Male wisdom
Sir — Men have been emboldened by centuries of patriarchy to think that they know it all. This results in them often offering unsolicited explanation and advice — mansplaining — at every opportunity. Recently, a professional golfer, Georgia Ball, shared a video of a man trying to teach her to improve her backswing, citing his experience of playing golf. Perhaps women, too, should start explaining basic life skills like cooking and cleaning, which men clearly know so little about. Even though men are unlikely to listen to such advice, maybe they will learn how to cook just so they can mansplain it back to the women.
Smriti Dey, Siliguri
Unfair tactic
Sir — The Congress has accused the Narendra Modi government of hoodwinking nationalised banks into transferring 65 crore rupees from its accounts to the government via the income tax department (“Cong finger at ‘political terrorism’”, Feb 23). If this is true, it indicates that the Bharatiya Janata Party aims to weaken the Opposition before the Lok Sabha elections by misusing State agencies. The income tax department should clarify the issue and be transparent about its financial dealings.
Jayanta Datta, Hooghly
Sir — The Congress has claimed that the Centre indulged in “financial terrorism” against it to cripple the country’s principal Opposition party. This shows that the government is rattled by the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the ongoing farmers’ movement and rising inflation.
Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai
Grey silence
Sir — The notice issued by the Union government to social media platforms such as X, Facebook and Instagram to block the accounts and posts of those who support the farmers’ protest is undemocratic. If people are only allowed to post in support of the government of the day, this will affect the spirit of democracy, which is powered by diverse public opinion. The Narendra Modi government must find better ways of dealing with the farmers’ protest than firing pellets and shadowbanning content in support of the annadaatas.
G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Deal struck
Sir — Recent events within the INDIA combine have made it urgent for the Congress to engage in seat-sharing talks with regional parties (“INDIA seat talks back on track”, Feb 23). It is heartening that the Samajwadi Party and the Aam Aadmi Party were able to finalise seat-sharing deals with the Congress in some states. Hopefully, this will encourage other INDIA parties to strike similar arrangements. Time is of the essence with the general elections knocking on the door.
Bal Govind, Noida
Downward spiral
Sir — The ed-tech firm, Byju’s, a start-up that flourished during the Covid-19 pandemic, is now on a downward spiral with its valuation dropping to nearly $200 million, a drop of around 99% from its peak valuation. While its investors have pledged to contribute $300 million to allow it to stay afloat, this may not be enough. The unique selling proposition of Byju’s — online learning during the pandemic — took a severe beating as students went back to school. Its inability to adapt underlines how important it is for start-up companies to be more flexible.
M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu
Heat alert
Sir — In the past few days, the temperature in West Bengal has suddenly shot up, reaching 31°C. Such high temperatures in February foreshadow the possibility of an intensely hot summer this year. This is alarming.
Sourish Misra, Calcutta
