Enjoyable read
At the end of every year, I look forward to THE WEEK’s anniversary special double issue. It was a splendid package even this time, with so much information there for readers like me. The first volume on ten battles that shaped India and its people made a fabulous read. It is true that each of these battles have left a footprint that is so palpable in today’s times (‘Rivers of blood’, December 30).
I also enjoyed reading what Dr N.J. Nadarajan had to say about life in North Korea (‘Inside North Korea’, December 30). There is very little information that comes out of that country. I am sure this article will pave the way for more articles and information from North Korea, and, thereby, generate interest in people to visit the country. A beautiful country like North Korea should not remain isolated.
T.P. Khalid,
On email.
Kudos to THE WEEK for a brilliant anniversary issue. I, especially, liked the story on ten great battles that shaped India’s destiny. It took me down memory lane. When the first Indo-China war broke out in 1962, I was in school. I read in newspaper about the defeat faced by the Army and the annexation of our land by an aggressive China.
During the 1971 war with Pakistan, I was in the fourth year of my engineering in IIT Kharagpur. The campus was next to the Kalaikunda Air Force Station. The bulbs on lamp posts, along the campus roads were blackened, and the Hijli detention camp was camouflaged by the Army just before the war broke. We used to wonder why all this was happening. But no answers were given to us.
Sudhish Chatterjee,
On email.
The anniversary issue provided a rich, varied and riveting read, befitting the numero uno slot expected from an annual issue. The exclusive, vicarious sojourn in North Korea was the icing on the cake. Without being unduly judgmental, Nadarajan brilliantly turned the mirror on the Hermit Kingdom, warts and all.
Raveendranath A.,
On email.
The cover photograph in one of the issues in the anniversary issue tells the whole story of North Korea. The only ones smiling are the two statues!
Manoranjan Rao,
On email.
Poignant read
The short story by Paro Anand was poignant (‘Standing outside’, December 30). Mothers must bring up their children—boys and girls—on an equal footing. There is a misplaced notion of superiority, and absence of accountability in boys from a young age. Sons are pampered by mothers and society at large.
S. Sankar,
On email.
Missed it
I used to eagerly wait for the annual predictions by astrologer K.K. Vamanan Nampoothiri in the anniversary issue of THE WEEK. It used to be the highlight of the issue. We also came to know about the celebs who shared their zodiac signs with us. I was sad on not finding it in the anniversary issue of the magazine.
Radha Pandey,
On email.
I enjoyed the annual forecast by K.K. Vamanan Nampoothiri, published every year, in the anniversary issue. I did not find it this time.
Sunita C.,
Hyderabad.
Fewer letters
The anniversary issue was excellent in content. But, the letters section was noticeably disproportionate. Both issues together had more than 250 pages. But only three letters were published. Usually there are around 13 letters for an average issue of around 75 pages. You should remember that the letters from your readers are an evaluation by your valued patrons.
S.V. Vijayan,
Bengaluru.
Selfish leaders
Omar Abdullah’s interview made an interesting read (‘Governor’s office is not BJP’s office’, December 30). It is amply clear that politicians like Abdullah only endeavour to strike a balance between terrorists and the sentiments of local people with an eye on elections. They do not care about the views and opinions of the rest of the nation.
Abdullah wishes to remain active at the state level, by keeping a soft approach towards terrorists, so that the government at the Centre continues to remain busy in devising strategies to wipe out terrorism in the state.
All major political parties, be it the Congress, the National Conference, or the People’s Democratic Party, ruled Jammu and Kashmir for a long period of time, independently or in coalition, only to play havoc and make things more complicated. Those who were at the helm of affairs prospered, multiplying their assets, and thriving on the problems of the poor people who remained victims of the policies of governments adopted in the name of maintaining law and order.
Jaideep Mittra,
On email.
Setting an example
The story on six famous couples who married despite religious differences made an exciting read and their stories give hope (‘All heart, no hurt’, December 30). Religious differences should never come in the way of love, because love has no boundaries. Divisiveness on the basis of one’s caste and religion is at its peak these days, and these couples have set an example for so many.
Tapesh Nagpal,
On email.
Pressure tackler
People are now doing so much to be happy and content with life, and wellness is an important aspect (‘Extreme relaxation’, December 30). Young people go through so much pressure in their personal and professional lives. Healing techniques are the way forward, I suppose. Wellness has become a way of life. Nature has always played an important role in healing and wellness. Holistic and organic-based treatments have their advantages, in contrast to chemical- or medicinal-based treatments, and I am glad more and more people are realising it and are catering to their wellness needs on a regular basis.
Vipul Tyagi,
On email.