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The article “The violence of silence” (March 30) was heartbreakingly insightful. Despite issues like physical violence and sexual abuse being talked about, the kind of abuse this has highlighted happens all the time. And nobody talks about it. I am a 40 year old who, having witnessed a lot of abuse in relationships — be it parent to child, spouse to spouse or sibling to sibling — finally lost the courage to get married and am happily single. I hope at least a handful of women will derive the strength, inspiration, courage and resolve to walk out of their unhealthy and oppressive marriages after going through the article.

I belong to that group too. What is worse, I tolerated all the harassment despite being educated and financially independent. Recently, I left my career (that I developed from scratch) and life of 11 years with my emotionally abusive husband and in-laws in the U.S. and came back to India. The article made me realise that if I had done so earlier I would have saved myself a lot of agony.It also made me think of the lack of social and family support for Indian women in the U.S. This in addition to the stress of proving oneself sends them down the depression lane very easily. This is probably one of the reasons for increased suicide rate in Indian women in the US.

Being a senior musician and composer myself, I felt very sad on reading the narration of Trisha. I must congratulate her on her courage in continuing her music against all odds. Yet I feel that this article may lead to the general conclusion that husbands of all artistic women are villains who need counselling. In my 52 years of married life, my family has always stood by my musical pursuits.

Sudha Arora’s article opened up another aspect of harassment of women. It’s true that women need to compromise to male chauvinism, many a time. The split personality and the aura of the workplace causing problems in a man’s psyche is well brought out. It’s high time men accept what we are and where we are.

“The Kosambis, father and son”, by Ramachandra Guha is a fascinating treat for students of history. The contribution of mathematician-turned-historian, Dr. D.D. Kosambi, to history is invaluable. Dharmanand Kosambi, the father, is no less a scholar of international repute. It is quite befitting that the Civil Society Of Goa has joined the academics in India to commemorate the centenary of Dr. Damodar Kosambi.

This is with reference to Sevanti Ninan’s “News as spectacle”. Two or three years ago, when the ‘24 hour TV News’ made a hesitant debut, I am sure no one was prepared for this near-maniacal rush for ‘Breaking News’ across all channels. Ninan has brought out the resulting mayhem with a mix of humour, remorse and some hope. Our news channels need to inform and elevate and desist from sensationalising trivia.

Dr. Sheela Nambiar’s article on “Balance and the older adult” (March 30) is very informative and interesting. I have seen older people trip for no apparent cause. Reading this article revealed some of the reasons for such a loss of balance. When I was young (I am now 76), I remember someone saying “try to tie your lace standing up as long as you can”. I have followed this advice strictly and still do it fairly well.

The article was very useful to elders as well as their anxious attendants. Are there any diets or activities that will help keep the brain alert and alive?

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