Extreme step
Sir — Literature abounds with examples of characters who sacrifice themselves for their loved ones. For example, Alcestis agreed to die in place of her husband, Admetus of Pherae. Her loyalty was later rewarded when she was rescued from the underworld by Hercules. However, real-life instances of self-sacrifice rarely work out so neatly. A woman in Tamil Nadu, who worked as a sanitation worker in a government office, may have had similar altruistic motives in mind when she jumped in front of a moving bus. Pappathi reportedly took this extreme step after being led to believe that her family would be awarded compensation if she lost her life in a road accident. It is unfortunate that she had to resort to such an extreme step in a modern welfare State.
Vijay Sivaramakrishnan,Chennai
Never forget
Sir — During his visit to Calcutta, the journalist, Siddique Kappan, rightly reminded us of the potential of memory as a weapon in our fight against fascism (“Kappan: Fight fascism by not forgetting”, July 17). He made a passionate plea to his audience to remember every instance of intolerance and oppression. It is astounding that he does not seem fazed despite spending two of the most harrowing years of his life in prison. His refusal to budge an inch in his pursuit of the truth illustrates his fearless spirit. He is a role model for those brave enough to protest against the political injustices in our country.
Aayman Anwar Ali,Calcutta
Sir — It is shocking that Siddique Kappan was imprisoned for 28 months simply for asking questions about the gang-rape of a Dalit teenager in Hathras. He deserves to be lauded for his bravery in speaking up on this issue, once again, in front of a Calcutta audience despite knowing that he could very well be imprisoned again. It is absurd that he had to answer questions about his eating habits and whether or not he had visited Pakistan when he was in prison. Is everyone who questions the government a Pakistani spy?
Kappan’s comments also serve as a reminder of the role the media play in combating fascism. He has rightly accused mainstream media houses of turning into “public relations” agencies working for the Centre. It is unfortunate that the neutrality of the Indian media has all but vanished.
Jang Bahadur Singh,Jamshedpur
Sir — Siddique Kappan’s ordeal has turned him into an overnight celebrity. His recent lecture at an auditorium in Calcutta was the first time he spoke in public outside Kerala after being released. Shamefully, Kappan still has to report to the police station and appear in court regularly.
Murtaza Ahmad,Calcutta
Invisible strife
Sir — The media in so-called mainland India cannot evade responsibility for failing to highlight the continuing atrocities in Manipur (“Out of sight”, July 17). Electronic media seems to have become a handmaiden to the government, refusing to criticise the Centre for the crisis in the state. It is appalling that members of the European Parliament were bluntly told that Manipur is an ‘internal matter’ for India when they called upon the Centre to address humanitarian concerns in Manipur urgently (“Smoke alarm”, July 19).
Anthony Henriques,Mumbai
Sir — There can be no denying the fact that Manipur’s socio-political emergency has gone out of control. Perhaps all political parties need to form teams that can patrol the streets and prevent violence by promoting communal harmony. It is disheartening that in the midst of all this, the prime minister, Narendra Modi, has not said a word on the issue and has preferred to visit numerous foreign countries instead (“Glare on 70+ days of silence”, July 16). The images of Modi sharing a laugh with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, while his fellow citizens suffer may not go down well with the people of Manipur.
T.K.R. Noori,Hyderabad
A star is born
Sir — The Wimbledon Championships 2023 will go down in history for the crowning of two new champions, both in the men’s and the women’s singles categories (“Tennis, bewitched”, July 18). One of the most admirable qualities of sports is the fact that the seemingly impossible is a possibility. This was evident at the gentlemen’s singles final between the Serbian player, Novak Djokovic, and the Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz. The old order gave way to the new as the 23-time Grand Slam winner was outclassed in five sets by the young maverick.
Vijay Singh Adhikari,Nainital
Sir — It is astounding to think that the 20-year-old Spanish tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz, defeated the legendary Novak Djokovic, who had not lost a match at Wimbledon’s famous Centre Court since 2013 (“Coronation of new king in emperor’s lair”, July 17). For years now, the grasscourt Grand Slam has been dominated by the illustrious duo of Roger Federer and Djokovic. Alcaraz combined a never-say-die attitude with elegance to win the match.
S.S. Paul,Nadia
Sir — The final of the Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles was a treat for tennis fans. The five-setter had everything, from deuces to drop shots. The confidence of the new champion, Carlos Alcaraz, can only increase from now on.
Riddhi Deb, Calcutta
Sir — It was disheartening to witness Novak Djokovic fail to win his eighth Wimbledon title to equal Roger Federer’s record at the Centre Court. The gruelling final seemed to have drained him both physically and mentally, leading him to smash his racquet in anger. I hope Djokovic returns all guns blazing to increase his tally of 23 Grand Slams.
M.N. Gupta,Hooghly
