Fashion forward
Sir — Style is a reflection of the self. But not so in China, where it is a reflection of the State’s sentiments. China is toying with the idea of fining or detaining people whose clothes hurt public sentiment. Such an absurd proposition has rightly sparked debate around Chinese citizens’ lack of freedom. India, too, is no stranger to moral policing of people for their clothes — the actress, Deepika Padukone, recently faced backlash for wearing a saffron-coloured bikini. The first victims of such censure are often women, whose bodies are turned into sites of honour and thus covered up. Ironically, India is full of temples and historic monuments where yakshis and apsaras sport clothing that would not match up to modern standards of modesty.
Amit Chowdhury, Calcutta
Diplomatic win
Sir — The New Delhi G20 Leaders’ Declaration is a powerful testament to global unity and a win for Indian diplomacy. This declaration holds immense geopolitical significance. The world has been divided on critical issues such as the Ukraine conflict and the use of fossil fuels. The declaration thus marks a major diplomatic victory for India.
Remarkably, the declaration has convinced the Western world to address the war in Ukraine without directly mentioning Russia. Furthermore, the proposed India-Middle East-Europe corridor promises to revolutionise trade between India and Europe and could uplift the economies of several middle-income countries. The declaration also inducted the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, underscoring India’s commitment to ensuring that diverse voices are heard on the world stage.
Bishal Kumar Saha, Murshidabad
Sir — The G20 Summit successfully culminated in fruitful multilateral talks and commitments. The Summit will certainly boost the image of the prime minister, Narendra Modi. With complete consensus among countries at the G20 Summit, India has set a high benchmark. India’s presidency of the G20 has also brought upon it more international expectations.
M.R.J. Subramaniam, Mumbai
Sir — ‘One-man show’ — that is the best way to describe the G20 Summit in New Delhi with only Narendra Modi featuring on billboards and posters. New Delhi was spruced up by shutting down schools, colleges, offices, markets and restaurants. Street vendors disappeared and slums were hidden from view to spare the world leaders the discomfort of gazing at the impoverished. Stray animals were rounded up and removed from the city. Television anchors said much about the millets on the menu, but not a word on the starving millions. The success of the summit held with great fanfare would have been sweeter if it had not come at the cost of humanitarianism.
G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Sir — Now that the G20 Summit has ended, the Centre must focus on domestic issues. The price of food items is on the rise, India’s unemployment rate is at around 8%, misgovernance has led to corruption in many parts of the country — several scams have been exposed — and violence against minorities has increased. Additionally, the situation in Manipur remains unaddressed. The government must deal with these issues urgently.
Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai
Sir — International cooperation is crucial to determining the course of global politics but it does not bring any relief to the sufferings of the masses. India is yet to tackle persistent challenges like poverty, climate change and a lack of healthcare facilities.
D. Bhattacharyya, Calcutta
Sir — India’s deft handling of the G20 Summit must be lauded. Being able to lead the summit to a unanimous consensus, in spite of conflicting national interests, is praiseworthy. However, one hopes that these talks do not end up being mere rhetoric and that meaningful actions follow. We must also ponder whether the anti-discriminatory motto of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” is followed in our own country.
Amit Brahmo, Calcutta
Deserved honour
Sir — The School of Oriental and African Studies has conferred the veteran Indian lyricist and screenwriter, Javed Akhtar, with an honorary degree for his contribution to society and cinema. Akhtar is a devoted social activist and a sharp critic of the Narendra Modi-led government. During the ceremony, he spoke about the growing hatred and intolerance in our society. His opinion must remind Indians about their responsibility towards the nation.
Aayman Anwar Ali, Calcutta
Noble effort
Sir — A country’s development depends on the state of its education system. While the state government in West Bengal continues to tussle with the governor on issues regarding higher education, the Odisha government has taken the great initiative of recruiting 20,000 teachers (“Odisha to recruit 20,000 teachers”, Sept 12). The Naveen Patnaik-led government should be lauded for trying to improve the state of education in Odisha. The recruitment process should be fair.
Shyamal Thakur, East Burdwan
Tasty treatment
Sir — A sick adult elephant in Jhargram was successfully treated by giving the animal bananas laced with medicines (“Jumbo pills: bananas laced with medicines”, Sept 12). The forest department personnel avoided tranquillising the tusker as the procedure posed a health risk. The West Bengal forest department must be congratulated for its effective way of treating the elephant. It should share this knowledge with other state forest departments.
Sourish Misra, Calcutta
