Wise choice
Sir — Recent years have seen a resurgence in the popularity of vinyl records and Polaroid cameras, suggesting that nostalgia and charm may, at times, override convenience. But does this principle apply even to the ubiquitous smartphone, which is synonymous with modern lives? According to recent reports, Zoomers and younger Millennials have been showing an increasing fondness for ‘dumbphones’ because they are simple and non-addictive. To meet this niche but growing demand, Nokia recently developed an updated version of its flip phone from the early 2000s. Users apparently reported a drastic decrease in their screen time and social media usage since buying these phones. Dumbphones might just be the only way to regain control of our lives.
Shilpa Sen, Calcutta
Mature speech
Sir — The first speech of the newly-elected Congress parliamentarian, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in the Lok Sabha was mature (“‘Focus on now, not Nehru’”, Dec 14). One has not witnessed such a measured speech and confident voice in Parliament in a long time, perhaps even since the time of her grandmother, Indira Gandhi.
Asim Boral, Calcutta
Sir — The Bharatiya Janata Party dispensation at the Centre is fixated on Jawaharlal Nehru who is somehow blamed for all the ills of the nation. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s advice to the Centre to not focus on Nehru thus echoed Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words: “With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now.” One hopes that the BJP will pay heed to Gandhi Vadra’s words.
Avinash Godboley, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh
Sir — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra exhibited the pragmatism of Jawaharlal Nehru and the courage of Indira Gandhi to counter her opponents in the Lok Sabha. She rightly underlined Nehru’s contributions to India — establishing the Indian Institutes of Technology and Management and hydroelectric projects are just two examples — that carved the destiny of the nation. It must also be noted that Indira Gandhi had nationalised the banks, making them accessible to ordinary people. Moreover, generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family have played a part in building a secular and inclusive polity in India.
T. Ramadas, Visakhapatnam
Sir — The decision of the Treasury benches to not interrupt Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s maiden speech in the Lok Sabha was a pleasant surprise. By lending a
patient ear to an Opposition leader, the Treasury benches have restored gravity to the democratic parliamentary ethos.
R. Narayanan, Navi Mumbai
Sir — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s maiden speech in Parliament was magnificent. It is hoped that she will be successful in her future political endeavours.
Romana Ahmed, Calcutta
Frenzied fandom
Sir — Indians are known for their twin obsession — cricket and cinema. During the premiere of Pushpa 2, starring the Telugu superstar, Allu Arjun, in a theatre in Hyderabad, the appearance of the actor caused a stampede that killed a woman (“Potboiler to rival Pushpa: Arjun arrest and bail”, Dec 14). The husband of the deceased filed a first information report against Arjun, leading to his arrest and imprisonment for a night. Many actors from the Indian film industry have been to jail but, unlike ordinary prisoners, most of them get bail immediately.
Jang Bahadur Singh, Jamshedpur
Sir — The quick bail for Allu Arjun in connection with the death of a woman in a stampede at the premiere of the film, Pushpa 2, raises concerns about the fairness of the legal system. While the actor may not have directly caused the incident, his visit to the theatre undoubtedly contributed to the chaos.
Apparently, the deceased woman’s husband is willing to withdraw the case against Arjun and the actor has offered financial compensation to the family. However, this does not absolve the actor of his responsibility as a public figure with a large following. This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety measures at public events and responsible behaviour from celebrities. Questions also arise about potential preferential treatment for film stars in legal matters.
Sreshaja J.R., Kannur, Kerala
Sir — It was ridiculous that the Telangana police charged the superstar, Allu Arjun, with culpable homicide because a woman died in a stampede at the premiere of his film. The movie theatre and the actor’s team claim that they had informed the police of his visit beforehand but the police have denied this. The police neglected their obligation of managing crowds even though Telugu fans are known for their frenzy.
N. Sadhasiva Reddy, Bengaluru
Sir — The chief minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, has rightly defended the Telangana police for arresting Allu Arjun. Film stars should not be allowed to attend premieres of their films, nor be given special treatment which inconveniences the public. But the people are equally to be blamed for being irrational in their hero worship.
M.C. Vijay Shankar, Chennai
Sir — It is police incompetence that is responsible for the death of the woman at the premiere of Pushpa 2 and not Allu Arjun. The arrest of the actor was a smokescreen to hide the police’s failings.
Khokan Das, Calcutta
Grey winter
Sir — Winter sunlight brings warmth and vitality, lifting spirits during the cold months. Its soft glow is a reminder of hope and nature’s resilience. But pollution has made such sunlight scarce everywhere.
Jahar Saha, Calcutta
