Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Why such hype?

I want to know from the media, print and electronic, why there is so much hype over the wedding of British model and actor Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar. Is it proper to waste time and space on such news in a country where thousands of people's issues are crying for attention? Ours is a country where people do not speak about their grievances because they do not have a platform to do so. The media too do not seem to care for them because they are not a source of income for them.

Sanjeev S. Bharwan,
Faridabad

* * *

The glitz and glamour surrounding the wedding ceremony smack of commercialism. One wonders whether it is a marriage or a trumped-up package involving several agencies with huge marketing stakes. Is India becoming a destination for the rich and famous to flaunt their wealth?

J.V. Reddy,
Nellore

* * *

The media hype surrounding the Nayar-Hurley wedding is ridiculous. What is shocking is the Tourism Ministry's statement that with the wedding taking place in India, it is hoping to promote marriage tourism among foreigners. Mock Hindu weddings will hurt the sensibilities of millions of Indians.

A. Seshan,
Mumbai

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First the Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai engagement and now the Arun-Elizabeth marriage — the spree of personal celebrations in the higher echelons has kept the media on their toes. Are engagements, weddings, and parties worth such coverage? A society that is entangled in the web of poverty, illiteracy, exploitation, and communal and political frenzy has a lot more to tell. Even the lives of Nobel laureates, social reformers, and scientists have not been covered with such enthusiasm. If commercialisation is their sole objective, one would hesitate to call the media the fourth pillar of democracy henceforth.

Akasmika Rath,
Bhubaneswar

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Is there no introspection among the rich on the vulgarity in the display of wealth during marriages? Are they so heartless even after witnessing dowry deaths and the plight of the lesser-endowed classes struggling for their daily bread? Neither the governments nor the political parties seem to be sensitive to this aspect. But they bestow their grace on such pompous gatherings with the electronic media in tow, which go gaga on their 24-hour channels over these socially irresponsible exhibitions. A concerted effort by the caring sections of society with support from responsible sections of the media is the urgent need of the hour.

Kasim Sait,
Chennai

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I thank the media for the updates on the Liz-Arun nuptials. They are true Indians, pillars of the nation and the builders of tomorrow's India. I request them to continue doing the social service, preferably on the front page.

Ashok Shah,
Bangalore

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