Too cinematic
Sir — Desperate times call for desperate measures. In the film, The Shawshank Redemption, Andy Dufresne crafted an elaborate plan, stretching over more than a decade, to escape from prison. The Enforcement Directorate seems to have confused reel and real lives. The ED has alleged that the jailed Aam Aadmi Party leader, Arvind Kejriwal, is deliberately consuming mangoes and aloo puri to increase his blood sugar levels to make grounds to appeal for bail. Perhaps the ED should stop being inspired by cult movies and provide Kejriwal with the insulin he has requested so that his blood sugar stays in control.
Prabhas Sharma, Patna
Altered view
Sir — In a recent interview with The Telegraph, the historian, Irfan Habib, stated that history should be studied and taught “as it was, not as it should have been” (“Habib: Pak-like cherry-picking of history”, April 15). Habib’s warnings must be heeded to avoid the dangerous consequences of the deliberate modification of history by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, which has removed important events like the reign of Akbar from textbooks and is promoting falsehoods like the caste system emerging only after the ascent of Muslim rulers. The saffron ecosystem has stooped low enough to discredit the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, and deify its ideological guru, V.D. Savarkar. Looking at every bit of the freedom struggle from a Hindutva perspective reeks of desperation.
Jahar Saha, Calcutta
Sir — The noted historian, Irfan Habib, has stated that secularism in independent India was founded with the assimilation of every caste and religion into the freedom movement. He also justifiably bemoans the fact that secularism has come to mean equal importance will be accorded to all religions. It should mean the triumph of reason over religion. India’s multilingual and multireligious ethos sets it apart from theist States like Pakistan.
Habib’s warning about the refashioning of India’s history also carries lessons for the BJP. Just like Aurangzeb is universally hated for his alleged attempts to wipe out all other religions from India, the BJP too will be hated in the future for its attempts to saffronise India.
Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly
For profit
Sir — The revelation that Nestlé adds more sugar to baby formula meant for sale in South Asia and Africa is concerning. Nestlé’s action is unethical and harmful for children. Food safety agencies in India must conduct a thorough investigation and take stringent action if needed. The government should spread public awareness about these products. It is disheartening to see a reputed company prioritise profit over health.
Dhananjay Sinha, Calcutta
Braveheart
Sir — Salman Rushdie has proved beyond doubt that the pen is mightier than the sword (“Blinded in one eye, but Rushdie’s vision is undiminished”, April 16). Over a year after he was attacked on stage, he has released an account of the assault. With his typically irreverent sense of humour, he recently commented in an interview that he remembers his eye hanging “like a soft-boiled egg” on his cheek. It is commendable that despite almost being killed, Rushdie continues to zealously promote the right to free speech.
Shovanlal Chakraborty, Calcutta
Speak the truth
Sir — The article, “Let truth triumph” (April 9), by Devi Kar was timely. It cannot be denied that ours is a dishonest society. Corruption, too, is rampant. Kar’s suggestions are appropriate. Teachers and parents must encourage children to speak the truth without fear of consequences.
S.K. Bhattacharji, North 24 Parganas
