the Union home minister spoke to the Kukis. The inability to ensure peace raises questions about the true intent of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is in power both at the Centre and in the state.
It is evident that the government led by N. Biren Singh has not been able to prevent communal conflagration in Manipur. The Centre must thus dismiss the chief minister and impose president’s rule in the state.
S.S. Paul,Nadia
Sir — The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, has voiced concern about the worsening conflict in Manipur (“The fear: Manipur is the future face”, July 2). Her warning must be heeded for she has a long experience of similar tensions in Kashmir. The violence in Manipur, which has claimed more than 100 lives over the past two months, is spiralling out of control. The calculated silence of the prime minister, Narendra Modi, on the issue harks back to his reaction after the 2002 pogrom in Gujarat.
Pratima Manimala,Howrah
Note the irony
Sir — A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court has stayed the Gujarat High Court’s decision rejecting the bail application of the civil rights activist, Teesta Setalvad, for a week (“Shield for a week after blow in Gujarat”, July 2). The subjugation of Setalvad, who has been seeking justice for the victims of the Gujarat riots, as opposed to the early release of those convicted of raping Bilkis Bano during the riots is steeped in irony.
G. David Milton,Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
In the lead
Sir — Australia must be congratulated for winning the second Test in the ongoing Ashes series to take a 2-0 lead against England (“2-0 after some dare & drama”, July 3). England will now find it hard to turn the tide. But the unpredictability of cricket keeps hope alive for the English side.
Fakhrul Alam,Calcutta
Historic cafe
Sir — It was heartening to learn that the Indian Coffee House in College Street will be launching a new outlet in Diamond Harbour (“Coffee House adda to branch out”, July 1). Steps should be taken to expand its footprint to other tourist destinations.
Manna Dey had ruminated in one of his popular songs that the adda culture at the coffee house has declined. This is not true. From its heydays, when it was frequented by luminaries, to the present day, adda has been a constant at the famous cafe.
Anjan Majumdar,Calcutta
Sir — While the Indian Coffee House is steeped in nostalgia and history, its menu needs an updation for it to stay relevant. The hygiene standards also need improvement, as does the taste of the coffee.
Shaili Dhar,Calcutta
