Sleepless energy
Sir — People who pull all-nighters before tests often emerge from the examination hall giddy at having had those much-needed, last-minute revisions. But it is not just the revision that sets their hearts racing. Research at Northwestern University found that sleep deprivation — for a short period — enhances dopamine release, causing temporary mood upliftment. Temporary sleep loss rewires the brain, leading to hyperactivity in spite of the fatigue. One hopes, then, that the late-night New Year parties will result in a highly productive beginning to 2024.
Pritha Sen, Noida
Diplomatic win
Sir — The decision of an appellate court in Qatar to reduce the death sentences of eight former Indian navy personnel is a welcome development (“Ex-navymen spared death in Qatar”, Dec 29). The duration of their reduced sentences is unclear; one hopes that the diplomatic channels will be worked to ensure their safe return to India soon.
The Qatari Court of First Instance’s decision to hand these former servicemen capital punishment was surprising, especially since the grounds for such a drastic punishment were not specified. The Indian government, however, supported the former officers. India’s position as a global leader has contributed to this positive outcome.
Abhijit Roy, Jamshedpur
Sir — It is heartening that the death sentences of the eight Indian former naval officers were commuted. The accusations of spying levelled against the accused will impact India’s relationship with Qatar and other West Asian countries. Around 800,000 Indians live and work just in Qatar. India must be open to building firmer ties with West Asia. It should not be dependent only on its relationship with Israel for diplomatic heft in that region.
Khokan Das, Calcutta
Sir — Hopefully, the eight former navy servicemen whose death sentences have been commuted by Qatar will be set free eventually if they are proved innocent of wrongdoings. The reduction in their sentences is certainly a diplomatic victory for India.
Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai
Sir — Although an appellate court in Qatar has commuted the death sentences of the eight Indian citizens charged with espionage, they have already spent over 500 days in jail without the charges against them being made public. However, it is laudable that Qatar accepted India’s request to reduce the punishment.
Jayanta Datta, Hooghly
Secular voice
Sir — While Sitaram Yechury, the secretary-general of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), might not have minced his words about his refusal to attend the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, his decision will make little difference owing to the dwindling supporters of the party (“Firm stance”, Dec 29). A similar stance might be
difficult for parties with a wider voter base who have to balance secularism and majoritarian politics. While politics should be based on principles, leaders cannot usually get away with ridiculing the majority community in India.
V. Jayaraman, Chennai
Sir — By refusing to go to the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Left has shown the way for parties that are opposed to the majoritarian politics of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Other Opposition parties should take a similar stand. Hinduism is not the State religion in India. In a secular democracy, no particular religion should be given priority. The BJP government would do well to remember this.
Aranya Sanyal, Siliguri
