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Magazine
Media overkill
With reference to “Media on trial”’ (August 3), the media coverage of the Aarushi murder case was marked by a wanton disregard for journalistic ethics. The visual media was too hasty and imprudent in prejudging the case. Irresponsibility and insensitiveness characterised the coverage in most television channels. The case for a code of conduct which could put the necessary brakes on such sensationalism is strengthened by the recklessness with which the media conducts itself today and finds itself in the dock with increasing frequency.
P. Prasand Thampy,
Thiruvalla
The two articles made useful reading providing an analysis of the issue of overkill indulged in by the print and electronic media. A slow moving judicial system and a law enforcement machinery lacking probity are happy hunting grounds for the high and mighty who get away scot-free with crime, tapping the right connections. The role of the print and visual media as whistle blowers in these circumstances cannot be gainsaid. The problem arises when they overstep their limits and present their own opinions as truth, conducting parallel trials which cannot but have an influence on the course of the proceedings in the courts. It would be ideal if the media, by means of self regulation, avoids sensationalism and confine themselves to providing information and not attempt to shape opinion one way or the other.
C.P. Srinivasan,
Chennai
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Flashback
Anna Varki’s “Nostalgia” recounted the harsh days of pre-independence era. For senior citizens it was like watching an old movie. Now I am 83. The author portrayed the dimming discipline in the present generation. As long as we were governed by external rulers we were austere abiders of rules and laws of the land fearing deterrent reprisals if flouted. In the post-independence period slowly values and virtues have been pushed to minority status. We became attuned to Western cultures in many spheres. Our National Anthem has become a thing of the past in theatres. It is regrettable that we have such low esteem for our motherland.
T.R. Krishnamurthy,
Chennai
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Unsung breed
After enjoying a well translated classic, how many of us remember the name of the translator vis-À-vis the original author? At a personal level, I’ve always enjoyed translated classics and though I immensely enjoyed being transported to locales and experiences far away, I cannot recall any of the translators’ names!
“The Metaphrasers” (Literary Review, August 3) has delved into the not-well-known world of such translators and pays rich tribute to this often unsung but well-deserving breed, for the pleasure they bring to the readers. My sincere thanks to Mini Krishnan, especially for her writing style, filled with first-hand experience and narrated with a unique brand of humour.
Sri Ratnam,
Email
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Forgotten value
Tabish Khair is absolutely right in suggesting that the modern civilised society has forgotten the virtue of forgiveness (The circle of violence, August 3). An eye for an eye may sound a practical and logical solution but it has always proved to be counterproductive as is more than evident from the vicious cycle of violence which has engulfed the entire world.
Dr. Anil K. Joshi,
Ranikhet
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Balance please
I’m truly appalled by “Dialogues In Suffering” (July 27). Unlike previous weeks’ article in the same space, this one is full of hyperbole and is completely one-sided. I’m from Jammu and have personally seen most of the State.
Harsh Mander talks about the suffering of Kashmiri Muslims. It’s true that they are suffering, but I wonder why he has completely forgotten to mention Kashmiri Hindus in this article. Lakhs of Kashmiri Hindus were forced to flee their homeland of thousands of years by the same people he writes about. They are living in worse conditions. A large percentage of them still live in one room tin sheds. Come visit Muthi, Doman region in Jammu city to see what I’m talking about.
Terrorism was crushed in Punjab and Jammu. You know the reason? Because terrorists had no local support there. While it’s still alive and kicking in Kashmir. All I’m saying is please don’t publish exaggerated and one-sided propaganda.
Jaidev Jamwal
Jammu
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