Cold love
Sir — Modern dating strategies seem to be a far cry from old-school romances. Take, for instance, the latest trend of ‘sledging’, which involves dragging a relationship through the holiday season with the intention of breaking up after the festivities. The pressure to be part of the festive fun can be tough for the singles. Finding warmth in a companionship not only helps one cope with solitude but also wards off nosy relatives. But will such a dating trend have many takers in Bengal? It can be argued that with baro mashe tero parbon in Bengal, sledgers will seldom have the opportunity to dump their holiday dates.
Priyanka Ghosh, Calcutta
Toxic words
Sir — The remarks made by Shekhar Kumar Yadav, a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court, at a recent Vishwa Hindu Parishad gathering raises concerns about his judicial impartiality (“Your honour and more is at stake”, Dec 10). Yadav allegedly referred to Muslims as “kathmullahs”, said that India would run as per the wishes of the “majority”, and pledged that the Uniform Civil Code would become a reality. Yadav’s ‘us versus them’ narrative undermines the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution. The Supreme Court must take swift action to preserve the sanctity of judicial wisdom and safeguard minority rights.
Anshu Bharti, Begusarai, Bihar
Sir — At a recent VHP event, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav allegedly said that while Hindus teach their children about god and Vedas, Muslims “kill animals” in front of their wards that inculcates intolerance. But Hindus, too, sacrifice animals during some festivals. In New India, members of the minority community are regularly lynched in the name of ‘gomata’. The prevalent practice of untouchability against Dalits surely does not exemplify the values of ‘tolerance’ and ‘liberalism’ among Hindus that Yadav exhorted in his speech.
Kajal Chatterjee, Calcutta
Sir — Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav expressed his sentiments on some key issues through the majoritarian lens, amplifying concerns about judicial conduct. His statements raise the apprehension of the judge being unfair in the discharge of his judicial functions. His slurs against the Muslim community have brought disrepute to the high office of a judge. Judges would do well to remember that the impartiality of the judiciary is the most essential component of a healthy democracy.
Zakir Hussain, Kazipet, Telangana
Sir — This is not the first time that Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav has stirred a controversy with his majoritarian views. He has previously made illogical comments such as the “cow is the only animals which inhales and exhales oxygen” in his judicial orders and public speeches. These have undermined public trust in the judiciary.
Bal Govind, Noida
Heartfelt tribute
Sir — Prabhat Patnaik’s tribute to the legendary economist, Amiya Kumar Bagchi, was illuminating (“An irreparable loss”, Dec 11). Patnaik highlighted Bagchi’s glorious contributions to research on world economy under colonialism and imperialism. Patnaik’s description of Bagchi as “generous” and “transparent” indicates the close bond between the two economists.
Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly
Global stage
Sir — It is heartening that the film, All We Imagine As Light, clinched nominations in the Best Director and the Best Motion Picture (non-English language) categories at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. Indian films have been making waves at international award shows and festivals not only for costumes and music but also for direction and scriptwriting.
Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur
