Letters to THE EDITOR: Record grain but at what cost?

The central government has announced a 2–7 per cent increase in MSP for all six rabi crops. This is considered an attempt to gain farmers' support in their favour in view of the elections in five states. But in a country where, according to the government statement, only 14 per cent of farmers can sell grain at MSP, it remains to be seen how much impact such an announcement will have on the elections. Will this increase really please farmers, as the inflation rate in 2022-2023 reached 7.6 per cent? However, the government is also patting its back on the fact that a record production of 329 million tonnes has been achieved. The government must not forget that excessive cultivation of wheat, rice, and sugarcane depletes the country's water resources. India is home to 18 per cent of the world's population, while water resources do not exceed 4 per cent. The water crisis will be the biggest in the coming years. The theme of World Food Day on October 16 was ‘Water is Life, Water is Food’. Today, we do not have to be happy just by seeing the yield; we must also see to what extent it is justified to spend five thousand litres of water to produce one kilogram of rice. A mere MSP increase will not suffice; with the future in mind, environmentally friendly decisions must be made.

Nawaz Ashraf,

Guwahati.

Hosting ground

Recently, the Prime Minister said that India will leave no stone unturned to host the 2036 Olympic Games. He also said that India is also keen to host the Youth Olympics, to be held in 2029. We are very fortunate to have this. Certainly, if the Olympic Games are held in India, the interest among our youth in sports will increase, and the collection of Olympic medals will increase as well. As we have seen over the years, India has proven its capability to organize all types of global sports competitions. Cricket World Cup is still going on in India; before this, India has organized the World Chess Olympiad, Women's Under-17 Football World Cup, Men's Hockey, Shooting World Cup, and Junior Hockey World Cup, which are to be held in December. The successful organization of all these World Cups tells us that India is capable of organizing any major competition in a well-planned manner. Therefore, we hope that India will host the 2036 Olympic Games, and we will create a new chapter in sports history.

Jahangir Ali,

jahangiralihasan@gmail.com.

Alarming deforestation in the name of beautification

Gauhati University, fondly known as Krishnasura Nagari due to the splendid delonix regia adorning its campus, has always been an integral part of the university's charm, providing solace and shade to students during scorching summers while offering a breathtaking view of nature's splendor. The emotional connection students share with these trees cannot be overstated. They have been a source of comfort and inspiration, not just for academic pursuits but also for fostering a sense of well-being. It is with great disappointment that we have witnessed the authorities' decision to cut down these trees in the name of beautification. This decision, especially when made by individuals of high education and intellect, is profoundly disheartening.

We implore the authorities to reconsider their actions and explore alternative solutions that preserve the ecosystem that these trees represent. Education institutions should serve as examples of sustainability and environmental stewardship, not become the perpetrators of ecological harm. Let us all stand together to protect these precious natural assets and ensure that the beauty of Gauhati University is preserved for future generations.

Parilina Das,

Gauhati University.

Deve Gowda has the last laugh

JD (S) supremo and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has shown Karnataka rebel leaders their place by expelling from the party their leader and state party president CM Ibrahim, who had voiced his dissent against Gowda's decision to ally with the BJP in the 2024 general elections. A strong Vokkaliga base is JD (S)’ strength. That said, no leader dared to raise his voice against Gowda, the nonagenarian leader who is the whole and sole leader of the party that has a significant presence only in Karnataka. Gowda has always prided himself and his party on'secular image’. Therefore, his decision to join hands with the BJP, though not unexpected, did not go well with some minority leaders of the party.

The 'revolt', in a way, was these leaders' way of telling Gowda that they weren't happy with the latter's decision. But Gowda is a ruthless decision-maker; the expulsion of former Karnataka chief minister and erstwhile Janata Dal leader the late Ramakrishna Hegde when Gowda was prime minister is still fresh in memory. Hegde was shown the door despite his immense popularity and clout in the party. Through his latest action, the JD(S) patriarch has clearly underlined his inevitability for the party, although his intolerance towards healthy internal party democracy has come to the fore again.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat,

gbhat13@gmail.com.

Contradictory realities

I am writing to express my deep concern about women's rights in India. The worship of goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati during Durga Puja is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. On the one hand, it can be seen as a celebration of the feminine divine and a recognition of the power and importance of women in society. On the other hand, it is also true that many women in India face significant challenges and discrimination. The coexistence of these two seemingly contradictory realities can be explained in a number of ways. One way is to see the worship of goddesses as a form of wish fulfillment. In a society where women are often marginalized and oppressed, the worship of powerful and assertive goddesses can provide a sense of hope and empowerment. By venerating these goddesses, women can affirm their own strength and potential.

Another way to understand the coexistence of goddess worship and gender inequality is to see it as a form of cultural contradiction. Many societies have complex and contradictory beliefs about women. On the one hand, women may be revered as goddesses, while on the other hand, they may be subjected to discrimination and violence. This contradiction can be difficult to resolve, and it can lead to a situation where women are both celebrated and oppressed. The worship of goddesses can also be seen as a form of protest. By venerating female deities, women can challenge the patriarchal norms that subordinate them. In this way, goddess worship can be a form of resistance to gender inequality.

Ultimately, the relationship between goddess worship and gender inequality is complex and multifaceted. While the worship of goddesses can provide a sense of hope and empowerment for women, it does not necessarily lead to social change. In order to achieve gender equality, it is necessary to address the root causes of discrimination and violence against women. During this Durga Puja season, let us all reflect on the importance of respecting and valuing girls and women. Let us commit to doing everything we can to create a more just and equitable society for all.

Ashmita Paul,

Royal Global University.

Navaratri

Nine days prior to Dussehra, people celebrate Navaratri. Navaratri is a festival of music and dance. It is an annual Hindu festival observed in honour of goddess Durga, an aspect of Adi Parashakti, the supreme goddess. It spans over nine nights, first in the month of Chaitra and again in the month of Ashvin. The festival serves as a reminder of the power of femininity, the triumph of light over darkness, and continues to be a cherished part of India’s cultural heritage.The festival serves as a reminder of the power of femininity, the triumph of light over darkness, and continues to be a cherished part of India’s cultural heritage.

Jubel D'Cruz,

jubeldcruz@yahoo.com.