Refer to ‘The fact-fiction brew of Amitav Ghosh’ (The Great Game); in Ghosh’s latest novel, memory is an undefinable, multi-functional thing. It is the key to the past, and to the future. It’s the bridge that connects our reality — based on scientific rationality — with the uncanny and divine, built on essentially unclear phenomena. In the book, memory is a weapon for a select few, who can use memories from previous lives to fight the planet-exploiting scourge of industrialisation and progress. Despite the novel’s flaws, it feels particularly relevant and pressing in today’s context.
SS Paul, Nadia (WB)
Readers’ market shrinking
Apropos of ‘The fact-fiction brew of Amitav Ghosh’; the much-reputed author’s persona is aptly summed up in the ‘Though for the Day’ in his own words: In order to see the world in a different way, we need different kinds of stories. Literature — both oriental and occidental — is a treasure trove of information and education, but unfortunately the reading market is growing at a very slow pace and in restricted quarters. The boon or bane of digital revolution must not deprive the younger generation of the miracles of pen and print because these are no coincidences, only synchronicity of two mediums.
Rahul Bharadwaj, Bengaluru
Centre must give reassurance
Refer to ‘Urban India’s crisis beneath the concrete’; it has been rightly pointed out that the country’s urban policy must respond to the needs of the millennium arising from rapid and vertical expansion, increased automobile traffic and urban population. The recent incidents — Indore water contamination tragedy and the Noida death — reflect carelessness on the part of the authorities that should ring alarm bells in the power corridors. These dangerous instances happen across the country, but no full-proof measures are taken not to repeat the mistakes. The Central government too must take cognisance of these kind of mishaps in small towns and follow the investigations to their logical end that can act as a reassurance of safety to the citizens of the country.
Subhash C Taneja, Gurugram
Punjab should clean its rivers
Apropos of ‘Water and waste are becoming inseparable’; the writer has rightly stressed on the worst-case scenario when healthy rivers shall only flow in the realm of dreams. Talking of Punjab, the land of five rivers, we should initiate a campaign to clean the rivers and riverbanks first. There are bodies like the Punjab Pollution Control Board, National Green Tribunal and Jal Shakti Vibhag, which must share the responsibility of clean water. It’s time to act fast. Under public pressure, authorities will have to act; if there is non-compliance, the judiciary can do the hand-holding.
Anil Oberoi, Mohali
Say no to dynastic politics
Apropos of ‘Ajit’s wife Sunetra set to be Maha Deputy CM’; governance cannot be guided by sentiment alone. India is a parliamentary democracy, not a dynastic polity. When the next of kin of a deceased leader is swiftly chosen to occupy the same constitutional office, it blurs the line between democratic mandate and dynastic entitlement. This risks weakening institutional credibility and undermining the morale of seasoned legislators within the party who too have earned public trust through years of political work. A transparent process, where the legislative party openly debates and elects its leader from among its ranks, would have sent a stronger message of democratic maturity. Parties must be careful that short-term stability doesn’t come at the cost of long-term democratic principles.
Sanjay Chopra, Mohali
Public health non-negotiable
Apropos of ‘Easing drug trials’; encouraging research and innovation is valid. However, public health and patient safety must remain non-negotiable. India’s experience with poorly monitored trials and ethical lapses reminds us that regulatory relaxation carries risks. Faster approvals should go hand in hand with stronger safeguards, mandatory real-time reporting of adverse events, strict post-trial audits and uniform training in good clinical practices. Ease of research should not mean cutting corners. Without safety oversight, faster research is not progress but recklessness, putting public trust and lives at stake.
K Kumar, Panchkula
