Common cause
Sir — Ghotis and Bangals, the proverbial chingri and illish, can, evidently, meet with a common cause. The decision by the fans of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting to raise their voices against a horrific crime by ignoring their footballing rivalries was certainly encouraging. What is equally heartening is the stance of some footballers. The captain of Mohun Bagan Super Giant spent his birthday at the protest site; an East Bengal footballer also posted a strongly-worded message on social media. Even though it was deleted later, Indian sportspersons taking a stance in these politically charged times is rare and refreshing. Perhaps India’s pampered, ‘apolitical’ cricketers can learn a thing or two from their brethren in football and wrestling.
Goutam Pal, Calcutta
Hearts won
Sir — It is heartening that the Haryana government has announced that the wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, will be treated on a par with other athletes from the state who have won silver medals at the Olympic Games and be awarded four crore rupees. Despite a year full of challenges, Phogat put up a tough fight. Even though she was ultimately disqualified, she proved that all hurdles can be overcome if one puts one’s mind to it. The country is proud of Phogat.
Deepender Singh Hooda, who was among the first politicians to have spoken in support of Phogat and other wrestlers when they were protesting against the then chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, should be lauded for organising a massive roadshow for Phogat upon her return from Paris (“Golden heart is home”, Aug 18). The Haryana government must now put Phogat’s expertise to good use to train the next generation of wrestlers.
S.S. Paul, Nadia
Sir — Vinesh Phogat received a grand welcome upon her return to the country with hundreds of people gathering to support her. The strong turnout is proof that while Phogat may not have won gold at Paris she has certainly won the hearts of thousands. She has become an inspiration for the youth.
Jakir Hussain, Kanpur
Sir — It was wonderful that Vinesh Phogat received a rousing reception on her return to India. The ace wrestler was honoured with showers of petals. Phogat deserves to be celebrated this way.
Sourish Misra, Calcutta
Sir — Vinesh Phogat’s tear-stained smile amidst a sea of supporters is an image that is in stark contrast to the photograph of her crying in pain while being tackled onto the ground by the police last year. The images are testaments to her conviction.
Jahar Saha, Calcutta
Grave charges
Sir — Financial transparency is crucial to attract foreign investment and drive economic growth. However, current fiscal practices in India lag behind those of its peers in the G20. The scandals regarding Chanda Kochhar, the former CEO of ICICI Bank, and Chitra Ramakrishna, the erstwhile head of the National Stock Exchange, had already shown India in poor light. The allegations against the chief of the Securities and Exchange Board of India have made matters worse.
These lapses underscore a deeper problem — policymakers often lack access to essential data required for informed fiscal planning and decision-making. Addressing this challenge needs comprehensive reforms, including a shift towards accrual-based accounting practices. Troubling questions have also been raised about the integrity of the country’s regulatory authorities.
Dhananjay Sinha, Calcutta
Sir — The Opposition has rightly asked for a Joint Parliamentary Committee inquiry into the charges levelled by Hindenburg Research against the SEBI chief. The investments of millions of Indians are at risk and people have lost faith in the government.
Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai
Fact check
Sir — The Kerala government has introduced modules on fake news detection in its information and communication technology textbooks for Classes V and VII. This is a welcome step and will go a long way towards checking the spread of fake news. With Artificial Intelligence tools becoming freely available, weeding out fake news has become both difficult and crucial. Other states should follow Kerala’s lead.
Anthony Henriques, Mumbai
Sir — At a time when fake news is lighting fires across the world, Kerala’s decision to educate children about it is laudable. Other states should introduce similar models in their syllabi.
Iftekhar Ahmed, Calcutta
Quick thinking
Sir — A 57-year-old woman was saved from falling into the Arabian Sea from the Atal Setu by a taxi driver and traffic policemen. The quick intervention by the cab driver and the police highlights the importance of being alert to the world around us instead of being immersed in our phones. The men who saved the woman are Good Samaritans in the truest sense.
M. Pradyu, Kannur
Criminal offence
Sir — The killing of an elephant with a burning rod by a private hula party is a criminal offence under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (“Elephant that strayed into Jhargram ‘killed with burning rod’”, Aug 18). Elephants stray into human territory because their habitats have been encroached on by people. Immediate action must be taken against the perpetrators of this crime.
Hemanta Sasmal, Howrah
