Phantom feelings

Sir — We have often found ourselves hurriedly reaching for our phone, convinced that it is vibrating to indicate an incoming call or message, only to realise that we are mistaken. This is known as the ‘phantom vibration syndrome’, sometimes also called ‘ringxiety’. In a survey of undergraduate students in 2012, nearly 90 per cent of those surveyed said that they have experienced phantom vibrations such as these. Hospital workers have reported having similar experiences as well. This indicates the unhealthy relationship we have with our phones. It can hinder our social engagement in real life. It is thus important to wean ourselves off our devices from time to time. We should put our phones aside for stipulated periods, especially mealtimes and just before going to bed. Parag Agarwal, Delhi

Timely action

Sir — The prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, deserves a pat on the back for introducing a legislation that will restrict the purchase and sale of handguns in the country (“Canada ‘national freeze’ on handguns”, June 1). This will add to the debate on gun reforms in the United States of America. The immediate trigger for bringing the law seems to have been the recent school shooting in Texas, which killed 19 children and two adults. The gun lobby in the US is citing legal, cultural, commercial and political complexities to oppose more stringent gun laws. It is unlikely that the US will pass gun control laws anytime soon. Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai

Take guard

Sir — There is little hope that the report of the investigative committee constituted to probe the 2021 attack on the United States of America’s Capitol building will see the light of day before the 2024 presidential elections. Donald Trump’s former adviser, Steve Bannon, was charged with contempt of Congress for failing to cooperate with the committee but was released without bail. Recently, Trump’s chief trade adviser and close aide, Peter Navarro, was arrested at the airport for not cooperating with the investigation. In fact, the legitimacy of the investigating team itself has been questioned. Arrangements should be made to keep Trump away from the 2024 elections even if he is not held accountable for playing a part in the Capitol Hill attack.

Jang Bahadur Singh, Jamshedpur

Think twice

Sir — The report, “SC fines Puri petitioners for ‘frivolous’ PIL” (June 4), should be an eye-opener for petition-happy litigators. They should stop wasting the honourable court’s time. The two petitioners were fined Rs 1 lakh each for challenging the construction of essential public utility services like toilets, cloakrooms and drinking water facilities on the premises of the Shree Jagannath temple in Puri. The order of the apex court will allow the government of Odisha to proceed with the construction plans. The director general of the Archaeological Survey of India has observed that although these facilities are coming up within the prohibited area of the temple, they are a requirement for the devotees. The ASI will also work closely with the state on the project. Things change with time and people should learn to accept that. Ashok Kumar Ghosh, Calcutta

Strict vigilance

Sir — It is good that the Delhi High Court has called for strict action against those found violating mask and hand hygiene norms at airports and inside aircraft. These days, Covid-19 norms are widely violated, especially in crowded spots like places of worship, malls, theatres and so on. Punitive measures are needed here as well. N. Mahadevan, Chennai

Seeking justice

Sir — The news report, “Family of rower who died files FIR” (June 4), made it clear that Souryadeep Chatterjee’s father will not allow South Point High School to go unpunished for its alleged criminal negligence that led to his son’s death. Chatterjee was one of the two teenaged rowers who drowned at the Rabindra Sarobar during a Nor’wester last month. It appears that the school had taken a casual approach to students’ safety. It should have ascertained whether the Lake Club has necessary safety measures. The investigating officer should fully cooperate with the father.

Arun Gupta, Calcutta

Teach them well

Sir — The results of the Madhyamik examinations were published recently. As usual, some parents have proudly claimed that their child would study all day and never go out with friends. But unless children get holistic development, they will be vulnerable to anxiety, depression and other mental health ailments. Instead of imposing restrictions, far-sighted parents should teach children about worklife balance.

Pritha Bhattacharya, Calcutta

Unwise move

Sir — The Odisha government has decided to chop off 870 trees in Bhubaneswar. This is being done to make way for high-rise apartment buildings to accommodate state legislators. The country is facing extreme heatwaves and carbon emissions are already choking the planet. Reducing the green cover at such a time is not prudent.

Samir Das, Cooch Behar

Great idea

Sir — The eminent Indian scientist, Satyendra Nath Bose, sent his quantum formulations on the way particles were counted to the world-renowned physicist, Albert Einstein, on June 4, 1924. Einstein instantly recognised the significance of Bose’s discovery in quantum mechanics. The day was commemorated by Google Doodle this year. Google must be appreciated for its tribute to a great mind like Satyendra Nath Bose.

Susanta Roy Chowdhury, Calcutta