My letters to the editor, 'THE HINDU' Part I

Murder of a journalist   

February 21, 2012

The killing brings back memories of J. Dey's murder that happened a few months ago. Once again the unholy nexus between criminals and politicians is on display. Is it enough to condemn these murders strongly, demand an investigation and then forget about them within a week? If journalists have to pay a heavy price for doing their job, anybody will start thinking twice before joining this profession. The article “For journalists, conflicts are never glamorous,” by Pranay Gupte (Feb.20), is both well-timed and unsettling.

Deepa Nagaraj, Bangalore

Sunday Magazine Mail Bag, January 14, 2012

Too much pink

Pink, which is branded as a stereotyped, ‘girly' colour in our psyche is more due to the advent of the Barbie industry. We find ourselves gifting a girl pink-coloured accessories or dresses on her birthday, but never for a boy. This itself sends strong message and establishes the stereotypes in the tender minds. Pink is seen as a fairer colour associated with the ‘weaker sex'. This thinking has to change. It is heartening to see some campaigners in the UK raising their voice against this. Sometimes too much of pink does stink!

Deepa Nagaraj

Bengaluru

The king of ghazal,    October 11, 2011

With the passing away of Jagjit Singh, the world has lost a major stalwart of theghazal world. Along with Pankaj Udhas and Anoop Jalota, his name comes to one's mind when we think of ghazal. One of his iconic songs ‘Tum itna jo muskura rahe ho' from the film “Arth” continues to bring calm to our minds and hearts.

Deepa Nagaraj,

Bangalore

... And the visuals,   September 8, 2011  

All praise to The Hindu for pictures of the aftermath. Though they are graphic and mentally disturbing, they were necessary to show the severity of the attack.

Deepa Nagaraj,

Bangalore

Violence of memory       October 31, 2011

While the families of victims massacred during the communal riots are yet to forget and move on, our political parties use the massacres as trump cards to play against each other. It is evident from L.K. Advani's attitude who describes the 2002 Gujarat violence as a spontaneous emotional response to the Godhra incident while making a case to punish the perpetrators of 1984.

Deepa Nagaraj,

Bangalore

End of ordeal     Monday, Jun 27, 2011

A big salute to Pakistani social activist Ansar Burney for his humanitarian gesture in ensuring the release of the stranded Indian sailors on board the ship m.v. Suez held captive by Somali pirates (“Six sailors return home from captivity,” June 25). More important, it brings out a sterling quality — of a human being rescuing fellow human beings in distress.

Deepa Nagaraj,

Bangalore

Changing roles    Sunday, Apr 17, 2011

With reference to “You have come a long way, baby” by Maithili Rao (April 10), Bollywood has really come a long way with respect to the roles played by women in the films. Today, the directors dare to give roles to women which they would not have dreamt about 20 years back. But, such kind of films are only a few in number and is limited to lifestyle and sexual preferences of a woman. There is a wide range of topics which is still left untouched. Films can be based on women who fight all odds to become outstanding personalities, thus sending positive messages to womenfolk of our country.

Deepa Nagaraj

Bengaluru

Unique opportunity   Saturday, May 07, 2011

Pakistan is already in an uncomfortable position, after being thoroughly exposed by Osama's discovery and killing on its soil. Forced to keep silent against the Big Brother, it seems to have found a convenient punching bag in India to vent its frustration.

Deepa Nagaraj,

Bangalore