No monkey business
Sir — In the Korean film, Secret Zoo, people dress up as animals to keep a zoo running. Similarly, a job listing in China is looking for someone to dress up as the mythical character, Monkey King, and hang out in a cave to be fed by tourists. The candidate needs only to have an enormous appetite for bananas to be eligible. The Calcutta zoo should take note. Calcuttans continue to feed zoo animals notwithstanding advisories against doing so given the beasts’ inability to digest processed food. Perhaps the zoo should consider hiring people in animal costumes who will eat the unsolicited offerings.
Shrila Dwivedi, Calcutta
Walk to win
Sir — The Congress has renamed the 6,713-kilometre-long Manipur-to-Maharashtra Nyay Yatra to the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, hoping to capitalise on the public support garnered by the Bharat Jodo Yatra (“Rahul Yatra II unveiled”, Jan 5). It is clear that both yatras have taken inspiration from the Constitution. The BJY focussed on fraternity and equality, while the BJNY will highlight social, economic and political justice for Indian citizens. The BJY was a huge success and the new yatra will certainly help the Congress. But more needs to be done to win votes.
Tauqueer Rahmani, Mumbai
Sir — A tentative itinerary for the BJNY, which will commence on January 14 and continue for about 66 days, has been circulated. Parts of the journey will be covered by bus and Rahul Gandhi will walk at least seven to eight km and address two meetings every day. While this seems like an effective strategy, it is unclear how the INDIA bloc will benefit from the yatra. Instead of making it a one-party-show, all the allies should join the yatra to present a united front against the saffron party and restore the faith of the citizens.
K. Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam
Sir — A person’s worth is determined by his actions and not his words. The Congress’s reluctance to decline the invitation to the inauguration of the Ram mandir and its ‘nyay’ yatra are incongruous in principle. It must remember that the events leading to the establishment of the Ram temple are not synonymous with justice or nyay. The history of the temple is marred by Islamophobic riots that hurt the secular fabric of India. The Congress’s support for the Ram temple will only tarnish the image of the so-called Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
Kajal Chatterjee, Calcutta
Sir — The Congress is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a good showing in the general elections. Rahul Gandhi’s BJNY, covering 15 states, is an example of its efforts. However, simply talking to the masses and organising rallies will not restore voters’ faith in the Congress. This requires transparency in day-to-day functioning. Moreover, people these days are better aware of their rights. They will cast their vote for a government that works for their welfare. Indulging in such yatras is thus a sheer
waste of time.
Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali
Sir — Yatras have now become a popular medium for poll campaigns. Soon politicians will abandon road shows and fiery speeches and opt for nationwide walks instead.
Fakhrul Alam, Calcutta
Silenced tongue
Sir — It is regrettable that the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language has been prevented from holding the World Urdu Conference (“Apex Urdu council paralysed”, Jan 5). The Union education ministry is yet to provide a legitimate reason for its refusal of permission. This will adversely affect Urdu scholars, readers and writers. The ministry should address the problem immediately.
Murtaza Ahmad, Calcutta
