Separate the beds
Sir — There are several age-old myths when it comes to marital relationships. Recently, the American actor, Cameron Diaz, received significant backlash after advocating that couples should sleep in different beds and even live in separate houses in order to sustain a happy marriage. While this may seem to be in dissonance with one of the most important tenets of conjugal relationships — couples not sharing the same bed is considered to be a sign of a loveless marriage — research shows that more couples are now embracing the separate-bed arrangement owing to differences in sleep and work schedules. Purists should thus realise that prioritising sleep over a snoring and restless partner can also be a way to ensure an everlasting union.
Moupiya Das, Calcutta
Grand opening
Sir — The report, “Modi unveils temple run” (Dec 31), does not invoke any amusement. The prime minister, Narendra Modi, has been asserting in his speeches that the entire world is waiting for the consecration of the Ram temple in the ‘mother of democracy’. But if the prime minister is truly an acclaimed devotee of Lord Ram, he should address the burning issues afflicting the country. As the leader of the largest democracy, he should have no qualms in responding to the concerns raised by Opposition leaders about the ailing health of Indian democracy.
Narendra Modi has a tendency to not speak on controversial policy decisions and urgent issues. This is detrimental to the democratic ethos. Whether he will adhere to the spirit of transparency, collective responsibility and accountability — key aspects of constitutional democracy — remains to be seen.
P.K. Sharma, Barnala, Punjab
Sir — As the consecration of the Ram temple draws near, one feels compelled to reminisce about the demolition of the Babri masjid. The people of India are still not any closer to knowing who were the real culprits behind the disgraceful act on December 6, 1992.
The demolition of the Babri masjid was the culmination of a nationwide rath yatra led by the Bharatiya Janata Party leader, L.K. Advani. The obvious question, therefore, is that if the demolition was not planned in advance, how come thousands of kar sevaks reached Ayodhya on that day within such a short time? The demolition led to widespread violence that changed the course of Indian politics and resulted in the rise of the right wing.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Sir — Narendra Modi is making the inauguration of the Ram temple a national event. It is a religious event. He should not confuse the two.
Fakhrul Alam, Calcutta
The year that was
Sir — The present global order has become self-centred and conservative (“A cynic’s year”, Dec 31). The notions of liberalism and mutual cooperation have taken a beating as developed, as well as developing, countries have been closing down their borders and selfishly exploiting natural resources. This has led to a sense of hopelessness among global citizens.
Fateh Najamuddin, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh
Sir — Military conflicts continue to ravage different corners of the world, from Ukraine to Gaza. The humanitarian crisis and the global economic slowdown that these wars have caused have failed to convince the warring sides to agree to a ceasefire. The devastating impacts of climate change are already being felt across the globe. World leaders should thus double their efforts to not only put an end to these conflicts but also come up with a joint action plan based on equity to steer the world towards peace and prosperity.
Concerted global initiatives are contingent on the democratic framework. In this context, the results of the upcoming elections in the United States of America and India will hold special significance.
M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu
Sir — The year, 2023, was full of misery. The barbarism and brutalities of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have exposed humanity’s baser instincts. 2023 also did not see enough action being taken to combat climate change. The climate summit concluded without any significant roadmap to phase out fossil fuels.
India witnessed a slide in parliamentary democracy with the suspension of 146 Opposition members of Parliament. The Bharatiya Janata Party is now using the newly-constructed Ram temple as a poll plank to return to power in 2024. The upcoming Bharat Nyay Yatra by Rahul Gandhi is the only silver lining amidst all this gloominess.
G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Sir — Mukul Kesavan’s “A cynic’s year” strikes a chord. It is hard not to be cynical given the abysmal state of global affairs. Most world religions preach love for one’s neighbours. However, Western countries have blatantly refused to shelter refugees who are fleeing atrocities in their countries. Further, Hindus in India express horror at the desecration of temples abroad but remain mute spectators when Christian places of worship are vandalised in India. These double standards have only led to cynicism.
Anthony Henriques, Mumbai
Lethal menace
Sir — In keeping with his promise of rooting out the drug menace from Punjab, the chief minister, Bhagwant Mann, has intensified the crackdown on narcotics. The greater involvement of women in the drugs trade, highlighted in a recent survey, is indicative of the linkages between the menace of drugs and poverty (“Shape shifts”, Jan 1). Many of these women are from the underprivileged Malwa region. The setting up of all-women anti-drug committees is thus welcome.
S.S. Paul, Nadia
