Pursuit of happiness

Sir — How does one measure happiness? Is it a satisfactory meal, a well-paid job or the perfect ending to a book? Happiness is largely relative. But what can be quantified
is the number of unhappy people in India. The latest World Happiness Report ranked India at 139 among 149 countries based on parameters like GDP, personal freedom, corruption levels and so on. One could also add rising inflation, fuel prices and polarization to this list. It seems that the never-ending wait for achchhe din is taking a toll on the psychological well-being of Indians.

Mandira Biswas,
Calcutta

Balanced stance

Sir — India, along with 12 other United Nations Security Council members, abstained from voting on a resolution by Russia on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. New Delhi has, once again, maintained its non-aligned stance. However, this is also the first time since the war began that India has sided with the Western bloc. While India might have been criticized for not condemning Russia outright, its call for a peaceful settlement through negotiations is wise.

S.S. Paul,
Nadia

Sir — The recent Russian resolution in the UNSC urged countries to allow safe passage to those seeking refuge outside Ukraine. But it had no mention of Russia’s role as the aggressor. India was thus right in joining 12 other nations in abstaining from the vote.

Bhagwan Thadani,
Mumbai

Be careful

Sir — In the light of the improvement in India’s Covid-19 situation, the Central government has decided to lift most restrictions that had been imposed since the beginning of the pandemic (“Look back”, Mar 25). This will remove the penalties for violation of Covid protocols. However, wearing masks and maintaining hand hygiene will continue. This is a wise decision as masks are the first line of defence against the virus. The government should also withdraw the cases registered against people for not wearing masks.

Khokan Das,
Calcutta

Sir — Even when Covid-19 restrictions were enforceable by law, hardly anyone followed them. Now that they will be removed, a fourth wave of the pandemic may soon ensue.

Riyah Sen,
Calcutta

Warning signs

Sir — Pollution in Delhi is peaking again. According to the World Air Quality Report, Delhi has been named the most polluted capital for the fourth consecutive year owing to a sharp rise in pollution — almost 15 per cent increase over the previous year. Carbon emissions from vehicles, industrial waste and crop burning are among the several factors driving up pollution. Constant exposure to pollutants is already having an impact on public health. India needs effective environmental policies to remedy this. Raising awareness and planting more trees must be undertaken on a war footing.

Poonam Boyat,
Ujjain

Glorious exit

Sir — It was surprising to learn that the World No.1 women’s tennis player, Ashleigh Barty, is retiring from the game at just 25 years of age (“At her peak, Barty quits to chase dreams”, Mar 24). Barty’s retreat at a time when she is playing at her best — she won the Australian Open two months ago and the Wimbledon last year — has led many to question her decision. However, this is not the first time that a reigning player has called it quits: Björn Borg, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin all put down their racquets at the peak of their careers.

Barty’s decision has also stirred conversation about the increasing cases of psychological burnout among sportspersons owing to constantly pushing their limits. Barty must, thus, be lauded for prioritizing her mental well-being.

Vijay Singh Adhikari,
Nainital