Sir — India may have an alcohol problem. Many states in the country are reporting theft of alcohol, at times to the tune of lakhs of rupees. In West Bengal, thieves even cut an old-fashioned seendh (tunnel) into a liquor shop to steal alcohol. While Kerala had faced much rebuke for keeping liquor shops open in the initial days of the lockdown, was that not a better way to regulate the sale of alcohol? People risking life and limb for alcohol can expose themselves to all kinds of dangers, including the virus. Moreover, withdrawal from addiction can be fatal without medical help.

Kakoli Das,

Calcutta

Challenges ahead

Sir — The electronic and print media are doing a laudable job in these times of crisis. All media personnel — from reporters and editorial staff to technicians and delivery guys — who are working day and night for the various media outlets must be praised wholeheartedly for their selfless service. They are risking their life and taking all measures to keep the common people updated with the latest news, which is very important in such times when misinformation can be dangerous.

Although in this cyber age, people, especially the youth, depend on electronic media, it is a known fact that in India most people still start their day with a cup of tea in one hand and a copy of the newspaper in the other. The pleasure that this routine gives readers cannot be expressed in words.

Initially there was some fear among newspaper readers regarding the availability of print media, with disrupted supply chains and anxiety regarding papers being carriers of the virus. But newspaper organizations made it clear that there were no reasons for such concern. This came as immense relief to millions of readers who rely on their dailies for news and knowledge. In fact, newspapers have become the most welcomed guest at a time when even the closest of friends and relatives have been restricted from visiting the home.

M. Pradyu,

Kannur, Kerala

Sir — Along with doctors and those engaged in other essential services, journalists living alone, too, are facing difficulties because of their work during the pandemic. Landlords and housing societies often frown upon the journalist’s need to step out in the midst of a lockdown. Ill-treatment and isolation on the misguided suspicion of them being carriers of the coronavirus have also been reported in some countries. Clearly, when people stepped out on to their balconies en masse to clap and bang pots for those carrying out essential services they did not think about what an essential service entails.

But unlike doctors and other essential servicemen, journalists living alone are often used to such behaviour. Women journalists especially are treated badly; not only do they find it difficult to find accommodation but many landlords also think nothing of casting aspersions on their character. Do they think that newspapers get made by themselves and talk shows host themselves while journalists are busy partying? The pandemic will pass, but I doubt that journalists will be treated any better.

Angana Sen,

Calcutta

Sir — Few understand the enormity of the threat that the Covid-19 poses to journalism. Newsroom closures — owing to fear of contagion — limitations on the practice of reporting as well as economic woes that are casting fresh doubt on the existence of some media organizations have combined to become one of the most potent threats to the freedom of the press. Journalists who are striving against these odds to keep bringing news to people must be lauded and helped in their endeavours. Additionally there is often covert pressure from the powers that be to under-report or hide the extent of the pandemic to suit the government’s purposes. Journalism is at a crossroads that will change how the media functions in the future.

Since information is power and people are stuck at home all day, more people should subscribe to newspapers. The revenue can go a long way towards keeping media houses afloat at a time when advertisements have dried up.

Rima Roy,

Calcutta