Party pooper
Sir — Some brand names have become synonymous with the products they sell. Tupperware, for instance, has become a shorthand for all food storage containers. But 77 years after it was founded, Tupperware is shutting shop owing to the economic downturns caused by the pandemic and the shunning of plastic items globally. What made the brand famous was its unique marketing strategy which had women host ‘Tupperware Parties’ where they sold the product to other women. Although this reinforced stereotypes, it became a way for women to earn money at home. Unsurprisingly, Tupperware’s great fall is being blamed on the failure of these parties. It seems that successful, working women must still shoulder the blame for all that is wrong with the world.
Soujanna Datta,Calcutta
Insensitive joke
Sir — It is unfortunate that the prime minister, Narendra Modi, narrated a joke around a suicide note. Ridiculing someone taking their own life is utterly insensitive (“Upside down”, April 30). It is equally sad that the so-called joke seemed to resonate with the audience, which clapped heartily on hearing it.
Suicide is a tragedy that adversely affects thousands of families. The prime minister cracking a joke about suicide also indicates the general lack of awareness about mental health issues among the people. Dishearteningly, political leaders are known to make such senseless comments from time to time. The Trinamul Congress parliamentarian and actor, Dev, had made a similarly insensitive remark about rape a few years ago. People’s representatives should maintain the dignity of their office by refraining from making such disparaging comments.
Shipra Chakraborty,Calcutta
Sir — The editorial, “Upside down”, highlighted the prime minister’s lack of empathy. Modi even prompted laughter from the audience. While humour should be appreciated, it should not be made at the expense of someone else’s misery. Modi’s joke was heartless.
Santi Pramanick,Howrah
Doubtful outcome
Sir — The Securities and Exchange Board of India has moved the Supreme Court seeking a six-month extension to complete its probe into allegations against the Adani Group. Is this an attempt to cover up the scam? Such apprehension is not unwarranted given Gautam Adani’s alleged proximity to the prime minister, Narendra Modi.
Sebi has asked for an extension in spite of the top court’s order in March to conclude the investigation within two months. This only bolsters scepticism about the truth about the Adani Group ever coming to light.
S.K. Choudhury,Bengaluru
Key constituency
Sir — The Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, has been courting the Lingayat community ahead of the assembly polls in Karnataka. This has got the Bharatiya Janata Party worried, especially after the exit of two prominent Lingayat leaders from the BJP as a result of disenchantment with the party’s pandering to the upper caste. The saffron party is facing a strong anti-incumbency wave. It remains to be seen if Rahul Gandhi will be able to utilise the opportunity to tilt the Lingayat vote bank towards the Congress.
Bhagwan Thadani,Mumbai
Sir — The Lingayat community and its leaders have always been kingmakers in Karnataka. This year, the vote bank seems to be torn between the BJP and the Congress. It is entirely possible that neither party will have a clear lead and will need post-poll alliances.
C.R. Bijoy,Calcutta
Laboured lives
Sir — International Labour Day, observed on May 1 every year, is an important occasion to reflect on the impact of technology on the workforce. The shift towards a digital economy has, undoubtedly, created new opportunities but it has also led to a significant disruption of traditional industries and the displacement of workers. There is thus an urgent need to ensure that those workers who are affected by these changes are provided with adequate support, such as skill-training and social safety, to help them adapt to new roles.
Amarjeet Kumar,Hazaribag, Jharkhand
Sir — The increase in suicide among daily wage workers is a matter of concern. According to data, one in every four persons committing suicide is a daily wage worker. The fatalities were the maximum in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.The Centre and the stategovernments should worktogether to address this matter.
Dattaprasad Shirodkar,Mumbai
Cats in crisis
Sir — India is home to five big cat species — Asiatic lion, Royal Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard (“Big cat on a hot tin roof”, April 28). However, their numbers have been dwindling owing to hunting and habitat loss. These were also the reasons behind the extinction of the cheetah population. With the recent reintroduction of African cheetahs, India now has six big cat species. Steps should be taken to ensure their sustenance.
Saikat Kumar Basu,Calcutta
Delicious snack
Sir — In her column, “Truth in a fried dumpling” (April 30), Chandrima S. Bhattacharya waxed eloquent about her fondness for the singara that was sold at a sweet shop in her neighbourhood, lyrically describing the mood changes that the singaras evoke. Indeed, singaras along with hot tea make for a perfect evening snack. Sadly, with the mushrooming of cafes, the popularity of this delicious snack has diminished.
Anjan Majumdar,Calcutta
