Style statement

Sir — The actress, Sonam Kapoor, recently said that most of the clothes that she wears on red carpets and other public events are borrowed from designers. This is an important statement. Social media posts can lead people to believe that celebrities wear new outfits every time they step out. This promotes a culture of fast fashion. The fashion industry accounts for about 8-10 per cent of global carbon emissions and nearly 20 per cent of wastewater. More celebrities should encourage people to share clothes with friends and family so that they can stay in style without ravaging the environment.

Riddhima Sengupta, Calcutta

Stark contrast

Sir — The prime minister, Narendra Modi, turned the Independence Day speech from the Red Fort into political oration (“Two speeches”, Aug 17). With his signature upraised clenched fists, he promised to wage a battle against corruption and nepotism.He should have focused on more expansive themes and on urgent problems that threaten India’s sovereignty.In stark contrast was the speech delivered by the nine-year-old student, Mehnaz Kappan — she is the daughter of the incarcerated journalist, Siddique Kappan — at her school in Kerala. She reminded us of the importanceof citizens’ rights and the dangers of assaulting them in the name of religion, caste and politics. Her speech reminded us what true patriotism means. Jahar Saha,Calcutta

Sir — Narendra Modi wants India to go to war against corruption. Yet, it is under him that the system of electoral bonds has been launched in India; his government refuses to disclose details about the PM-Cares fund. It is shameful that while Modi speaks of protecting the honour of women, his home state remits the sentences of rapists and murderers.At such a time, the speech by the young Mehnaz Kappan acts as a strong foil to what the prime minister said. Her speech holds out hope that the future generations see through the rhetoric of the prime minister and his coterie.

Kajal Chatterjee,Calcutta

Take charge

Sir — The management of e-waste is a major challenge for India. The regulations that govern the disposal of e-waste are not implemented adequately. The Central Pollution Control Board mandates that businesses that manufacture electronic items have to register yearly limits for e-waste generation and collection. By 2023, these businesses must ensure that at least 60 per cent of their e-waste is collected and recycled with the goal of increasing that number to 70 per cent and 80 per cent by 2024 and 2025, respectively. Yet, no harsh penalties have been outlined for companies that do not meet these annual targets.Stringent punishments must be set for those violating their e-waste generation and collection targets.

Vijaykumar H.K.,Raichur

Good idea

Sir — Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of the Tata group, has given seed money to the start-up, Good fellows, which will provide companionship to the elderly. Good fellows has been founded by Shantanu Naidu, who is Tata’s mentee. Tata said that people only understand the value of companionship when they are lonely in their old age. These are wise words. One hopes Naidu’s start-up succeeds.

Sadiksha Agrawal,Ujjain

Sir — The idea behind Good fellows is ingenious. Not only can it solve the problem of care giving for the growing elderly population but it can also provide employment to the youth. What is more, young people can learn to take responsibility and gain valuable experience by spending time with the elderly who have a lifetime-worth of wisdom to impart.

Sohini Guptu,Calcutta