Virtual mates
Sir — Camaraderie is not a characteristic unique to humans, nor apparently is the trend of seeking to connect to people over video calls. Recent research by Northeastern University has proven that parrots, too, feel the need for virtual companionship. The 18 parrots in the study spent 1,000 hours over 147 calls singing to each other, sharing tricks, and even trying to groom each other. While social distancing has brought home our need for human connectivity, caregivers of animals often ignore the emotional needs of their isolated pets who have an intrinsic desire to bond with their peers.
Rittika Das,Calcutta
Take stock
Sir — The chief ministerof Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, had earned a good reputation by introducing several beneficial schemes during thelast two years. However,his recent nod to some controversial bills, such asallowing liquor to be servedat social functions, hasrightly attracted criticism.It is time for Stalin to take stock of the situation andact responsibly.
Tharcius S. Fernando,Chennai
Lengthy battle
Sir — The vow of the chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, to stage a sit-in outside Pratichi, the ancestral house of the Nobel laureate, Amartya Sen, is misguided (“Bulldozer? We will see: Didi”, April 27). The state is currently reeling under corruption charges against several ministersand a financial crisis that require her immediate attention.
The state government must address urgent matters like the recruitment of successful candidates for various government jobs. The dispute between Sen and Visva-Bharati University is not a political issue and must be dealt with through appropriate channels.
Mihir Kanungo,Calcutta
Sir — The conflict between Visva-Bharati and Amartya Sen regarding the allegedly ‘unauthorised’ occupation of 13 decimals of land has become a political agenda. The university has stooped so low as to threaten to bulldoze Sen’s property. The university authorities should not compromise their dignity.
D. Bhattacharyya,Calcutta
By the book
Sir — The ruling in the Kesavananda Bharati versus State of Kerala case, which stated that Parliament cannot amend the basic structure of the Constitution, was a landmark one (“Back to base”, April 27). It ensures that no dispensation — even one with a brute majority — can tamper with the foundational values of the Constitution. The Constitution emerged out of the long history of anti-colonial struggle and must serve as a source of inspiration for Parliament.
Samiul Hassan Quadri,Bikaner
Broken territory
Sir — The recent tiger census has shown a steady increase in the number of the big cats in India (“Big cat on a hot tin roof”, April 28). In spite of this, many factors continue to adversely affect the country’s tiger population. One of them is the dwindling forest cover, which has increased the mortality rate of tigers, which are solitary creatures that mark out sizeable territories for themselves. Forest cover must thus be expanded to accommodate the growing tiger population. This will also mean that people who have to give up their land or co-exist with tigers will need to be compensated.
Abhijit Roy,Jamshedpur
Parting shot
Sir — Periods of extreme heat alternated with overcast skies and rainfall will affect mango production across the country. This is sad for Bengalis who look forward to relishing mangoes.
Kakoli Das,Calcutta
