Doomed for life

Sir — The line between science fiction and reality has been blurred. A German company has begun offering cryopreservation services, stating that the dead bodies will be revived whenever technology permits it in the future. The company aims to allow people to live forever by preserving their brains and bodies. This is a culmination of the human desire for eternal life. Given that the rising incidence of extreme weather events, socio-political unrest and lack of personal safety are leading to a rapid deterioration in the quality of life, one wonders why people are choosing to wake up in a world where the salvation of death does not exist.

Shibesh Das, Calcutta

Desperate move

Sir — The West Bengal government has launched an initiative called Rattirer Sathi to ensure the safety of women who have to work or step out at night (“App, women guards for night safety”, Aug 18). This seems to be a desperate attempt by the ruling party to appease the disgruntled masses rather than a genuine effort to address their grievances. The Trinamool Congress-led dispensation in the state has witnessed an unprecedented wave of protests against its alleged complicity in shielding the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh. Several steps have been taken, including increasing security at government institutions and encouraging authorities not to assign night shifts to women. Whether the government will be able to deliver on these promises remains doubtful. The chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, must now cooperate with the Central agencies investigating the incident and avoid fanning controversies.

Aayman Anwar Ali, Calcutta

Sir — The TMC government’s decision to launch Rattirer Sathi after the recent case of rape and murder of a doctor is well-­planned. The Rattirer Sathi application will be connected to local police stations and can help prevent crimes. Along with the app, other measures, such as deploying women security personnel and discouraging institutions from assigning night shifts to women, have also been taken. Such prompt action by the chief minister will send a strong message to the Centre. It too should come up with measures to curb crimes against women.

Iftekhar Ahmed, Calcutta

Sir — The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the rape and death of a doctor in Calcutta. Additionally, waves of protest against the government have forced the Mamata Banerjee-led government to set up comprehensive guidelines and launch an app, Rattirer Sathi. The guidelines issued are currently applicable to government institutions. Such hasty measures indicate that the security of women in West Bengal was pitiful before this. People are thus right to demand justice.

Manas Mukhopadhyay, Hooghly

Neglected safety

Sir — Two children were sexually assaulted in a school in Badlapur by a staff member. It is concerning that schools in our country have become unsafe for children. The state authorities seemed reluctant to take action until the agitated public took to the streets, vandalising the school building and protesting. Such incidents can be avoided by installing surveillance cameras in public places. The government should take action against the school administration.

Zakir Hussain, Kazipet, Telangana

Sir — The Badlapur incident is an example of negligence by the state administration and the school authorities. Parties in power in the states either spend their time resolving internal fights or are busy fighting with the Centre. This causes administrative lapses. The state education department and the school must take responsibility for this crime.

Dattaprasad Shirodkar, Mumbai

Dubious motive

Sir — The impetus behind Ronald Ross’s discovery of the malarial parasite was saving British soldiers posted in various colonies from the deadly tropical disease (“How Sir Ronald Ross established the complete life cycle of malaria parasite”, Aug 21). Ross was in favour of imperialism, as was the Nobel laureate, Rudyard Kipling, who considered colonial natives to be the “white man’s burden”.

H.N. Ramakrishna, Bengaluru

Fragile economy

Sir — Renu Kohli’s article, “Angry, young men” (Aug 20), has correctly identified the economic factors responsible for the recent upheaval in Bangladesh. Low-paying jobs and an increased cost of living are some of the probable factors behind the student uprising. The article, however, failed to highlight the issue of religious fundamentalism or the alleged foreign interference in Bangladesh’s politics.

There is mass discontent in many countries with large working-age populations owing to globalisation. Prioritising profits, GDP and market forces over basic human needs leads to instability. Guaranteeing a universal basic income by ensuring sustainable job opportunities, along with focusing on education, is more important than politically-motivated freebies.

Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly