Mnemonic magnets
Sir — A picture, they say, speaks a thousand words. But recent research published in Annals of Tourism Research has proved that fridge magnets might be more eloquent than mere images. The study by Liverpool University found that buying fridge magnets from different destinations might make them more memorable than taking photographs. Fridge magnets have always been popular holiday souvenirs but they can also be an important means of recalling happy — or not so happy — memories of past trips. Smaller and cheaper than most items that people bring back from holidays, fridge magnets do not just help remember the past. By holding up to-do and grocery lists, fridge magnets can also be mnemonic devices that aid people in the present.
Sumalyo Datta, Calcutta
Power corrupts
Sir — The Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, recently said that the real battle of the Opposition is not against the prime minister, but against shakti or the power of the State that is trying to usurp democracy (“Rahul targets ‘power’ behind Modi ‘mask’”, Mar 18). He questioned, yet again, the integrity of the electronic voting machines and the neutrality of Central agencies. However, as expected, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders twisted Rahul Gandhi’s statement to accuse him of peddling hatred against ‘nari shakti’ and branded him a misogynist. One hopes that saffron leaders stop resorting to such underhanded means for electoral gains.
G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Sir — Rahul Gandhi has rightly said that the strength of the prime minister, Narendra Modi, lies in the electronic voting machines and Central agencies. Modi
has misused the Central agencies to such an extent that they are no longer independent. Future governments will have to work hard to restore the public’s faith in these agencies.
Arun Gupta, Calcutta
Safety hazard
Sir — A five-storey building collapsed near the Garden Reach area in Calcutta, killing at least nine people (“9 die as illegal 5-storey building in city crumbles”, Mar 19). Several others were severely injured. Despite being unwell, the chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, rushed to the spot. The Calcutta Municipal Corporation’s negligence to take notice of such illegal construction work is distressing. The culprits must be punished.
Iftekhar Ahmed, Calcutta
Sir — The tragic incident of a building collapse near Garden Reach points to the negligence of the authorities. The member of the legislative assembly has claimed to be unaware of the illegal construction. It is shocking that the ruling Trinamul Congress is trying to shift the blame on to the erstwhile Left Front government, whose tenure ended over a decade ago. The unscrupulous promoters are hand in glove with civic authorities and can thus bypass bureaucratic checks.
Amit Brahmo, Calcutta
Sir — It is nearly impossible to believe that the CMC officials were unaware of the illegal construction of the five-storey building near Garden Reach that collapsed. Reports on such mishaps rarely amount to anything. There is very little respect for rules and regulations in India and people’s safety is not prioritised. The authorities are only interested in flinging mud at one another.
Alok Sarkar, Calcutta
Sir — A preliminary investigation into the recent building collapse indicates the use of substandard building materials. While Mamata Banerjee has announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased, this incident raises several questions about the CMC’s negligence regarding safety protocols.
Jayanta Datta, Hooghly
Broken rule
Sir — The Opposition parties in Assam have alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the state has violated the election model code of conduct by not removing official advertisements featuring the prime minister and the chief minister. The Congress and the Trinamul Congress have urged that the advertisements and photographs be taken down immediately.
Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai
Lost trust
Sir — The mainstream media has betrayed the interests of the nation (“Broken tooth”, Mar 18). News reports on social media are gaining popularity as people find it hard to trust mainstream media houses when it comes to presenting an unbiased report. Several media houses pander to the saffron party and gloss over its misdeeds. Even if this dispensation loses power, people will find it hard to trust the media again.
Anthony Henriques, Mumbai
Critical lesson
Sir — The water crisis in India’s technology hub, Bengaluru, should alert people across the country. The situation highlights the need for nationwide adoption of rainwater harvesting. Conservation and recycling of water are important to achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goals by 2030.
Dimple Wadhawan, Kanpur
Skewed growth
Sir — Governments both at the Centre and in the states usually pay attention to developmental works in metro cities, while sidelining smaller cities and rural areas. Developing the latter will reduce the population pressure on metro cities. By improving residential infrastructure, transportation and industrial potential in suburban areas, the government can prevent migration to cities.
M. Pradyu, Kannur, Kerala
