Beyond borders
Sir — Language is bound to the idea of the homeland. During conflicts, reclaiming control over language thus becomes a means of resistance and asserting identity. However, in the aftermath of the Holocaust, Palestinian Jews were actively discouraged from speaking their native tongue, Yiddish, because of its German roots, leading to its near obliteration. Interestingly, the popularity of Yiddish has been surging — it is evident in the increased use of the language in popular TV shows — after a recent spate of anti-Semitic attacks. This shows that perhaps language can serve as a great unifier between divided lands.
Neerja Maity, Howrah
Mixed verdict
Sir — By declining to accord legal recognition to same-sex marriage, the Supreme Court has prolonged the injustices against the members of the LGBTQ+ community (“Yes, but NO, NO, NO”, Oct 18). The historic judgment of 2018, which struck down a colonial-era law that criminalised consensual sex between homosexuals, should have been considered a precedent to sanction same-sex marriages.
The court ruled that Parliament has the power to legislate over the issue. But given the conservative mores still dominating Indian society, one cannot be too hopeful about Parliament ruling in favour of same-sex unions. Homosexuality is linked to a person’s identity. Marriage between homosexuals cannot be held illegal citing orthodox sentiments.
G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Sir — While the Supreme Court underscored the need for ending discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community, it fell short of providing legal sanction to same-sex marriages (“In law”, Oct 19).
The ruling made it clear that the homosexuals’ struggle for a dignified life will be long-drawn. The path to justice remains riddled with challenges. Changing the societal mindset and removing the stigma can go a long way in ensuring equality.
M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu
Sir — India, despite being the largest democracy in the world, has not been able to fully recognise the rights of homosexuals. Unfortunately, only 34 out of 194 countries recognise same-sex marriage even though 133 countries have decriminalised homosexuality. A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, while unanimously recognising the hardships faced by queer couples, steered clear of granting legal status to homosexual marriages.
In spite of all the shortcomings, the verdict offers a glimmer of hope for the struggle for equal rights as it stipulates concrete measures to be implemented to safeguard the rights of sexual minorities. It is hoped that the momentum generated will eventually pave the way for a decisive solution.
Shovanlal Chakraborty, Calcutta
Distorted image
Sir — The Union government has been painting a flattering picture of the Indian economy (“Report card”, Oct 17). However, in reality, the economic situation has been worsening. The banking sector is limping under the burden of non-repayment of the loans taken by absconding business tycoons. Moreover, assets are amassed by only the top 10% while the rest are left to fend for themselves.
Unequal distribution of resources, a failing education system, and other factors are making it hard to resuscitate the crippled sector. Real development still eludes the Indian economy.
Ganesh Sanyal, Nadia
Global stage
Sir — Cricket has for long been a global sport only in name. In spite of having a fan base of more than two billion and attracting greater television revenue — these cement its global appeal, second only to football — cricket has remained only within the borders of the Commonwealth countries. All this will change with the re-entry of cricket into the Olympic fold with the 2028 edition to be held in Los Angeles (“Cricket gets global boost”, Oct 17).
But cricket can never match football’s stature as a global sport. The ICC Twenty20 ranking list features 87 nations in the men’s section and 66 in the women’s segment. But the Fifa ranking list includes 207 men’s teams and 186 women’s outfits. This highlights the wide gulf between the two sports. It is hoped that the T20 format will help cricket gain a wider audience.
Khokan Das, Calcutta
Sir — The inclusion of T20 cricket in the Olympics in 2028 is heartening. But only the top-six-ranked countries just before the cut-off date for the commencement of the 2028 Olympics will be able to participate. Nevertheless, it will give these cricket teams an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a global audience. Mention must be made of the members of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, especially Jay Shah, who played a significant role in cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics.
Besides cricket, four other sports have been approved by the International Olympic Committee. This will widen the scope of several countries and help them improve their records at the prestigious event.
Iftekhar Ahmed, Calcutta
