MAIL BAG
Getting their due
The article “When the gods come alive” by Kankana Basu and Ananya Dutta (Magazine, September 13) made interesting reading. The artisans who are engaged in making the idols of Durga and other deities display admirable craftsmanship. The beauty of the idols also fascinate all those who frequent puja pandals. However the life of these craftsmen bear little relation to the beauty they create. Most of them live in penury and at best manage a hand-to-mouth existence. In the contemporary context, when several artists who create abstruse stuff and therefore appeal only to an elite few have made it big, one hopes that the humble idol makers also get their due though their work would not fall in the category of high art.
P. Prasand Thampy
Thiruvalla, Kerala
A land of religious festivals, India has some unique qualities which can not be seen anywhere else in the world. Art and festivals are interconnected and dedicated to the gods and goddesses who are seen in various forms and moods. Moreover, almost all the festivals symbolise the victory of the good over the evil and coincide with the harvesting season. During these festivals, especially Navarathri, there is a great demand for the idols. The article by Kankana Basu and Ananya Dutt has aptly highlighted the hard work of “devoted artisans who give shape to divinity”.
P.U. Krishnan
Ooty
Creating poetry out of stone and clay is in the Indian blood. The many temples that dot the landscape of peninsular India bear testimony to the fact. But little attention has been given to the present day idol makers. Without discrimination of religion or region, the Durga idols never fail to invoke awe in the beholder. Reading about the devotion and dedication of the artesans invoked greater awe. In the modern world, where demigods are dime a dozen, these people preserve one of our greatest cultural traditions from fading into oblivion. And how!
Meenu. B
Kottayam
In a critical state
The article “Maharaja flies into sunset” (Magazine, September 13), by Captain A. Ranganathan confirm that Air India is suffering from a terminal disease. The list of events provided by him shows that Air India is hardly concerned with the safety of the passengers. The confidence of the fliers of Air India has been greatly shaken by the careless attitude of the authorities. The developments during the last two years need to be looked into by an independent, high-powered commission consisting of aviation and financial experts before the Government provides any financial support for its revival.
A.K. Dasgupta
Hyderabad
Micro-economics
I loved the latest offering in the column “Fiscally Fit” by Shyam P. (“A six-step approach to reduce costs”, Magazine, September 13). I wish this was a subject at school levels. Next to a career, it seems to be the most important subject. The UK government plans to make cooking a school subject and from your annual accounts, it seems like they are moving in the right direction. In fact I think mainstream economics fails because it has by and large neglected (leaving aside Gary Becker and his disciples) the “unit” that makes up the big picture. Till such time that household economics doesn’t become a primary concern of economists, macro-economics will remain a “floating” enterprise without a foundation. Certain “good practices” need to be agreed upon at the base level, only then can we expect a fruitful big picture.
Sanjay Ghosh
Email
One has to live within one’s means to lead a respectable life. For this, one needs to plan short-term and long-term expenses, and savings meticulously. As the saying goes, ‘Plan or perish’. Also, preparing the budget is a highly intellectual and interesting exercise making each one in the family responsible. What more does a family need than responsible members?
S. Ramakrishnasayee
Ranipet
Need for new laws
Harsh Mander’s article “Colonial legacy of famine codes” (Magazine, September13) is thought- provoking. New laws have to be framed and codified to deal with the problems of recurring famines in the country. The most critical problem faced by the experts who are bent upon eradication of famine are more likely to be social rather than technical. Above all, efforts towards stabilising our population must continue in right earnest. All our farmable land must be pressed into service. Prof.Amartya Sen, has said that public action can eradicate the terrible and resilient problems of starvation and hunger. The Bangladesh famine of 1974 occurred during a period when the amount of food available per person in that country was at a peak It was hoarding, unemployment and inflated food prices that drove millions to their death.
G.Azeemoddin
Anantapur
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