Sir — One in 10 people, a study finds, never recover from grief. For others, life grows around it, but the grief remains a dark, raw spot that has the power to drag individuals down into its depths at the slightest reasons. Talking about grief is not easy, especially since each person experiences it differently and as such the apparent inability of others to comprehend one’s grief can generate an acute feeling of loneliness. It is important to recognize grief disorder as a mental health condition; not only is it a problem in itself, but it can also trigger a range of issues such as dysthymia and depression.
Roshni Sen,
Calcutta
Take flight
Sir — It is shocking that the population of the great Indian bustard, a tall bird with a wingspan of over two metres, has declined from an estimated 1,260 in 1969 to around 150 in 2018. Most deaths of these endangered species take place because of collisions with overhead power transmission lines in their flight path. Being large, these birds find it difficult to manoeuvre transmission lines. In a welcome step aimed at shoring up the declining number of great Indian bustards, the Supreme Court has said that overhead power transmission lines in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district and surrounding areas must go underground. The state government should immediately take corrective measures in line with the apex court ruling.
Incidentally, a recent comprehensive study of the avian fauna in India has raised some alarming figures. But it has also suggested certain measures to protect India’s birds. The government should now shift its priorities when it comes to wildlife conservation. Ensuring a deep assessment of habitats, checking for encroachment or illegal incursions by people are the first steps. Researchers can be instrumental in uncovering negative trends for various species and submit their findings to the government, allowing it to take broad-based steps to protect birds and animals. The lack of awareness about birds needs to be addressed. The social media discourse on the disappearance of sparrows from urban areas is a case in point.
Khokan Das,
Calcutta
Sir — Nature and its beings do not understand man-made boundaries. While it is heartening that the Supreme Court has suggested that power transmission lines be shifted underground to protect the great Indian bustard, it must be remembered that this species exists not just in India but also in parts of neighbouring Pakistan. In that country, both great Indian bustards and houbara bustards are legally hunted for sport, and, allegedly, also for its association with India.
Unless the two countries come together and make concerted efforts to save the bustards — both species are at risk — it will not be possible to save them from extinction.
Rima Roy,
Calcutta
Lost art
Sir — The art of letter writing is fading away faster than expected. In the age of emails and WhatsApp messages, the joy of receiving blue inland letters is a thing of the past. Children these days gape with awe when they see letters from the past — some treasured memories stashed away in naphthalene-secured packets. Gone are the days when we waited for the postman to arrive in the lazy hours of the afternoon, with his bundles of letters.
I often wonder why most children are turning away from writing. There was a time when the art of letter writing was the first step towards self-expression and creative writing. In those days, letter writing also encapsulated the art of handwriting. Good handwritten letters were kept aside, to be read long afterwards, as recollection and at leisure. At other times, letters are preserved as family heirlooms. I personally possess two letters addressed to me, by none other than Satyajit Ray.
Letters now are written without care; they are more factual than emotional. No one bothers about grammatical precision; the mantra is to convey feelings and emotions while occupying the least amount of hard disk space. No one ponders whether how these letters will read if recollected in tranquillity.
Haimanti Dutta Ray,
Calcutta