Cherry picking
Sir — Human activity disrupting the animal kingdom has become a regular phenomenon. This is why animal mobility increased during the pandemic-induced lockdown when humans were cooped up in their homes. But humans recently got a taste of their own medicine. A ‘pick-your-own cherries’ event in Cornwall had to be cancelled after all the ripe fruit in the orchard was feasted on by a flock of blackbirds. But people should realise that hungry birds devouring fruits is only natural. Further, can the avians be blamed for picking their own cherries as the event clearly invited its guests to do?
Dhruv Khanna, Mumbai
Just criticism
Sir — The White House has rightly condemned the harassment of Sabrina Siddiqui, the Wall Street Journal reporter who asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the steps taken by his government to protect minority rights and free speech in India during his visit to the United States of America (“OUCH! The punching power of ONE press conference”, June 28). Siddiqui was bullied by online trolls from India. Even State actors, such as Amit Malviya, the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s IT cell, did not spare her. This is deplorable.
Modi’s measured response to Siddiqui’s question may be proof of his diplomatic skills, but he still refuses to field questions from the media, both at home and abroad.
K. Nehtu Patnaik, Visakhapatnam
Sir — The online badgering of Sabrina Siddiqui after she questioned Narendra Modi about minority rights and free speech in India indicates the xenophobic mindset of right-wing elements. The targeting of journalists based on their identity — the harassers targeted Siddiqui’s faith and heritage — must be condemned outright.
The incident also highlights the challenges faced by journalists who seek to hold political leaders accountable by shedding light on their failures. This underscores the urgent need to protect press freedom. The White House’s denunciation of Siddiqui’s harassers thus sends a strong message about safeguarding the democratic ethos.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Sir — Sabrina Siddiqui must be commended for asking the prime minister, Narendra Modi, a pointed question about declining press freedoms and minority rights in India. This is in stark contrast to the domestic media that have been toeing the government’s line. It is also concerning that several ministers of the National Democratic Alliance government have been averse to addressing questions about the government’s poor performance on key indices.
Further, two Union ministers, Nirmala Sitharaman and Rajnath Singh, recently lashed out at the former American president, Barack Obama, for airing his concerns about Muslims’ rights in India (“Home fires”, June 27). Such severe retaliation shows that Obama’s statements touched a raw nerve.
Tushar Anand, Patna
Sir — The US’s defence of Sabrina Siddiqui is reflective of the robustness of the American democracy. India must learn from this.
R.K. Mitra, Calcutta
False step
Sir — The chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, was injured while alighting from a helicopter that made an emergency landing owing to inclement weather (“CM injured after chopper landing”, June 28). This comes at a time when the campaign for the upcoming panchayat elections is in full swing. Such untoward incidents have marred Banerjee’s electoral campaigns in the past too. Nevertheless, the election commission and government officials should ensure the security of the chief minister.
Jayanta Datta, Hooghly
Scientific brilliance
Sir — The demise of John B. Goodenough, the British-American chemist who won the Nobel Prize for his contribution towards developing the lithium-ion battery, was saddening (“Lithium-ion battery creator dies”, June 27). His invention led to strides in wireless technology, making portable electronic items ubiquitous. His work on superbatteries could revolutionise the energy sector in the future. His achievements are inspiring.
Jahar Saha, Calcutta
Recurrent malady
Sir — Dengue has, once again, reared its ugly head in Calcutta with the onset of the monsoon (“Dengue spreader, would you like to breed in a car? Be our guest”, June 29). Accumulated rainwater across the city as well as seized cars parked outside police stations provide fertile ground for mosquitoes to breed. The municipality must take immediate steps to curb this menace.
Amit Brahmo, Calcutta
Parting shot
Sir — The price of tomatoes has skyrocketed to no less than Rs 100 per kg owing to a dip in supply. Tomato is a staple ingredient in most Indian households. One hopes that the surge in its price is temporary.
Sourish Misra, Calcutta
