Digital divinity
Sir — The Christian perspective on technology acknowledges its potential for both good and evil. But faith and technology came together recently in a church in Switzerland which introduced an Artificial Intelligence-powered hologram of Jesus Christ in the confession box. Trained in the New Testament, the holographic Jesus advised on the thorniest of theological dilemmas. While the jury is still out on whether confessions to the robot-god counted as penance, will it not add to humanity’s fear of AI? Humans fear being replaced by AI, but, a cybernetic Christ shows that AI can replace even the almighty.
Biswarupa Dutta, Calcutta
Peace deal
Sir — The ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah, appears to be a crucial yet fragile step towards ending the 13-month-long conflict in the Middle East (“Rare win for statecraft in Israel truce”, Nov 28). Brokered by the United States of America and France, the truce aims to de-escalate violence. But the road ahead is fraught with challenges.
Just a day after the ceasefire took hold, Israeli warplanes fired on southern Lebanon after detecting Hezbollah activity (“Israel resumes Lebanon strikes”, Nov 29). The ceasefire presented a chance to halt the daunting cycle of violence. The future hinges on the willingness of all parties to honour their commitments to avoid provocations and prioritise the lives of civilians.
Khokan Das, Calcutta
Sir — Israel and Hezbollah agreeing to a truce marks a critical juncture in the Middle East conflict that has left thousands dead and Lebanon’s infrastructure in ruins. The success of the agreement is contingent on its strict implementation. For Lebanon, the deal could bolster its sovereignty by reining in the non-State actors. The ceasefire should serve as a template for a truce desperately needed in Gaza.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Sir — Hearteningly, Israel and Hezbollah have finally reached a ceasefire deal. The late Hassan Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah, had ordered the attacks on Israel’s north, the day after Hamas went to war on October 7, 2023. The deal thus represents a milestone in the 13-month-old war. In the current situation, both parties must uphold the principles of the ceasefire.
Jayanta Datta, Hooghly
Nostalgic moment
Sir — It was a moment of both anticipation and hope when Priyanka Gandhi Vadra began her journey as an elected representative in Parliament (“Oath, draped in Indira nostalgia”, Nov 29). At her swearing-in ceremony, Gandhi Vadra held up the red and black copy of the Constitution, which Rahul Gandhi has been displaying at his public meetings.
The prospect of Gandhi Vadra raising burning issues in Parliament seems to have irked the Bharatiya Janata Party. Resorting to communal tactics, a BJP member branded her as a “New Muslim League MP”, a reference to the Muslim League, which is part of the United Democratic Front in Kerala.
G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Sir — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stepping into Parliament draped in a traditional Kerala kasavu saree, bearing stark resemblance to her grandmother, Indira Gandhi, proved to be one of the most nostalgic moments in Indian politics. Gandhi Vadra will surely be as illustrious as her grandmother and a beacon of hope for the Grand Old Party.
T. Ramadas, Visakhapatnam
Sir — The bonhomie between the siblings, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, outside Parliament was reminiscent of the relationship between their great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, and his sister, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit.
Bishwanath Yadav, West Burdwan
