The article “We make much ado about anything and everything” (Open Page, May 1) has made many valid points. We are so obsessed with paperwork in our offices and courts that we tend to preserve every single sheet for aeons. Even if the office is computerised, we are scared that files and records may be recalled at a later date to trace details. Recently, I received a notice from a State department that I should produce proof of having paid a certain type of tax from 1993. Why should one preserve records for decades? If I have paid for subsequent periods, it stands to reason that I have not defaulted on earlier payments.
Sivamani Vasudevan,
Chennai
The article reminded me of a strange incident. A store manager told a newly appointed salesman that he should never enter into an argument with a customer. The new recruit nodded. Some days later, the boss found him in the middle of a heated argument with a customer. After the customer left, he severely reprimanded the salesman. The salesman said: “Sir. I have not forgotten your golden words. But in this case, the customer came to tell me he was wrong. I had to argue and tell him he was right. He walked away in disgust.”
This is typical of our trait of exhibiting one-upmanship.
R. Ramachandra Rao,
Hyderabad
Ilango Ponnuswami says Indian weddings are noisy and elaborate. For Indians, a wedding is a special occasion and a one-time opportunity to celebrate with family and loved ones. It is something that is part and parcel of our culture. It is okay to say political meetings with shrill speeches and rallies are loud and noisy, but to find fault with weddings is unwarranted.
As for munching food at all times, it is something personal. It is not as if foreigners do no such thing. One must be sensitive when writing about such issues.
N. Sai Balaji,
Noida
