Shared plates
Sir — As Muslims around the world fast for Ramazan, many will be doing so in conditions increasingly harshened by climate change. Across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, millions are performing their fasts for the Islamic holy month despite displacement due to extreme weather, water shortages caused by drought and heat waves, and with food prices inflated by crop failures. The spirit of Ramazan lies in service and donations. Those who can afford to do so should come together and host meals for the community. After all, the more the merrier at a loaded iftar table.
Mustafa Ferozie, Calcutta
Law and anarchy
Sir —The former president of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has been indicted by a grand jury in New York for paying hush money to an adult actress in 2016 (“America breaks a taboo”, April 1). Trump is the first US president to be indicted. The broader question, though, is whether the Democrats have scored a self-goal. The indictment could further polarise the electorate and go in favour of the Republicans in the presidential polls.
S.S. Paul, Nadia
Sir — Donald Trump has built his career on brazenness. He has sailed through several scandals, two impeachments, electoral rejection and an armed insurrection by his supporters. Now he is setting another grim precedent as the first former US president in history to be charged with a criminal offence.
Half a century after the first investigation into his business dealings, a New York grand jury has voted to indict him. But even if he cannot bluster or bully his way out this time, he will keep fighting the law, and the law may not win.
Zakir Ansari, Mumbai
Sir — As barefaced as ever, Donald Trump has decried the charges against him as “election interference” and accused the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, who is black, of being racist. His incendiary rhetoric is not only vicious but dangerous. He had already warned of “potential death and destruction” if he were indicted. His supporters have amply demonstrated their propensity for violence. The next few days will be tense.
Raj Shyam, Patna
Brazen threat
Sir — It is surprising that the fugitive businessman, Lalit Modi, is threatening to sue Rahul Gandhi for the latter’s comments about the Modi surname. How does a man who is on the run and hiding from the Indian authorities have the gumption to make such claims? The developments on this front need to be followed with interest.
Anthony Henriques, Mumbai
Inflated image
Sir — With the advantage of hindsight, it is easy to say that Amritpal Singh should have been arrested at the earliest possible stage after his return to India in August 2022. His transgressions commenced almost immediately thereafter, even as his support base appeared to grow. While the State and its agencies must certainly be called to account for their failures, much of the irresponsible myth-making around Singh is the doing of the uncritical and sensation-seeking media.
‘Bhindranwale 2.0’, the purported return to the 1980s, the incessant coverage of his obviously attention-seeking antics, and a series of fawning interviews — such exaggerations and distortions in reportage enormously inflated Singh’s actions, providing him with the very platform he would otherwise have struggled to occupy.
Lalitha Viswanadha, Ballari, Karnataka
Rich exchanges
Sir — The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India had directed the Karnataka Milk Federation to prominently print the word, dahi, on yoghurt packets, sparking a row. The recommendation has now been taken back.
But the world has shrunk with increased connectivity. More and more people are settling in metropolitan cities and a narrow vision when it comes to language is not viable anymore. No businessman can claim that he will conduct business only in his mother tongue.
Moreover, languages continue to enrich themselves by borrowing many words, idioms, and paradigms from other languages. Political barriers between languages will only make them poorer.
Abhijit Roy, Jamshedpur
Green idea
Sir — In a welcome development, West Bengal has cleared the way to set up a cluster of green fireworks units. The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute will be monitoring production at these places. Beyond these clusters, no firework manufacturing will be allowed. This can be an avenue to generate some revenue for the state.
Khokan Das, Calcutta
Parting shot
Sir — Mondays have a way of making us feel like everything is out of sync. To overcome that dreariness, people should start the day by doing things they love.
Rima Roy, Calcutta
