Spotless future
Sir — Few would contest the benefits of taking a long, relaxing bath at the end of a gruelling workday. Fortunately for those who cannot afford such luxurious showers, Japan has introduced a futuristic washing machine that is capable of washing and drying people in just 15 minutes. Developed by Science Co, this Artificial Intelligence-powered device offers a spa-like experience, featuring advanced water jets and microscopic air bubbles for cleaning, revolutionising self-care practices and ensuring hygiene. However, the ruling dispensation in India seems to be steps ahead of Japan in terms of innovation. It already has a 'human washing machine' that does not give a refreshing bath but cleans all stains of corruption on Opposition leaders willing to join its camp.
Arya Sengupta, Calcutta
Symbolic protest
Sir — The chairman of the Rajya Sabha is supposed to be politically neutral. But the vice-president, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has given the Opposition reasons to accuse him of bias and move a no-confidence motion against him ("RS first: Chairman axe sought", Dec 11). Since the inception of the Rajya Sabha in 1972, this is the first time that an attempt has been made to remove its presiding officer.
Dhankhar's differential treatment of the Treasury benches and his prejudice against the Opposition members highlight the erosion of his moral authority. Whenever an Opposition member brings up the allegations against the Adani Group, the chairman promptly responds with “nothing will go on record”, as if he were tasked to shield the tycoon. However, given the majority that the National Democratic Alliance has in Parliament, it is unlikely that Dhankhar will be impeached.
G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Sir — In a significant show of solidarity, the Opposition has finally taken the extreme step of seeking the removal of Jagdeep Dhankhar as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha on account of his partisan behaviour while conducting the proceedings in the House. This has been a long time coming. In the latest instance, Dhankhar allowed the Treasury benches to discuss the alleged link between the Congress Party and the American billionaire, George Soros, but denied the leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, adequate opportunity to participate in the debate.
S.K. Choudhury, Bengaluru
Sir — The no-confidence motion against Jagdeep Dhankhar will fail given the NDA's majority in Parliament. Notwithstanding this inevitability, the motion signifies a symbolic protest against Dhankhar's prejudicial conduct in the Rajya Sabha.
T. Ramadas, Visakhapatnam
Tense ties
Sir — The recent meeting between the Indian foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Mohammad Jashim Uddin, in Dhaka had a positive outcome ("Ghost in closet, wary in Dhaka", Dec 10). Despite the fraught ties owing to the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, both sides vowed to work together and advance their relationship.
Misri and Jashim Uddin did not fail to point out the friction points in the bilateral ties. While Dhaka raised India's sheltering of the former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, New Delhi underlined the increasing attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. Muslims are facing ostracisation in India as well. India thus has no right to lecture Bangladesh on minority rights.
Manas Mukhopadhyay, Hooghly
Sir — Vikram Misri's trip to Bangladesh comes at a crucial juncture. Muhammad Yunus's leadership has sparked concerns both within Bangladesh and globally about the future of the country. While discussing the political turmoil in Bangladesh, Vikram Misri not only conveyed India’s concerns, especially those related to the safety and the welfare of minorities in Bangladesh, but also pledged to further the bilateral ties. But Bangladesh has failed to reciprocate India's balanced stance.
Debaprasad Bhattacharya, Calcutta
Sir — The Indian government's response to the mindless violence being perpetrated on Hindus in Bangladesh has been inadequate. The spectre of an increased Chinese dominance in South Asia has always prevented India from responding strongly against its neighbours, be it Pakistan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal or Bangladesh, even when these countries have repeatedly harmed India’s interests without the least fear of retribution. The shortcomings of India's foreign policy regarding Bangladesh under successive governments warrant introspection.
Shivaji K. Moitra, West Midnapore
Chosen few
Sir — There are only three Dalit judges in the Supreme Court, indicating a lack of social diversity ("Wider reach", Dec 11). Such poor representation of marginalised communities as well as of women in the higher echelons of the judiciary is detrimental to the prospect of inclusive justice. Around one-third of the federal judges in the United States of America are women. India must introduce a reservation system in the judiciary and encourage the so-called backward communities to pursue law as a career.
Prasun Kumar Dutta, West Midnapore
Brothers in arms
Sir — In "Umbilical cord" (Dec 9), Jayanta Sengupta articulated that the camaraderie between the Indian and the Pakistani javelin throwers, Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem, as well as between their mothers showed that "people-to-people connections" can still triumph over the divisive rhetoric perpetrated by the powers that be in both countries. The bonhomie between the two Olympic medallists echoes the notions of borderless polity espoused in John Lenon's famous song, "Imagine".
Sujit De, Calcutta
