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Letters: November 2008

By LIFS November 11, 2008 at 6:15 PM

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I was disappointed that the article "Durga's Arms," (Sept 2008) by Nilanjana Bhowmick focused only on the business side of the idols of Ma Durga. It said nothing about the religious significance, nothing about the artistic skills, or the steps that are taken to transform bamboo, straw, clay and color to make the worshipful dieties.

I was also dismayed that unlike the past, when the entire murti was made of biodegradable materials, now plastic and synthetic materials are being used, which will pollute the rivers that the idols are immersed in at the end of the 10-day festival.
A Ramachandra
Shrewsbury, Mass.

Nothing can describe nostal-gia better that "Aye Mere Bichade Chaman," (July 2008). I felt as if Shekhar Deshpande had stolen all my thoughts and magically transformed them into a masterpiece.

The commentators Melville DeMello and Bobby Talyarkhan were my favorites too. The line "Even in defeat, we could celebrate the superb performance of a Gary Sobers," summarizes the experience so well. Your description of radio as a family member was superbly imaginative - and true. The real golden age for film music, I think, was the decade of 1951-1960 when all composers were at their peak.
You write, "Nostalgia also breeds arrogance about how great things were." Well, I want to be arrogant on this issue. In this age of lyrical lunacy, how I miss the great songs and lyricists. God, if I am not asking for too much, give all the magnificent composers of yesteryears another chance to create melodies. And, God, if you want in exchange the music directors of today, you can have three for one. Deshpande also wrote beautifully about the newspapers, the uncomplicated heroes and charming heroines of that time.
Ashok Bhat
Iselin, N. J.

Lakshmi Palecanda's article "A Latte to Think About" made for interesting reading, with its novel narrative style and humor. I understand that while she is trying to make a point of how inflation has deprived her of her joy of enjoying a latte, has she ever considered making one at home?

Coffee in South India (the instant Bru/Nescafe variety) is easy to make. I make it everyday. How do Indians get so spoiled after they come here to the United States? Just because they are software engineers or doctors, they have taken to drinking brand name coffees, paying $4 a cup for a latte. On top of that they try to act generous (as in her case) by saying "Keep the change," taking after characters in an English movie.

Has anyone considered Africa where kids are starving for one single meal or even a cup of clean water? Why are we Indians living so indulgent lives worried about our latte? I make myself a cup of cold coffee, just milk, instant coffee and a teaspoon of sugar. I whisk it well till it becomes frothy and I have a latte for under 19 cents (which includes my labor of whisking). It is the self-indulgence of people like Palecanda that has enabled the greedy corporate coffee giants to thrive.

After her latte narrative, she dives into nostalgic details on how her parents handled money and her privilege of putting money away in their steel Godrej Almirah. Still, their frugal way of living does not jolt her back into spending responsibly. All she cares about is her latte and her fear of missing out on her latte. Makes me feel that we are pampering ourselves a lot and not caring about our neighbor who is starving (whether in USA or Africa).

I hope we wake up and smell the coffee in our own kitchens and not guzzle $4 coffee in a cup every single day. It seems to me that for Palecanda this was more of a writing exercise - patting her ego, putting on false airs (because she is getting published) more than the actual latte itself. There is time for her to change. Better latte than never.
Jacob David
Houston, Texas

Thank you! Thank you! Finally, someone spoke up to point out that Amitabh Bachchan is a second grade actor, notwithstanding his star appeal (Shekhar Deshpande, "God Awful Actor," Oct. 2008). It is great to find a publication willing to bring this greatly overrated actor down to earth. Granted Bachchan has been very successful and is immensely popular with Indian movie enthusiasts. But it is tiring to read the sappy articles on him in the Indian media, which don't seriously look at his professional skills. So your article was a breath of fresh air.
K. N. Ram
Via email

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Comments (1 posted)

Shalini K Narang January 22, 2009 at 4:26 AM

“The Indian Thing To Do,” by Seema Khaneja (December 2008) stirred me to think. She is right — divorce is still a stigma in Indian society, but like many personal choices — this being a particularly difficult one, emotionally, physically and mentally — it is up to the individual. Societies and deep-seated values change slowly. But living in America and being financially independent makes it easier and allows women to not be as concerned about people\'s reactions to your marital condition. No one should make you unhappier or feel guilty: Talking is their privilege, but not listening is yours. Exercise it.