Astute leader

Sir — In the past, a change of dispensation in Tamil Nadu has often been accompanied by attempts to erase photographs and mentions of previous occupants of high posts from government doles. It was thus surprising that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam supremo and incumbent chief minister, M.K. Stalin, chose to keep around 65 lakh school bags embossed with images of former chief ministers from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, J. Jayalalithaa and E. Palaniswami. With this gesture, Stalin has proven that he stands apart from his predecessors.

Not only does this move show that the chief minister is respectful of the Opposition, but it also points to his commitment to the economic well-being of the state. Stalin has saved a significant chunk of taxpayers’ money — Rs 13 crore — that can now be better spent on public policy initiatives. It is noteworthy that at a time when the Centre is attempting to erase the contributions of past leaders, Stalin is reverent towards the
political legacy of the state.

Unlike other leaders, Stalin refrains from self-eulogizing. This has endeared him to the people of Tamil Nadu. One hopes that this marks the beginning of a new era in the state’s political landscape. So far, Stalin has shown that the people were justified in reposing their faith in him in such troubling times.

G. David Milton,
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

Sir — The chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, must be lauded for his decision to keep with the pictures of his political rivals, J. Jayalalithaa and E. Palaniswami, on school bags. Hopefully, other politicians will learn from him.

Anthony Henriques,
Mumbai

Sir — M.K. Stalin exhibited true statesmanship when he chose to keep the old school bags issued by his political rivals. The people of Tamil Nadu have made the right choice by voting him to power.

Mehul Patel,
Pondicherry

Food wars

Sir — Internet ‘food hacks’ seem to have pushed Italians to the edge. From tamer experiments like pasta chips to more outrageous recipes like spaghetti cooked in Coke or Nutella, the crimes against them are numerous. Some have defended the offenders by saying that they were simply trying to be creative and should not be taken seriously. But this reveals a lack of understanding about the deep emotional and cultural bonds that people have with food. A strawberry lasagna may rack up views on YouTube, but it will certainly not endear the cook to those who love food.

Anamika Saha,
Calcutta