Tragic curiosity
Sir — Greek philosophers had suggested watching tragic plays for cathartic release. Taking this idea one step too far, tourists have started flocking to Wayanad, Kerala, after deadly landslides hit the region recently, killing more than 300 people. The Kerala Police have had to issue warnings against ‘dark tourism’ — travelling to witness a tragedy in person — as this can hinder rescue work. Humans seem to have an innate desire to revel in others’ misery. Be it watching true crime documentaries or visiting sites of war, humans are far too invested in the gory details of disasters. Is it really cathartic to see others suffering?
Diksha Bhowmick,
Calcutta
Affirmative verdict
Sir — The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark verdict by bestowing states with the power to sub-classify the reservations for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes (“Court nod to SC-ST creamy layer sieve”, Aug 2). This will ensure equality of opportunity for communities within the SC and ST categories that are often subjugated and unrepresented. It remains to be seen whether state governments would endanger their regional political aspirations by enacting such sub-classifications. This judgment can impact Indian politics given the rampant politicisation of caste. Yet, corrective affirmative action is an urgent need and states must comply with the apex court’s verdict without resorting to divisive politics.
M. Rishidev,
Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
Sir — A seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court has clarified that state governments can sub-classify the list of SCs and STs. Until now, while some groups were entitled to special financial assistance from the government, such reservation did not apply in education and employment. This judgment has made it possible to extend such reservations to education and jobs. The onus is on the states to not give such categorisation a political hue.
D.V.G. Sankara Rao,
Andhra Pradesh
Sir — The verdict to exclude the creamy layer of SCs and STs from reservation is welcome. The current judgment would do justice to the people who are truly in need of reservation. It is also necessary to assess the extent to which the benefits of reservation have helped SCs and STs to comprehend the real impact of affirmative action on the disadvantaged sections of society.
Bhaskar Sanyal,
Hooghly
Sir — The apex court has said that the sub-classification of SCs and STs has to be justified by quantifiable and demonstrable data by the states. State governments cannot act merely on their whims. The challenge for the states is to ensure that the benefits of reservation percolate down to those who need it most. The court has recognised that the creamy layer among SCs and STs has made the most of reservations, even as the weakest sections are still lagging behind socially and economically. One hopes that states will refrain from misusing their power and instead make earnest efforts to remove intra-quota imbalances and disparities.
S.S. Paul,
Nadia
Proud moment
Sir — It was a moment of great pride for India when the shooter, Swapnil Kusale, clinched the bronze in the men’s 50-metre rifle event at the Paris Olympics (“Medal and tea feed Swapnil dreams”, Aug 2). The medals won by Manu Bhaker in the previous shooting events have boosted the morale of all the Indian athletes.
Jayanta Datta,
Hooghly
Sir — The 50-meter rifle shooting event is a challenging one as it tests an athlete’s breathing, balance, skill and focus. Hence, it is a huge achievement for Swapnil Kusale to win the bronze in his maiden Olympic outing. His win will inspire thousands of young shooters in India to take up the sport.
Bal Govind,
Noida
