Soft target

Sir — Bottling up feelings is not good for one’s mental health. There are ways in which one can let out anger and frustration. Perhaps the most unique of these methods is fusion art therapy. A recently-started class in Thailand allows aggrieved individuals to slap and punch customised clay statues of those they feel strongly against, like toxic bosses, ex-lovers or unpleasant relatives. These clay statues also cost a handsome amount. Perhaps these art therapists would find it more lucrative to introduce sculptures of the faces of authoritarian leaders given the huge number of people who are frustrated with them.

Mrittika Sen, Noida

Strange choice

Sir — Swapan Dasgupta’s column, “In a tizzy” (Nov 22), was right on the money. Donald Trump’s distinctiveness and his eccentric choices may baffle the world but there is no other option than to deal with him for the next four years. India must leverage Trump’s antipathy towards China to its advantage and project itself as an ally of the United States of America to counter China’s aggression in the neighbourhood. Furthermore, New Delhi should also try and negotiate bilateral agreements on free trade and tariffs with Washington. Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ and Narendra Modi’s ‘Make In India’ can work in tandem to foster a comprehensive partnership.

Gurnoor Grewal, Chandigarh

Sir — In “High on ignorance” (Nov 12), Ruchir Joshi cautioned that the second tenure of Donald Trump, the president-elect of the US, would be marked by “alternative facts” and a disregard for family values, financial probity and democratic virtues. Joshi argued that Americans in the past have elected misfits as presidents, like George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. The majority support for Trump is a symptom of the people’s ignorance.

Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly

Sir — Ruchir Joshi has rightly observed that Americans make strange presidential choices. In spite of being a convicted felon, Donald Trump comfortably won the polls. The Americans’ disenchantment with rising inflation was a big factor in Trump’s victory. Inflation is a menace in India as well. The Indian government should learn from the American polls and formulate policies to flatten the inflation curve.

Sujit De, Calcutta

Swansong

Sir — The tennis giant, Rafael Nadal, announcing retirement is saddening for his admirers. In 2004, Nadal became the youngest player to register a singles victory in a Davis Cup final. He played the last match of his career in this year’s tournament. His career thus came full circle.

The undisputed ‘King of Clay’ has dazzled tennis lovers with unprecedented achievements, including 22 Grand Slams and two Olympics gold medals, but his biggest legacy would be the way he inspired fellow and junior players in the circuit. His special attribute is his humility outside court.

Bal Govind, Noida

Sir — It is always a sad experience when one’s favourite sportsperson retires. Rafael Nadal has given the world 22 years of brilliant tennis. Nadal, along with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, formed the holy trinity of tennis. His calmness and maturity on court have been exemplary.

Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur

Sir — With the retirement of Rafael Nadal, the world of tennis will miss a versatile genius. His accolades demonstrate his prowess. His sporting rivalry with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer was legendary as their battles on court were a treat to watch. Nadal’s feisty backhand serves and geometrical cross-court returns made his game memorable.

Indranil Sanyal, Calcutta