Granny cool
Sir — There was a time when we turned to our grandmothers for problems big and small. With modern families shrinking in size, though, dadi ke nuskhe are hard to come by. This void has been filled by the legion of YouTube dadis. YouTube is overflowing with ‘granfluencers’, a bevy of web-savvy seniors — a majority of them happen to be women — who have thousands of followers. Be it by sharing rare recipes or offering sage wisdom, these grandmas and grandpas have not only filled the emptiness in their own lives but have also come to the aid of youngsters struggling on their own, all while earning a living post-retirement.
Sayantan Ganguly, Calcutta
Powerless entity
Sir — Even as the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of granting Palestine full membership at the multilateral body, thousands of miles away, in the killing fields of Gaza, Palestinians continued to face the brutality of the Israeli war machine (“India for Palestine UN membership”, May 11). Only nine countries, including the United States of America, voted against granting Palestine greater rights. This will prove to be a challenge in the Security Council where the US has a veto — its nod is necessary to induct Palestine into the UN.
Despite global calls for Israel to refrain from attacking Rafah, Tel Aviv’s lust for blood has not been slaked. Even a feeble warning from the US threatening to cut off weapons bound for Tel Aviv failed to check Israel. In the light of this, the US’s stance in the UN is as cruel as Israel’s killing spree in Gaza.
Khokan Das, Calcutta
Sir —The ceaseless suffering and pain of Palestinians prove that might is always right. It has been 79 years since the UN was established but even today five permanent members of the Security Council call all the shots. Thus, even though the General Assembly voted by a majority to include Palestine in the UN and give it greater say in international fora, the US — the prime sponsor of what can only be called Israeli terror — will ensure that the Palestinian voice continues to be muffled. There is thus little reason to celebrate this event.
Jang Bahadur Singh, Jamshedpur
Narrow scope
Sir — The editorial, “Women on wheels” (May 11), lauded the Congress’s scheme of providing free bus rides for women in Karnataka, arguing that this would allow women to travel to their place of work. What about the unemployed youth who need to travel to seek employment? All unemployed youths, too, should be allowed free bus rides till they find gainful employment.
Sanjit Ghatak, South 24 Parganas
Sir — So-called welfare measures like the Shakti scheme in Karnataka that provides free bus rides for women and the promise of the Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, to give one lakh annually to poor women reveal that the Grand Old Party undermines the capabilities of women. Women these days are too smart to be lured by such promises. Only actual work will translate into votes.
Abhilasha Gupta, Chandigarh
Triumphant spirit
Sir — The editorial, “Search for joy” (May 12), was inspiring. To attain happiness, one has to be bold and overcome one’s shortcomings and disabilities. The author and educator, Helen Keller, for instance, was blind and deaf. But she did not leave any stone unturned to achieve success. Only tough people can conquer tough times.
Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana
Sir — Neither ill health not adversity could stop creators like Ludwig van Beethoven, John Milton, Francisco Goya, Vincent van Gogh, Helen Keller and others like them. Rather, physical affliction catalysed the creation of great art. Death alone could stop them. The editorial, “Search for joy”, rightly summarised that while death could take away the artists’ lives, their creations remain immortal.
Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly
Eat better
Sir — It is shocking that estimates show that 56.4% of the total disease burden in India is due to unhealthy diets. This should serve as a wake-up call for citizens. People must try to avoid consuming fast food and packaged snacks, which are easily available but have an adverse impact on consumers’ health. The government must come up with an initiative to deal with the crisis. Including nutrition in school curricula will encourage children and teenagers to become health-conscious from an early age. Traditional Indian meals, including green vegetables, fruits and homemade delicacies, are rich in nutrients. Promoting home-cooked meals is a vital step towards a healthier lifestyle. Besides a change in diet, it is important for people to incorporate some physical activity into their lives.
Shovanlal Chakraborty, Calcutta
Sir — Convenience is not the only factor pushing people towards packaged food. Food inflation has made it difficult for most to afford a nutritious meal.
Taniya Basu, Calcutta
