Strike a balance

Sir — The cosmetics industry witnessed an immense surge in sales in the years leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic. Unrealistic beauty standards, aggressive social media advertising along with rampant consumerism had pushed people towards aspiring to attain a flawless version of themselves. But the pandemic-induced isolation forced many to take a break from their grooming routines. People were not only barred from venturing outside but many also found themselves overworked with little time for self-care. People must take this opportunity to re-evaluate their relationship with make-up and grooming.

Swarnali Ghoshal, Calcutta

Strange demand

Sir — The Centre has been accused of forcing the poor to buy the Tricolour through a flag-for-food tactic as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign (“Charge: Food for poor tied to flag purchase”, Aug 11). This is worrying. It seems that the Bharatiya Janata Party is creating a synthetic patriotism through coercion and arm-twisting. Perhaps the BJP feels that it must put on a strong show of patriotism through the tiranga because of the prolonged reluctance of its ideological parent to accept the national flag. The second chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, M.S. Golwalkar, once described the Tricolour as “patan ki nishani”. In fact, earlier this year, the former Karnataka minister, K.S. Eshwarappa, mused that the saffron flag could become the national flag one day. The top leadership of the BJP must introspect whether its own rank and file accept the Tricolour as the national flag.

Haridasan Rajan, Kozhikode, Kerala

Sir — It is a matter of shame that people are being forced to buy national flags to avail government-subsidised food grains. Nationalism cannot be imposed or demanded at gunpoint. It comes naturally, if at all. People must not be coerced to prove their patriotism.

Amit Brahmo, Calcutta

Sir — While it is good that the Centre is going all out to celebrate the 75th year of Independence, it should not use the occasion as an excuse to demand public expressions of patriotism from the common people. It is unjust to force people to buy the Tricolour under the threat of denying them subsidised ration.

Jang Bahadur Singh, Jamshedpur

Long awaited

Sir — It was heartening to learn that the Supreme Court of India has granted regular bail to the octogenarian poet and activist, Varavara Rao, considering his advanced age and ailments (“Bail for Varavara, overruling NIA”, Aug 11). The apex court rejected the arguments of the National Investigation Agency that age cannot be a ground for relief in case of heinous crimes. Rao was arrested in 2018 in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon violence. The poet was granted interim bail in February 2021 for six months; the court has extended it since then. It is curious that charges are yet to be framed against Rao. The investigative agency should expedite the process so that the matter can go to trial as soon as possible. The 16 arrested intellectuals, activists and lawyers should not be left in limbo.

Khokan Das, Calcutta

Proud moment

Sir — The 44th Fide Chess Olympiad 2022, held in Chennai, concluded earlier this week. Uzbekistan won the open event and Ukraine claimed gold in the women’s tournament. Georgia and India claimed the second and third spots, respectively, in the women’s tournament.

This was the first time that the event was hosted in India; it was held in Asia after a gap of 30 years. Over 2,000 players from 187 countries participated in the competition. The absence of China and Russia may have boosted the chances of India, which secured a spot in the top three. It is still a proud moment for India.

Tashi Baheti, Ujjain

Sir — The chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, who presided over the closing ceremony of the 44th Fide Chess Olympiad, said that the state government will allocate Rs 25 crore to encourage athletes and help purchase the necessary equipment in a bid to produce world-class players and more Olympic medal winners. The only part of the announcement that stood out negatively was his assertion that this scheme would be devised under the “Dravidian model”. There is no reason to bring regional politics into such matters.

N. Mahadevan, Chennai

Open road

Sir — Reports indicate that outbound trips from India will surpass $42 billion by 2024. The Indian government could bring about certain policy changes to boost the growth of the tourism industry. The Centre could facilitate the ease of doing business and promote the interests of Indian firms dealing in outbound travel by increasing direct connections to popular and upcoming destinations, allowing foreign cruise vessels to operate on Indian waters, and making way for low-cost travel. There is a huge market for outbound tourism that remains untapped. The government must seize this opportunity to bolster the economy.

Swati Pandey, Ujjain