Hidden messages
Sir — Children tend to be influenced by the cartoons and the TV shows that they watch. The Indian voice artist of the popular cartoon character, Shinchan, has revealed that the Japanese anime series is “lewd” and not fit for consumption even for adults. The series was originally created for an adult audience but was broadcast in India for children. While Indian parents should be wary of their children watching a show that depicts the shenanigans of an ill-mannered, disobedient kid, they should be equally worried about other children’s shows where problematic messages are delivered more subtly.
Namrata Dutta, Mumbai
Think again
Sir — The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front has announced complete cease-work for a second time, setting a 10-point charter of demands for the state government (“Junior docs find more maladies”, Oct 2). The protesting doctors have not given details about their plan of action. A total strike during the festive spell will take a toll on the public healthcare system. After protesting for 42 days against the rape and murder of their colleague at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, the junior doctors had resumed essential services on September 19. During the first cease-work, hundreds of patients were denied treatment at public health facilities. The doctors should return to work on humanitarian grounds.
Debaprasad Bhattacharya, Calcutta
Sir — While the solidarity shown by the junior doctors for their colleague who was raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital is laudable, their prolonged cease-work demanding justice for the victim has put the state’s public health system on life-support (“Come back later: Patients told”, Oct 2). It is unfair on the part of the medics to deny service to the impoverished sections who cannot afford private healthcare services and solely depend on government hospitals for treatment.
Aranya Sanyal, Siliguri
Sir — The assault on doctors and nurses of the state-run Sagar Dutta Medical College and Hospital over the death of a patient has hardened the stance of the protesting junior doctors (“Struck again”, Oct 3). The protracted judicial processin the apex court and the slow pace of the probe conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation are disappointing. The authorities should ensure speedy delivery of justice.
However, it would be instructive of the doctors’ body to rethink its decision to strike indefinitely since the Trinamool Congress dispensation is trying to spin the cease-work into a ‘doctors versus the poor’ narrative. The doctors would do well to return to work and simultaneously continue their protest to hold the government accountable to get justice.
S.S. Paul, Nadia
Sir — During the last hearing of the R.G. Kar case in the Supreme Court, the junior doctors submitted that they would perform essential services. But within a day, they changed their stance, deciding to go for a total strike citing unfulfilled demands. The junior doctors have disregarded repeated appeals from the Supreme Court to return to work. This sets a dangerous precedent and is ominous for democracy.
Partha Pratim Banerjee, Calcutta
Futile sojourns
Sir — Narendra Modi is India’s most-travelled prime minister so far (“Curated visits”, Oct 3). There is nothing objectionable about the prime minister making several international visits. However, these trips have not yielded any significant strategic returns for India. The photo-ops and the choreographed fanfare are only exercises in self-aggrandisement. India holds an important place in the comity of nations. Its leader does not need to make frequent visits to other countries as proof of this clout.
Anthony Henriques, Mumbai
