Magical course
Sir — As ardent fans of the Harry Potter books while growing up, my friends and I often prayed for a letter from Hogwarts that never turned up. But it is exciting to hear that students can now pursue their dream of studying magic at the University of Exeter, which is offering a master’s degree in Magic and Occult Science. While it will not teach students how to make objects levitate, by ‘decolonising’ the image of magic as a mysterious, Oriental import through analyses of the history of the occult and the depiction of magic and witchcraft in literature, the course will perform greater magic than any petty parlour trick.
Sachin Sharma, New Delhi
Choose wisely
Sir — The states which will go to polls next month should learn a lesson from Manipur about the consequences of bringing the Bharatiya Janata Party to power. The state government has failed to bring an end to the chaos in Manipur that has already led to a considerable loss of life and damage to property. The BJP’s promises of egalitarian development, ensuring ample employment and controlling inflation have repeatedly proved to be hollow. The people of the five states should thus be wary.
S. Kamat, Alto Santa Cruz, Goa
Sir — In yet another horrifying video emerging from Manipur, the body of a tribal man can be seen as being set on fire in a trench. Although authorities have stated that the video appears to be from May, it is disheartening to see the sheer scale of violence that has been unfolding unchecked in the state in the past few months. The weapons and ammunition that have been looted from government armouries are yet to be recovered. The state government must make it a priority to regain control of the law and order situation in Manipur as soon as possible.
Mohammad Taukir, West Champaran
Shady business
Sir — The Financial Times report alleging that the Adani Group has imported billions of dollars of coal at prices well above market prices is yet another blow to the embattled business tycoon, Gautam Adani. Unsurprisingly, though, the case against Adani filed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence was dismissed — this proves that he enjoys the favour of the ruling regime.
A.K. Chakraborty, Guwahati
Fatal abuse
Sir — It was shocking to read that a girl in Uttar Pradesh was reportedly pushed in front of a moving train after resisting molestation by two men. As a result of the incident, she has lost both her legs and has had to have her hand amputated. The molesters should be administered strict punishment.
Tauqeer Rahmani, Mumbai
Wasted lessons
Sir — The Indian Railways seems to have learnt nothing from the recent accidents, which led to hundreds of fatalities. The derailment of the North East Express in Bihar’s Buxar proves, once again, that the dilapidated railway infrastructure needs to be upgraded immediately. Ensuring safe travel for commuters is more important than flagging off new Vande Bharat trains.
Piyush Somani, Guwahati
Poor treatment
Sir — Hilal Ahmed is justified in claiming that caste is deeply embedded within India’s socio-political structure (“A new template”, Oct 11). The India Human Development Survey, 2011-12 found that 27% of Indians still practised untouchability. The discrimination associated with caste identity persists even after an improvement in economic conditions. Caste-based reservation is thus necessary to ensure the uplift of the so-called lower castes.
Sujit De, Calcutta
