Invisible life

Sir — One of the most enduring photographs taken by the famous photographer, Steve McCurry, is that of the green-eyed Afghan girl in a refugee camp in 1984. But the subject of the photograph, Sharbat Gula — she was only identified in 2002 — has lived a life of instability and danger. Gula, who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban seized power recently, has finally received safe haven in Italy. However, many have wondered how different her circumstances could have been had she been justly compensated — perhaps through education — as the subject of a photograph whose prints have sold for as much as $178,900, at times. McCurry could have done more for the young girl whose portrait catapulted him to stardom.

Sarmistha Mazumder,
Calcutta

Renewed bonds

Sir — The meeting between the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, is being viewed by many as an opportunity to strengthen old diplomatic ties (“US on Lavrov lips as Putin, Modi meet”, Dec 7). It is hoped that the two nations will also utilize this meeting to bolster economic activity and improve defence infrastructure. In recent years, India had moved towards the United States of America while Russia found an ally in China.

In spite of the growing bonhomie, differences have cropped up between New Delhi and Washington. On the other hand, India-Russia relations have stood the test of time. Hopefully, Russia will once again stand beside India as the latter faces increasing aggression along the Line of Actual Control with China. The economy, too, has suffered in the aftermath of the pandemic. The resurgence in friendship will thus help both nations tide over these trying times.

Janga Bahadur Sunuwar,
Jalpaiguri

Sir — It was heartening to learn that India and Russia have renewed their bilateral ties. The decision of the Russian president to visit India — it is Vladimir Putin’s second foreign trip this year — assumes greater significance given the fraught situation globally. Russia seems keen on rebuilding diplomatic relations with India. In recent years, New Delhi may have moved closer to Washington, but the country cannot afford to sour its relations with other neighbours.

D.V.G. Sankararao,
Nellimarla, Andhra Pradesh


Unsafe space

Sir — It was shocking to read that 17 female students of Class X were allegedly made to stay overnight on school premises for practical exams and molested after being served food laced with sedatives. This incident occurred in Muzaffarnagar. The students were threatened into silence with failure in examinations and death threats to their families. The matter finally came to light more than two weeks after the incident had taken place.

The parents of two of the girls had tried to lodge several police complaints, but to no avail. It was only after they approached a member of the legislative assembly that there was an inquiry. An FIR has been lodged against two individuals — the owner of the school where the girls study and the owner of the school where they were taken for the ‘practical exam’ on the night of the incident. So far, one of them has been arrested. Those involved must be punished.

Bhagwan Thadani,
Mumbai

Sir — Educational institutes are supposed to be safe havens. But many children, especially young girls, experience sexual harassment at school. The incident in Muzaffarnagar brought to light, once again, that parents need to be constantly vigilant about the well-being of their wards. It was good to see that parents immediately sought justice for their daughters. It is difficult for children to speak up against authority without parental support.

Nitya Anand,
Mumbai

Sir — The victims of the Muzaffarnagar molestation incident must be provided with prompt medical — both physical and psychological — help if they are to have any hope of leading a normal life.

Rina Ghosh,
Calcutta

Precious victory

Sir — The Indian men’s cricket team defeated New Zealand by a massive 372-run margin in the second and final Test match at the Wankhede Stadium to seal the series 1-0 (“Set your standards high: Kohli”, Dec 7). But a two-match series is not enough to showcase the strengths and weaknesses of the team. Further, India won the toss and chose to bat first, helping the team sway the match in its favour. Every win or loss is dependent on multiple factors.

Dilip Kakade,
Mumbai

Sir — Indian scripted a remarkable win against New Zealand. As a result, India is now at the third spot on the points table for the second cycle of the World Test Championship. The Indian team certainly played better than it has in recent matches. The team should continue to perform well under the guidance of Rahul Dravid.

Jayanta Datta,
Hooghly

Sir — It seems that the men’s cricket team is already performing well under the new coach, Rahul Dravid. Dravid was a remarkable player known for his composure in the face of adversity. The young players, used to an aggressive approach to the game, will benefit from his measured style of cricket. Dravid may be just what the Indian team needs at this juncture.

Nirmika Patel,
Gandhinagar

Parting shot

Sir — There is nothing worse than a damp, rainy winter. The last few days in Calcutta have been unbearable. But given the current climate crisis, we have no choice but to get used to this new normal.

Ananya Chakraborty,
Calcutta