Reality and the writer
The free-wheeling interview with Ben Okri, the Booker-prize winning African novelist (“Reality is not in the realism”, January 29) succeeded in bringing out the tangible realities the writer experienced in his life and his country and portrayed so faithfully in his writing. The interview gave us an insight into the evolution of the writer's creativity, the literary influences that moulded his creative personality, his perception of the native African realities and the social responsibility of the writer.
Venugopala Rao Kaki, Kakinada
Huge divide
“Children beyond divides” by Harsh Mander (January 29) is a sad commentary on the hard realities which is set to further alienate and deprive a vast majority of youth from the national mainstream. In a scenario where the governments at the Centre and the States are literally driven by “neoliberal” policies, and with education and employment becoming the prerogative of private entities, it is anybody's guess as to how difficult it is for children like Ganpat Thakur, Gayatri and Mujahid cited in the article, to cross the barriers of digital divide to clinch the dreams of a better future. The Right to Education Act has so far proved to be ineffective in giving a direction to universalising education.The picture at the end of the write-up showing two children sitting on a battered ground and scrabbling on the slates should serve as an eye-opener to our policymakers.
Syed Sultan Mohiddin, Kadapa
Mountains of things
Bill Kirkman's letter on wise spending to strike a balance between needs and wants (“Luxuries or essentials?” January 29) is relevant not only in the UK, but also to many of us in India. Spending must be for essentials, like food, accommodation, education, health. Luxuries come last, in the last category, as their range is unlimited and mind-boggling. There is a marked tendency now among a majority of urban Indians to splurge money on luxuries, simply for the sake of spending. Are we becoming less considerate towards the feelings of the have-nots? Indulgence by a section of people in society will only lead to a sense of denial for the rest, leading to frustration and helplessness.
K.V. Raghuram, Wayanad
