Without parallels
Sir — The process of acclimatisation is common in many disciplines. Mountaineers attempting to climb Mount Everest acclimatise for a few days at the base camp. Cricketers often come to the subcontinent a week ahead of a tournament to get used to the sweltering heat. But now we shall see the first example of simulated acclimatisation as four astronauts will live in an environment designed by Nasa to mimic the harsh conditions prevalent on Mars. But can all the uncertainties of a planet that is yet to be fully explored even by machines really be simulated?
Janhvi Sharma,Mumbai
Vicious cycle
Sir — The Supreme Court has come down heavily on the widespread prevalence of hate speech across the country, stating that this phenomenon will cease only when politicians stop using religion to garner votes. The apex court has chastised the government, calling it “impotent”, for failing to tackle the problem (“Impotent”, Mar 30). The court’s observation is justified. Politicians often denigrate other religions to please their vote banks. The State should go hammer and tongs at the problem and hold those who try to foment tension accountable. A political system without caste and religious bias should be the goal.
Sravana Ramachandran,Chennai
Sir — The Supreme Court has rightly demanded the segregation of politics from religion. Both the Centre and the states should show zero tolerance to those leaders who indulge in hate speech, resulting in riots and the loss of lives.
Arun Gupta,Calcutta
Sir — In a sharp exchange with the Supreme Court bench hearing a case seeking action against hate speeches, the solicitor-general, Tushar Mehta, asked the court not to be selective in its chastisement, suggesting that it should have taken suo motu cognisance of the instances of hate speech against Hindus. The court is justified in terming hate speech a “vicious circle”. This case has captured national attention only because the states and the Centre do not take timely action.
Jayanthi Subramaniam,Coimbatore
Face the music
Sir — Swapan Dasgupta has rightly highlighted the issue of corruption in West Bengal before the upcoming general elections (“A rotten state”, Mar 30). Attempts made by the chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, to portray her government as honest and incorruptible have failed. Multiple leaders of the Trinamul Congress are now behind bars. The Swasthya Sathi scheme has also proved to be a disappointment. Banerjee’s favouritism will cost her party in the polls.
Basudeb Datta,Nadia
Justice, at last
Sir — It was heartening to learn that the two teachers who had been charged with sexually assaulting a four-year-old student inside a school in 2017 were finally convicted (“2 teachers convicted of raping 4-year-old”, Mar 30). The verdict is laudable as it will surely encourage others to speak out against child abuse. Most cases of child abuse in India go unregistered due to social stigma. The time it took to get a conviction in this case shows that the judicial process needs to be simplified. Parents should raise their concerns with schools if they notice anything untoward.
Kiran Agarwal,Calcutta
Tasty bite
Sir — March 30 is observed as World Idli Day. The celebrations began some years ago when an innovative catering service made 1,328 varieties of idli. The reputation of the humble idli as a breakfast item has skyrocketed in recent years as it is both delicious and healthy.
Ranganathan Sivakumar,Chennai