Hidden message
Sir — The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, had commissioned the Taj Mahal to
immortalise his love for his beloved. In a similar vein, the Facebook co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg, has installed a seven-foot-tall sculpture of his wife, Priscilla Chan, in his backyard to honour her. The installation is reportedly an attempt to bring back the Roman tradition of constructing pietas of individuals who embodied moral integrity, modesty, and devotion. Is the statue of Chan then Zuckerberg’s way of sending her a message regarding what he considers to be the virtues of an ‘ideal wife’?
Sutrishna Das, North 24 Parganas
United by rage
Sir — The rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital triggered a rare night vigil by women in Calcutta and other cities on the eve of Independence Day (“In the Darkness, Defiance”, Aug 15). The way in which women across the country, from all walks of life, different age groups and political affiliations, took to the streets to ‘reclaim the night’ and seek justice for the rape victim was overwhelming. The fact that women are scared to step out at night or in their workplaces even 77 years after Independence highlights the sorry state of affairs in this country. It is India’s misfortune that it has still not been able to ensure freedom for its women.
Goutam Narayan Deb, Calcutta
Sir — Rimjhim Sinha, the social science researcher who started the campaign, Reclaim the Night, seeking reforms for women’s safety and liberty through a midnight march on the eve of Independence Day, deserves to be lauded (“First voice that gave the reclaim call”, Aug 15). Her appeal got a stupendous response from women all over India. Their pent-up frustration over misogyny, triggered by the beastly incident at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, was plainly visible at the vigil.
Jahar Saha, Calcutta
Sir — Calcutta and the rest of West Bengal witnessed some of the largest gatherings of women who marched in protest against the rape and murder of a woman doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital (“Spirited voice”, Aug 15). It is worth noting that social media played a pivotal role in maximising the reach of the movement.
The rape of the doctor underlined a horrific truth: women are unsafe and most cases of violence against them are suppressed by those with vested interests.
Pratima Manimala, Howrah
Sir — The midnight march by women across Bengal recorded their censure of the rape and murder of a young doctor at a Calcutta hospital. The call to Reclaim the Night resonated with people all over the country. The overwhelming response from other parts of the country shows how atrocities against women are universal and not restricted to a particular location.
Ananda Dulal Ghosh, Howrah
Sir — Women in Calcutta and other parts of India marched on the eve of Independence Day to reclaim their freedom, which remains elusive even 77 years after the country was liberated from colonial rule. It is unsurprising that the protest is now being politicised. This should not deter the Central Bureau of Investigation from apprehending the culprits. Bengal has become a hotbed of crime. This will pose challenges for the ruling Trinamool Congress even though it is trying to avoid the blame for its ineptitude.
C.K. Subramaniam, Navi Mumbai
Sir — On the direction of the Calcutta High Court, the CBI has taken charge of the case of rape and murder of a doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital (“CBI starts probe from Ground Zero, Aug 15). The CBI has not made any allegation of the state police being uncooperative so far.
Samaresh Khan, West Midnapore
