Beauty in ruins

Sir — Brutalist architecture, which peaked during the 1900s, specialises in stiff, austere buildings with an imposing aura. While it can be awe-inspiring, brutalist architecture can also make people uncomfortable — take, for example, the dramatic and ominous Thamesmead estate in A Clockwork Orange. But a new book, Brutalist Plants, offers an alternative perspective on ruined, brutalist architecture. The photographs depict trees that have cracked through sombre-looking buildings, making them appear more melancholic than frightening. There are many such heritage properties around Calcutta that are overrun by botanical intruders. Instead of razing them, perhaps they can be preserved and celebrated as a meeting place of the man-made and the natural.

Smriti Singh, Calcutta

Uncertain terrain

Sir — The late Iranian pre­sident, Ebrahim Raisi, had long been regarded as a potential successor to the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (“Crash kills Raisi, crusher of dissent”, May 21). Raisi, known for his extreme opinions in domestic politics, held various key posts before becoming the president in 2021. Iran enacted regulations regarding women’s dress codes and behaviour and tightened hijab laws under Raisi. In 2022, hundreds of protestors were killed during demonstrations against dress codes for women. Raisi was also a part of inquisitions known as ‘death committees’, which arbitrarily sent thousands of inmates to the gallows. Raisi’s image as the ‘Butcher of Tehran’ will thus outlive him.

Abhijit Roy, Jamshedpur

Sir — The section of Ira­nians who want gender equality and democracy may breathe a sigh of relief with the passing of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. However, Iran is unlikely to abandon its fundamentalist path anytime soon.

Jang Bahadur Singh, Jamshedpur

Sir — The untimely demise of Ebrahim Raisi has come at a critical juncture for the Middle East. The United States of America, which has interfered in Iranian politics for decades, will now have to tread with caution, especially when it comes to assisting Israel. But this is a good opportunity for the US president, Joe Biden, to prove his mettle in an election year.

R. Narayanan, Navi Mumbai

Sir — The Iranian hardliner president, Ebrahim Raisi, has met a sad end in a helicopter crash due to inclement weather conditions near the Azerbaijan border. Now all the power in Iran rests with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Jayanthy Subramaniam, East Mumbai

Pitiful situation

Sir — In his column, “National blind spot” (May 19), Gopalkrishna Gandhi underlines the plight of around 9.2 million Indians who are blind. Unfortunately, nearly 4.5 million women and girls and 5 million poor people suffer from blindness. However, they are not represented adequately in Parliament and their needs are not addressed through proper legislation. Efforts to improve infrastructure such as eye hospitals and to promote stem cell research too remain elusive. While the success of blind people in sports and the arts is heartening, we continue to remain metaphorically blind to their crippling experience.

Jahar Saha, Calcutta

Sir — With 9.2 million sightless people, India leads the global blind population. Although such a huge number can constitute nearly six Lok Sabha constituencies, this population is not represented by a single member of Parliament. The government must take responsibility for this segment.

Sanjit Ghatak, Calcutta

Sir — Gopalkrishna Gan­dhi has rightly pointed out In­dia’s apathy towards those without sight. As a society, we need to be considerate about the less fortunate. Social, political and economic policies must be framed with them in mind. An inclusive outlook should replace our present indifference.

Sanjiv Chopra, Calcutta

Divided house

Sir — The Congress president, Mallikarjun Kharge, has reprimanded the party’s West Bengal chief, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, for the latter’s brash remarks against the state’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee (“Kharge raps Adhir for Didi remark”, May 19). Chow­dhury, however, continued to stand his ground on his militant opposition of Banerjee (“Kharge jab doesn’t soften Adhir on Didi”, May 20). It is imprudent to air the INDIA bloc’s dirty laundry in public during the general elections. Kharge has not spoken adversely about Banerjee during his campaigns in West Bengal. Chowdhury should follow suit instead of creating chaos.

Ananda Dulal Ghosh, Howrah

Sir — Mallikarjun Kharge’s snub to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, one of the few Congress leaders who commands immense support in West Bengal, is a grim reminder of the ‘high command culture’ within the Grand Old Party. However, Mamata Banerjee’s fluctuating positions regarding the INDIA bloc also point to unresolved problems within the alliance. The INDIA bloc should give the internal jostling a rest and present a united front.

Khokan Das, Calcutta

Dangerous web

Sir — The editorial, “Dark net” (May 20), has highlighted the pitfalls of the internet and the dangers it poses to the minors. Unfortunately, the dark side of the internet is affecting even older people who fall prey to a variety of fake information. The onus lies with teachers, parents and non-governmental organisations to take steps to prevent the growing moral bankruptcy owing to the widespread misuse of the internet.

K. Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam