Beyond books
Sir — Calcutta’s book fair is not merely a wonderland of books. It has several other attractions, even though bibliophiles may turn up their noses at some of these. For instance, Nabadweep er lal doi seemed to be a definite attraction this year if the snaking queue in front of a kiosk was any indication. The stalls selling jute bags — food packets often dominate books in these — made brisk business too. One even saw a busker play tunes out of key. But the Oscar — if there was one for the boi mela — must go to those unsung poets delivering their verses, come rain or shine, in front of an audience with its face turned towards food stalls.
Srirupa Kar, Calcutta
Ugly spat
Sir — The Indian judiciary acts according to provisions laid down in the Constitution. The recent altercation between a division bench of the Calcutta High Court headed by Justice Soumen Sen and a single-judge bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay regarding a case was thus unprecedented (“Single judge refuses to accept division bench order”, Jan 26). Gangopadhyay’s order for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into alleged irregularities in admissions to medical courses was stayed by the division bench, which also quashed the FIR registered by the CBI. Yet, Gangopadhyay asked the CBI to carry on with the probe in open court. Such conflicts among judges reflect turbulence within the judiciary and should be reviewed by the Supreme Court.
Arun Kumar Baksi, Calcutta
Sir — It is unfortunate that the disagreement between a single judge bench and a division bench of the Calcutta High Court came out in the open. It is incumbent on the chief justice of the high court to investigate this matter and ensure that such a public spat does not affect the image of the judiciary.
Jayanta Datta, Hooghly
Still burning
Sir — The situation in Manipur remains grave even eight months after ethnic clashes broke out between the Kukis and the Meiteis (“Meitei ‘oath’ in Kuki-Zo crosshairs”, Jan 26). As such, the Kangla Fort meeting of the Meitei group, Arambai Tenggol, attended by Meitei politicians, has added fuel to the fire. The prime minister, however, continues to maintain his silence on this issue.
K. Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam
Alternative paths
Sir — Students need to be prepared for a variety of careers owing to the changing nature of jobs, future uncertainties and increased life expectancy (“Be prepared for multiple careers”, Jan 25). Students are prone to choosing career options that prioritise financial security. Failure to secure such a career usually leaves them with few options. One must thus keep alternative options ready. Technological advancements have enabled students to pursue more than one course via distance learning even on a limited budget. Proper career counselling can guide the youth through job insecurities.
Kiran Agarwal, Calcutta
Need for diversity
Sir — The decision of Japan’s Sony Group to call off the $10 billion merger between Culver Max Entertainment and Zee Entertainment does not come as a surprise given that both companies were not on the same page about who would lead the merged entity. Despite its deep pockets, Sony is struggling for a wider reach in India. Zee Entertainment has a strong regional presence and a large number of channels. Without the merger, both face uncertainties as Disney Star might merge with Reliance’s Viacom18 to create India’s largest media conglomerate. The Indian entertainment space now needs more diverse, competing entities that provide better and cheaper entertainment options for its growing customer base.
M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu
