Letters to the editor: Vijay Deverakonda’s chauvinism and Rashmika’s complicity

Perfect pair

Sir — Rashmika Mandan­na apparently had to propose to her husband, Vijay Deverakonda, 100 times before he agreed to marry her. Why this should matter at a time when the country is in the throes of a struggle to save democracy is beyond me, but if criticism must be dished out, Mandan­na is as much to blame as Deverakonda. There is no doubt that he is a chauvinist; his films prove this. Yet, she too has acted in and backed projects like Animal. Mandan­na is a woman of significant fame and means. If she cannot put her foot down when it matters, taking up cudgels for her is a waste of time.

Yashodhara Sen,
Calcutta

Foreign hand

Sir — The repeated suggestion that foreign forces are behind protests in India recalls the tendency of the former prime minister, Indira Gandhi, to blame external interference for political unrest. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief, Mohan Bhagwat, has now raised similar concerns about foreign involvement in domestic protests and attempts to change the government. Such allegations must be backed by credible evidence. Interestingly, the RSS’s centenary celebrations revealed contrasting messages from Bhagwat. His call for dialogue with young people in Mumbai appear at odds with his warnings about dissent from Nagpur.

Gregory Fernandes,
Mumbai

Sir — Blaming foreign forces for protests against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government undermines the concerns of ordinary citizens. Mohan Bhagwat and leaders of the ruling National Democratic Alliance should recognise that public anger can arise from genuine domestic problems. Allegations of foreign conspiracies, without supporting evidence, divert attention from failures in governance. Protesters deserve to be heard rather than dismissed as instruments of external interests. Political parties and elected representatives must acknowledge public grievances, examine their own shortcomings, and accept responsibility for their decisions. Democracy depends on accountability and meaningful public engagement.

M. Jeyaram,
Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu

Waste matters

Sir — Srimoyee Bagchi’s piece, “Precious waste” (Oct 23), highlights serious gaps in India’s waste management system. Municipal authorities often lack adequate resources, while corruption further weakens essential services. Local bodies must ensure that households separate their waste and that it is collected and processed properly. Organic waste can be converted into compost and biogas, generating income and reducing pollution. Municipal workers deserve fair wages, safe working conditions and respect for their contribution. Informal waste pickers, who play an important role in recycling, should receive official recognition, protective equipment and fair compensation.

Brij B. Goyal,
Ludhiana

Sir — Food occupies a special place in Bengali celebrations, from community feasts during Durga Puja to the exchange of sweets during Bijoya Dashami. Yet little thought is given to the waste generated by these customs. Discarded food places additional pressure on already strained municipal services. “Precious waste” provides a useful reason to reconsider this indifference. Puja committees could introduce better food distribution, waste segregation and composting arrangements. Such changes would make celebrations cleaner without diminishing their cultural significance.

A.K. Sen,
Nadia

Sir — Bengalis should reconsider the habit of eating excessively during festivals. Enjoying traditional food in moderation would prevent considerable discomfort and unnecessary food waste.

Shreya Basu,
Nainital