Tharoor's role in the Congress
A very interesting article that analyses Tharoor and his relationship with the Congress so well. ("For Congress to accept Shashi Tharoor, he must fake mediocrity and live in Rahul’s shadow") Tharoor is not a regional satrap or a caste leader or even a veteran politician. Yet, he always manages to say interesting things and stay in the limelight while coming off as polished.
Like many other Indians, I was proud to hear his speech at Oxford. If politicians are supposed to be charming and well-spoken, then Tharoor takes the cake. He was right in his letter to Sonia Gandhi ‒ he does not get the credit or responsibility he deserves.
It's a pity he wasn't made Leader of Opposition. Not only could he have spoken in the Congress' favour, but also could have attracted more viewership and public interest. Can Rahul Gandhi ever overshadow someone like Tharoor? ‒ Nadia Motwani
***
Shashi Tharoor is brilliant. The leaders of the Congress ought to realise his brilliance and make him party leader if they hope to gain a majority in the next parliamentary elections. ‒ Chandy
***
Voters of Thiruvananthapuram would gladly re-elect Tharoor if he were to contest on a BJP ticket or even as an independent. He is the right man in the wrong party. Imagine Tharoor serving under Rahul Gandhi's prime ministership! ‒ Balakrishnan Unny
Build a better India
These cries of anti-colonialism would only make sense had we made the country better after independence ("Anti-colonialism is an old strategic tool of India – Shashi Tharoor merely repackaged it"). Earlier, we were looted and cheated by the British. Now, we do it to each other. Earlier, the British took money from us. Now, from the rich and famous to the slum dwellers, we all give away money to procure western gadgets for our leisure.
Why are we spending time complaining instead of building a better country? It's time to stop looking at the droppings behind us and focus on the seeds we need to plant in front of us. I do not think I have an answer. But if together we have the will, we can come up with a solution. ‒ Harish Dalal
***
The writer seems to be living in a time warp. ‒ rajaalagar on email
Extremist leanings
Extremism cannot be calculated in this fashion ("Most extremists in India are not Muslim ‒ they are Hindu"). We can accept that given the large Hindu majority in India, some extremist elements can be found. But the ratio does not compare to the number of religious extremists in the minority communities. ‒ chandrasekaran108 on email
***
An eye-opening article and very factual. I always wonder why such data is not being reported in the mainstream media. Why is extremism increasing among the common man and when will it end? ‒ Haris Khan
Death penalty debate
The death penalty is necessary in cases involving terrorists because if he is kept in jail for life, his fellow terrorists can stage a hostage drama to secure his release ("Does the death penalty act as a deterrent to crime?"). Also, there is the danger of political pressure being exerted in future to release terrorists. ‒ Ramesh Vora
Surprise revelation
Dr BR Ambedkar's supposed opposition to the amendment seeking that capital punishment be abolished does not fit in with the idealistic view I had of the man. ("Bhagat Singh and Godse: How India’s stand on death penalty changed between two killings") ‒ Patrick Dubos
Not the best solution
I would like to congratulate you on the nice article ("Swachh Internet: Why we must support Ravi Shankar Prasad in filtering internet porn"). You almost convinced me that the government's move to block porn websites is a good thing. However, I feel that you are merely trying to find reasons ‒ and not good ones ‒ to justify the move.
It's true that the ban would inadvertently result in the general public learning about VPNs. But is that the right way to go about it? The resources being used to enforce this ban could instead spread awareness about VPNs and its role in ensuring data security.
However, blocking porn websites is wrong. It simply means that the freedom promised by the Constitution of India is just a farce. And as for your arguments, the ends don't justify the means. ‒ Gopi Krushna Kapagunta
Nothing to hide
Even if the erotic sculptures gave an unrealistic message, the fact remains that there had to be a fire somewhere to give out so much smoke ("Never mind Khajuraho and Tinder, India has never known sexual intercourse"). This was out in the open. It's nobody's fault that we cannot discover the evidence. ‒ Jyoti Panda
Fresh perspective
As usual, it's up to a westerner to offer a fresh interpretation of Hindu books ("What is the Kamasutra really about? Wendy Doniger reads the classic text"). Hindutvalas should be grateful to Doniger instead of reviling her ‒ Eddie Ray
We have a lot of banning experts in Delhi. Onions are known for their political vulnerability ("Should India import onions? There's a cheaper way to bring down prices"). If not careful, it could bring down governments. Which other commodity can make one cry and still be loved? A cheaper way to bring down prices is to declare one day of the week as an "onion-free" day. The demand will drop by 20% and the prices will follow suit. ‒ Ravindranathan PV
Aiding adoption
As a prospective adoptive parent, I welcome the new adoption guidelines ("Adoption rules are changing, but can the new system really give more children a home?"). There is only one hitch in the system. I wish parents that would be permitted to meet the children they shortlist at least once before making a final decision. When one meets a child, the bonding in that moment aids a decision. I feel the government should make a provision for this in a new system. ‒ A concerned adoptive parent
A fine balance
Mohan Guruswamy’s obituary on APJ Abdul Kalam was probably the most balanced one to appear in the Indian media ("Despite being a modest man with modest achievements, Kalam captured the imagination of young India"). The obituary had the class of Ann Wroe and was indeed an interesting read. The criticism that has appeared against Guruswamy is unfair and unfounded. ‒ Pradeep Gopalan
Shun GM crops
The article made for an interesting read ("The Tree of 40 Fruit is an art experiment that takes botany to a new level"). Van Aken is both an artist and a botanist. He had produced several fruits on one tree through modes of propagation compatible with the plant's natural reproduction methods.
This type of experimentation is commendable. It also subtly conveys the message that plants could be genetically blended with other plants and not organisms from other branches of classification.
Needless to say, the latter combination yields genetically modified organisms, which are harmful for both man and nature. However, the GMO corporates further their agenda through media and even scientific journals. The world does not really need GM crops to feed its billions. It already produces enough. ‒ Neelam Pereira
A blow for whistleblowers
With these amendments being tabled and passed by the Lok Sabha, it is evident that this government is determined that any wrongdoing by any politician or bureaucrat will not be reported, investigated, or punished ("While whistleblowers already face death threats, their life is set to become even more difficult").
In short, we should be prepared to face a world in which taking and receiving bribes for favours will be the order of the day, no matter which party is in power. This is not "acche din" for the ordinary citizen, but it is certainly Acche Din for the corrupt bureaucrat or politician. ‒ Devaki Khanna
Wealth cycle
Both India and China were economic superpowers around the 17th century ("How the transfer of wealth from India to Britain began well before the industrial revolution"). Both witnessed a similar decline of economic strength and loss of political power and now both are rising again. Is this transfer of wealth from east to west, and now back again to the east, a cycle?
Is destiny or karma the reason why nations prosper and lose their strength? Can there be a system to ensure that it doesn't happen again? ‒ Harsh
Pro-farmer before polls
I don't think the belated realisation by the prime minister takes anything away from the Janata Dal (United) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar ("Among the factors that forced Modi to withdraw land bill: fear of defeat in Bihar polls").
The BJP has already shown its pro-capitalist face and now it cannot hide anywhere. Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav will still say that the land bill was withdrawn only to win farmers' votes, but once elected, the BJP will again revert to its anti-farmer policy. ‒ Dipak Dholakia
Out of place
I often refer to Scroll for its unbiased views on various matters. However, I was dismayed to see the usage of the painting "The Zamorin of Calicut" as the cover of the article ("Who deserves credit for the rasgulla? Bengalis, Odiyas...or the Portuguese?").
The painting depicts a scene wherein Vasco Da Gama is meeting the Zamorin of Calicut. It's a fictionalised work which was painted in 1898, about 400 years after the actual meeting.
The painting doesn't complement the subject matter of the article ‒ something more germane depicting either Puri or Bengali cuisine could have been used. That painting is famous because of conjectures around the appearance of the Zamorin and his palace interiors (over eight different paintings and engravings were done over the centuries, each with a different depiction of the Zamorin).
I feel the article could have been better researched and not done in a rush like the mainstream media. ‒ Vaibhav Arora
All about the money
I fully agree that these so-called leagues are meant fill the pockets of former players. There is so much they can do for the betterment of tennis without all this exhibition ("Nadal plays Federer on the India leg of the IPTL, but is it necessary?").
Mahesh Bhupathi is not an inspiring player at any level. His academies and manipulation of tennis rules reek of corrupt measures to rake in money. I can assure you that no one from the tennis fraternity has looked up to him as a thorough professional.
If you see the rotten state of affairs in Indian tennis, you would think twice before picking up a racquet. There is so much they can do. Yet they chose to turn a blind eye to all the muck.
Even the last IPTL was nothing but a sham. Tickets were overpriced, rules were weird, players put in half-hearted efforts and one could not watch anything sensible in terms of tennis. No player benefitted. ‒ Pallavi Ganesh Kumar
Plastic rice
I was shocked to hear about this. ("This video offers an easy way to check whether your rice comes mixed with 'plastic rice' from China") The central government should address this issue and stringent action should be taken against the hoarders of this rice. ‒ Lawrence Pais
Acceptance is the first step
This article encapsulates everything I believe to be true about death ‒ the hierarchy of good and bad deaths, the futile desperation to stay alive against all the odds, leading to unnecessary treatments which are most often brutal and futile ("What doctors know about death that the rest of us don’t").
If we can accept death, then we can plan our deaths and prepare to be at home or at a hospice, where most of us want to be. If families want support, they can ask for a Soul Midwife or Death Doula to help them achieve a tranquil and peaceful death. Thank you for a lovely article. ‒ Katrina Taee
Save the forests
I really appreciated this article about how the environment minister is burying his head in the sand about the state of India's forests. If the minister were to read the article, he cannot miss the message ("Mr Environment Minister, India is carrying out deforestation, not reforestation").
I hope that someone in the government will realise that to be really positive about India's forests, certain steps need to be taken. Instead of "diverting" forest land for "development", the government should consider using the land where compensatory afforestation is to be done for "development" activities. ‒ Anupama Krishnamurthy
Go easy on the elephants
Great article indeed ("This chilling footage shows you what it takes to capture a wild elephant in India"). Why can't these elephants be lifted onto trucks while still unconscious? It's pretty simple for a crane to lift a 3 tonne-5 tonne elephant. The required arrangements are not rocket science either. Instead, some top brass honcho decided to use a dozen elephants, shed blood and energy to make a show ‒ Anand CK Shashidhar
Books in the digital age
Online book-buying is not going to stop, however wary a writer may be ("Why commercial fiction writers should be wary of online book-buying"). I do miss some great bookshops with book-loving owners. But the big chains? No, I'm far happier online. ‒ Tim Poston
R.I.P, robot
As an experimental robot, Hitch was great ("Friendly humans helped this hitchhiking robot travel the world without worries ‒ until it got to America"). Hitch has done the human race a favour as he has exposed our attitude to strangers and robots as well. As mortals, we can expect to die at a certain point. But in his short life, Hitch has provided enough evidence of the perils of living with humans on Earth. ‒ Rajesh Toppo
Captain Kidd's undoing
I am a little surprised that no one connected the name of the ship with the place in Karnataka. It is mentioned that the ship belonged to a Ciorgi or a Coorgi ("How an Indian ship proved to be the undoing of notorious pirate Captain Kidd"). Then it must follow, and by no means a great leap of the imagination, that the name Quedagh can only be a corruption of the word Gadag, a district in the same state.
I must, however, caution the scholar against jumping to conclusions until further information is available. But starting from this premise seems to be logical at the moment, not as a de facto answer but as a starting point alone, which is how history must be read and interpreted. Such a fascinating story. Thank you, Scroll, for delving into such esoteric topics. ‒ Kishore Tejaswi
Captivating vignettes
The writer is a gifted storyteller ("The naked selfies: Behind the lens of women’s ‘nudies’"). The vignettes capture not just the inconsistencies of daily life, but also how sexual choices must be rationalised in different situations. As an anthropologist, such writing, done by living in the world of your subject, is what best tells us what's really going on.
I was particularly struck by the sensitivity displayed by you, the obvious trust you had built with your sources and the lack of moral judgment on your part. And yet you have attempted to tell it like it is. This is an art that many don't learn even if trained by the best. Thank you for writing this. ‒ Sana Ghazi
We welcome your comments at
letters@scroll.in.
A very interesting article that analyses Tharoor and his relationship with the Congress so well. ("For Congress to accept Shashi Tharoor, he must fake mediocrity and live in Rahul’s shadow") Tharoor is not a regional satrap or a caste leader or even a veteran politician. Yet, he always manages to say interesting things and stay in the limelight while coming off as polished.
Like many other Indians, I was proud to hear his speech at Oxford. If politicians are supposed to be charming and well-spoken, then Tharoor takes the cake. He was right in his letter to Sonia Gandhi ‒ he does not get the credit or responsibility he deserves.
It's a pity he wasn't made Leader of Opposition. Not only could he have spoken in the Congress' favour, but also could have attracted more viewership and public interest. Can Rahul Gandhi ever overshadow someone like Tharoor? ‒ Nadia Motwani
***
Shashi Tharoor is brilliant. The leaders of the Congress ought to realise his brilliance and make him party leader if they hope to gain a majority in the next parliamentary elections. ‒ Chandy
***
Voters of Thiruvananthapuram would gladly re-elect Tharoor if he were to contest on a BJP ticket or even as an independent. He is the right man in the wrong party. Imagine Tharoor serving under Rahul Gandhi's prime ministership! ‒ Balakrishnan Unny
Build a better India
These cries of anti-colonialism would only make sense had we made the country better after independence ("Anti-colonialism is an old strategic tool of India – Shashi Tharoor merely repackaged it"). Earlier, we were looted and cheated by the British. Now, we do it to each other. Earlier, the British took money from us. Now, from the rich and famous to the slum dwellers, we all give away money to procure western gadgets for our leisure.
Why are we spending time complaining instead of building a better country? It's time to stop looking at the droppings behind us and focus on the seeds we need to plant in front of us. I do not think I have an answer. But if together we have the will, we can come up with a solution. ‒ Harish Dalal
***
The writer seems to be living in a time warp. ‒ rajaalagar on email
Extremist leanings
Extremism cannot be calculated in this fashion ("Most extremists in India are not Muslim ‒ they are Hindu"). We can accept that given the large Hindu majority in India, some extremist elements can be found. But the ratio does not compare to the number of religious extremists in the minority communities. ‒ chandrasekaran108 on email
***
An eye-opening article and very factual. I always wonder why such data is not being reported in the mainstream media. Why is extremism increasing among the common man and when will it end? ‒ Haris Khan
Death penalty debate
The death penalty is necessary in cases involving terrorists because if he is kept in jail for life, his fellow terrorists can stage a hostage drama to secure his release ("Does the death penalty act as a deterrent to crime?"). Also, there is the danger of political pressure being exerted in future to release terrorists. ‒ Ramesh Vora
Surprise revelation
Dr BR Ambedkar's supposed opposition to the amendment seeking that capital punishment be abolished does not fit in with the idealistic view I had of the man. ("Bhagat Singh and Godse: How India’s stand on death penalty changed between two killings") ‒ Patrick Dubos
Not the best solution
I would like to congratulate you on the nice article ("Swachh Internet: Why we must support Ravi Shankar Prasad in filtering internet porn"). You almost convinced me that the government's move to block porn websites is a good thing. However, I feel that you are merely trying to find reasons ‒ and not good ones ‒ to justify the move.
It's true that the ban would inadvertently result in the general public learning about VPNs. But is that the right way to go about it? The resources being used to enforce this ban could instead spread awareness about VPNs and its role in ensuring data security.
However, blocking porn websites is wrong. It simply means that the freedom promised by the Constitution of India is just a farce. And as for your arguments, the ends don't justify the means. ‒ Gopi Krushna Kapagunta
Nothing to hide
Even if the erotic sculptures gave an unrealistic message, the fact remains that there had to be a fire somewhere to give out so much smoke ("Never mind Khajuraho and Tinder, India has never known sexual intercourse"). This was out in the open. It's nobody's fault that we cannot discover the evidence. ‒ Jyoti Panda
Fresh perspective
As usual, it's up to a westerner to offer a fresh interpretation of Hindu books ("What is the Kamasutra really about? Wendy Doniger reads the classic text"). Hindutvalas should be grateful to Doniger instead of reviling her ‒ Eddie Ray
Ban onions too
We have a lot of banning experts in Delhi. Onions are known for their political vulnerability ("Should India import onions? There's a cheaper way to bring down prices"). If not careful, it could bring down governments. Which other commodity can make one cry and still be loved? A cheaper way to bring down prices is to declare one day of the week as an "onion-free" day. The demand will drop by 20% and the prices will follow suit. ‒ Ravindranathan PV
Aiding adoption
As a prospective adoptive parent, I welcome the new adoption guidelines ("Adoption rules are changing, but can the new system really give more children a home?"). There is only one hitch in the system. I wish parents that would be permitted to meet the children they shortlist at least once before making a final decision. When one meets a child, the bonding in that moment aids a decision. I feel the government should make a provision for this in a new system. ‒ A concerned adoptive parent
A fine balance
Mohan Guruswamy’s obituary on APJ Abdul Kalam was probably the most balanced one to appear in the Indian media ("Despite being a modest man with modest achievements, Kalam captured the imagination of young India"). The obituary had the class of Ann Wroe and was indeed an interesting read. The criticism that has appeared against Guruswamy is unfair and unfounded. ‒ Pradeep Gopalan
Shun GM crops
The article made for an interesting read ("The Tree of 40 Fruit is an art experiment that takes botany to a new level"). Van Aken is both an artist and a botanist. He had produced several fruits on one tree through modes of propagation compatible with the plant's natural reproduction methods.
This type of experimentation is commendable. It also subtly conveys the message that plants could be genetically blended with other plants and not organisms from other branches of classification.
Needless to say, the latter combination yields genetically modified organisms, which are harmful for both man and nature. However, the GMO corporates further their agenda through media and even scientific journals. The world does not really need GM crops to feed its billions. It already produces enough. ‒ Neelam Pereira
A blow for whistleblowers
With these amendments being tabled and passed by the Lok Sabha, it is evident that this government is determined that any wrongdoing by any politician or bureaucrat will not be reported, investigated, or punished ("While whistleblowers already face death threats, their life is set to become even more difficult").
In short, we should be prepared to face a world in which taking and receiving bribes for favours will be the order of the day, no matter which party is in power. This is not "acche din" for the ordinary citizen, but it is certainly Acche Din for the corrupt bureaucrat or politician. ‒ Devaki Khanna
Wealth cycle
Both India and China were economic superpowers around the 17th century ("How the transfer of wealth from India to Britain began well before the industrial revolution"). Both witnessed a similar decline of economic strength and loss of political power and now both are rising again. Is this transfer of wealth from east to west, and now back again to the east, a cycle?
Is destiny or karma the reason why nations prosper and lose their strength? Can there be a system to ensure that it doesn't happen again? ‒ Harsh
Pro-farmer before polls
I don't think the belated realisation by the prime minister takes anything away from the Janata Dal (United) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar ("Among the factors that forced Modi to withdraw land bill: fear of defeat in Bihar polls").
The BJP has already shown its pro-capitalist face and now it cannot hide anywhere. Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav will still say that the land bill was withdrawn only to win farmers' votes, but once elected, the BJP will again revert to its anti-farmer policy. ‒ Dipak Dholakia
Out of place
I often refer to Scroll for its unbiased views on various matters. However, I was dismayed to see the usage of the painting "The Zamorin of Calicut" as the cover of the article ("Who deserves credit for the rasgulla? Bengalis, Odiyas...or the Portuguese?").
The painting depicts a scene wherein Vasco Da Gama is meeting the Zamorin of Calicut. It's a fictionalised work which was painted in 1898, about 400 years after the actual meeting.
The painting doesn't complement the subject matter of the article ‒ something more germane depicting either Puri or Bengali cuisine could have been used. That painting is famous because of conjectures around the appearance of the Zamorin and his palace interiors (over eight different paintings and engravings were done over the centuries, each with a different depiction of the Zamorin).
I feel the article could have been better researched and not done in a rush like the mainstream media. ‒ Vaibhav Arora
All about the money
I fully agree that these so-called leagues are meant fill the pockets of former players. There is so much they can do for the betterment of tennis without all this exhibition ("Nadal plays Federer on the India leg of the IPTL, but is it necessary?").
Mahesh Bhupathi is not an inspiring player at any level. His academies and manipulation of tennis rules reek of corrupt measures to rake in money. I can assure you that no one from the tennis fraternity has looked up to him as a thorough professional.
If you see the rotten state of affairs in Indian tennis, you would think twice before picking up a racquet. There is so much they can do. Yet they chose to turn a blind eye to all the muck.
Even the last IPTL was nothing but a sham. Tickets were overpriced, rules were weird, players put in half-hearted efforts and one could not watch anything sensible in terms of tennis. No player benefitted. ‒ Pallavi Ganesh Kumar
Plastic rice
I was shocked to hear about this. ("This video offers an easy way to check whether your rice comes mixed with 'plastic rice' from China") The central government should address this issue and stringent action should be taken against the hoarders of this rice. ‒ Lawrence Pais
Acceptance is the first step
This article encapsulates everything I believe to be true about death ‒ the hierarchy of good and bad deaths, the futile desperation to stay alive against all the odds, leading to unnecessary treatments which are most often brutal and futile ("What doctors know about death that the rest of us don’t").
If we can accept death, then we can plan our deaths and prepare to be at home or at a hospice, where most of us want to be. If families want support, they can ask for a Soul Midwife or Death Doula to help them achieve a tranquil and peaceful death. Thank you for a lovely article. ‒ Katrina Taee
Save the forests
I really appreciated this article about how the environment minister is burying his head in the sand about the state of India's forests. If the minister were to read the article, he cannot miss the message ("Mr Environment Minister, India is carrying out deforestation, not reforestation").
I hope that someone in the government will realise that to be really positive about India's forests, certain steps need to be taken. Instead of "diverting" forest land for "development", the government should consider using the land where compensatory afforestation is to be done for "development" activities. ‒ Anupama Krishnamurthy
Go easy on the elephants
Great article indeed ("This chilling footage shows you what it takes to capture a wild elephant in India"). Why can't these elephants be lifted onto trucks while still unconscious? It's pretty simple for a crane to lift a 3 tonne-5 tonne elephant. The required arrangements are not rocket science either. Instead, some top brass honcho decided to use a dozen elephants, shed blood and energy to make a show ‒ Anand CK Shashidhar
Books in the digital age
Online book-buying is not going to stop, however wary a writer may be ("Why commercial fiction writers should be wary of online book-buying"). I do miss some great bookshops with book-loving owners. But the big chains? No, I'm far happier online. ‒ Tim Poston
R.I.P, robot
As an experimental robot, Hitch was great ("Friendly humans helped this hitchhiking robot travel the world without worries ‒ until it got to America"). Hitch has done the human race a favour as he has exposed our attitude to strangers and robots as well. As mortals, we can expect to die at a certain point. But in his short life, Hitch has provided enough evidence of the perils of living with humans on Earth. ‒ Rajesh Toppo
Captain Kidd's undoing
I am a little surprised that no one connected the name of the ship with the place in Karnataka. It is mentioned that the ship belonged to a Ciorgi or a Coorgi ("How an Indian ship proved to be the undoing of notorious pirate Captain Kidd"). Then it must follow, and by no means a great leap of the imagination, that the name Quedagh can only be a corruption of the word Gadag, a district in the same state.
I must, however, caution the scholar against jumping to conclusions until further information is available. But starting from this premise seems to be logical at the moment, not as a de facto answer but as a starting point alone, which is how history must be read and interpreted. Such a fascinating story. Thank you, Scroll, for delving into such esoteric topics. ‒ Kishore Tejaswi
Captivating vignettes
The writer is a gifted storyteller ("The naked selfies: Behind the lens of women’s ‘nudies’"). The vignettes capture not just the inconsistencies of daily life, but also how sexual choices must be rationalised in different situations. As an anthropologist, such writing, done by living in the world of your subject, is what best tells us what's really going on.
I was particularly struck by the sensitivity displayed by you, the obvious trust you had built with your sources and the lack of moral judgment on your part. And yet you have attempted to tell it like it is. This is an art that many don't learn even if trained by the best. Thank you for writing this. ‒ Sana Ghazi
